Items filtered by date: July 2022

Injuries to runners are common and to be expected. It is thought that there are four main causes of injuries to runners: repetitive stress and muscle imbalance, poor running technique, poor foot strength and function, and overdoing the training. First, to help prevent muscle imbalance, experts recommend running even a third of the time on varied terrain, rather than on a treadmill, track, or other flat surface. This allows the stabilizing muscles to get involved and become stronger. Second, in terms of form, many runners over stride with a high impact technique. In addition, their shoes often have elevated heels. Instead, it is believed that forward momentum posture, keeping the arms tight to the body, landing with a bent knee, and taking more steps per minute can reduce injury. Third, proper footwear both on and off the trail is important, as is exercising the feet to build up strength. Running shoes without an elevated heel can be safer. At home, shoes that are flat, flexible, and roomy are recommended. Finally, plan ahead for a long run and train over a period of weeks, rather than pushing yourself too hard, too fast. If you frequently experience running injuries, please see a podiatrist on a regular basis for guidance on ways to run more safely.

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 Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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 Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of two tiny bones under the big toe and the tendons they are wrapped in. Sesamoids help support your weight as it transfers to the ball of the foot when you run, dance and walk in high heels. These bones are embedded in tendons, and when they become irritated from overuse they cause inflammation, or tendonitis. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain under the big toe, difficulty bending the big toe, swelling, redness and sometimes bruising. Just walking can be painful. People with high arches or flat feet, who roll their foot inward when they walk, or who have gout are at risk for sesamoiditis. A podiatrist can examine your feet and test for mobility, as well as to rule out other causes of your condition, such as bone fracture or turf toe. Treatment may include steroid injections or, in chronic cases, surgery. Please consult a podiatrist for further information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there are increased levels of uric acid in the blood that is not properly excreted from the body. This uric acid can crystalize and settle in the joints. It is characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in one or more joints, often the big toe. Gout is sometimes referred to as “a disease of kings” because it often occurred in wealthy men who could afford to overeat and drink alcohol. Weight gain and obesity in adulthood are linked to gout. However, there are many reasons one might develop gout, such as genetics and medical conditions (like kidney disease). The good news is that if one loses weight, gout and gout flares are reduced. Attempt to maintain a healthy body weight through adulthood. If you develop gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.