Items filtered by date: June 2022

Arthritis in the feet can be a debilitating condition and it may occur from a prior injury to the ankle, obesity, or joint infection. Additionally, rheumatoid disease may lead to ankle arthritis and this may be a result of inflammation of the joint cartilage. Research has shown there are three stages of ankle arthritis. Many patients tend to ignore symptoms in the first stage and will gradually feel the pain while moving the ankle. It is often possible to perform specific exercises during this stage, and this may help to alleviate some of the discomforts. It becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the symptoms during stage two and severe pain and discomfort can occur while walking or running. During stage three, the cartilage is almost completely gone and there is often friction between the bones due to reduced lubricating fluids. There are several treatment options for ankle arthritis including arch supports for the feet, controlling body weight to help reduce pressure on the ankle joints, and performing ankle exercises. If you have ankle pain and think it may be arthritis, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis develops as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes and runs along the bottom of the foot. The fascia can become irritated for several reasons. These include obesity, standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Research has indicated that cases of plantar fasciitis have increased during the pandemic. This may be a result of more people walking or running outside on uneven surfaces when the gym was closed. Additionally, it is a possibility that flip-flops were worn most of the day while working remotely. These types of shoes have little or no arch support, which may be a contributing factor in developing plantar fasciitis. This condition can produce uncomfortable heel pain, and mild relief may be found by stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Many patients have found it helps to wear shoes that offer good support. If you have this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM  from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The toes are instrumental in everyday movements like walking and running—not to mention athletic activities. Toes are therefore more susceptible to injury which can result in pain. Toe pain can also be caused by a variety of factors including dysfunction in tissues, bones, nerves, skin, and other parts of the toes. It may also be the result of conditions such as hammertoe, arthritis (including gout), ingrown toenails, bunions, blisters, corns, calluses, tumors, infection, and inflammation (dactylitis). Pain in the toes can be accompanied by feelings of warmth, numbness, as well as other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your toes, contact a podiatrist who will be able to discover the underlying cause of your toe pain and treat it accordingly.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.