Items filtered by date: March 2023

Pickelball has become a popular sport, despite the pain it can cause. Common injuries can include heel pain from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis involving the Achilles tendon, sprains, and foot fractures. This sport is desirable among people who are over 40 years old, and many patients who fall into this category are lacking strength. Tripping is common among these players, and this may cause serious foot issues. It is beneficial to warm up and cool down properly before beginning to play pickleball, which may be helpful in preventing painful injuries. Improving core strength and performing specific stretches can help the body to feel stronger, and this may help the game to be more enjoyable. If you are contemplating playing pickleball, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can examine your feet, and guide you toward the proper stretching techniques. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Many people work in jobs that have them standing, walking, and even running on their feet for long periods on surfaces that may be slippery. In such cases, having footwear with non-slip soles can help to prevent pain, injury, and falls. The Centers for Disease Control has found that trips, slips, and falls are the third most common type of non-fatal workplace injury. Experts say that a slip-resistant shoe can help to reduce the chances of injury on the job. These shoes should have rubber soles and deep treads that improve the grip on the floor. Rubber offers more friction between the shoe and the floor, which decreases the chances of a slip or fall. Grooves in the sole of the shoe offer further gripping protection. But not all grooves are created equal. A pattern with grooves that are parallel can be less effective than one with a crisscross pattern. To find out more about the proper footwear for your job, it is suggested that you meet with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is perhaps one of the most common conditions of the foot in which the band of tissue along the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. Heel pain can result from this inflammation. Many individuals will often want to treat their plantar fasciitis with the application of orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts that can treat conditions and/or correct deformities in the feet. Orthotics that treat plantar fasciitis can come in two different types. Namely, there are both hard and soft orthotics for plantar fasciitis. The soft orthotics used for plantar fasciitis arguably have more adjustability, and they also have softer padding. Hard orthotics for plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, are certainly more durable than soft orthotics. If you are someone that struggles with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and possible treatment.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please 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.

Having a sprained ankle can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. It happens when the ankle is suddenly twisted from falling, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. Patients who have had a previous ankle injury may be prone to incurring another one, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support may lead to getting a sprained ankle. This type of injury can be classified into three categories that are referred to as grades. Swelling, soreness, and bruising can indicate a Grade 1 sprain, and recovery time can take up to four weeks. A Grade 2 sprain happens when a ligament in the ankle becomes partially torn, and it is often difficult to walk. A boot may be worn to stabilize the ankle as it heals, which can take up to eight weeks. A Grade 3 sprain is the most serious type of sprain, and happens when the ligament is completely torn. Surgery may be necessary if healing does not gradually occur. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.