Heel and Forefoot Pain Conditions

Inferior calcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac beneath the heel bone, causing pain when standing or walking, especially after rest. Medial and lateral plantar nerve entrapment happens when nerves in the sole of the foot become compressed. This can affect either the inner side of the sole or the outer side. This can cause burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the arch or sole that may worsen with activity. Metatarsal joint pain involves inflammation in the forefoot joints, leading to aching or sharp discomfort when bearing weight. These foot conditions may develop from overuse, improper footwear, high-impact activities, abnormal foot structure, or injury. Risk factors include prolonged standing, excess weight, and repetitive strain. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem, order imaging, and recommend orthotics or footwear changes, to restore function effectively.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sever’s Disease and Growing Feet

Sever's disease affects children and teens, causing pain in the heel due to inflammation of the growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches. It often develops during periods of rapid growth or increased physical activity, placing repeated stress on the heel. Symptoms include heel pain that worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged standing. Swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel are other symptoms. Risk factors include participation in sports, tight calf muscles, flat feet, and improper footwear that does not provide adequate support. Without proper care, discomfort may limit activity and affect mobility. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot mechanics, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, and providing treatment to relieve pain. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Injuries Common Among Runners

Running places repeated stress on the feet, which can lead to several types of injuries over time. One of the most frequent problems is plantar fasciitis. This condition involves irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch. Runners may also develop Achilles tendonitis, where the tendon connecting the calf to the heel becomes inflamed and painful. Stress fractures are another concern, referring to small cracks in the bone caused by repeated impact. Pain in the ball of the foot can develop from inflammation around the toe joints. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess gait, and use X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotic devices, bracing, and guidance on improving foot alignment to reduce strain. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Cold Feet and Circulation Problems

Cold feet can be more than discomfort as they often signal poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon. This condition involves restricted blood flow causing the toes to feel cold, numb or painful, and they can sometimes change color. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms may worsen during stress or winter months, and can affect balance, skin health, and healing in the feet. Without proper care, complications like sores or infections may develop. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, identify underlying causes, and recommend lifestyle changes, protective footwear, and therapies to improve blood flow. If your feet are consistently cold or have become discolored, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat and manage what might be going on. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in Flushing, NY 11355 and Fort Lee, NJ 07024