Items filtered by date: September 2022

It is common to twist an ankle. It can happen from a fall, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. A sprained ankle can happen for the same reasons, and it is easy to notice as the ankle becomes painful and  swollen. This type of injury happens when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion, and patients may gradually develop joint pain if prompt medical attention is not received. Additional symptoms that may accompany an ankle sprain can consist of bruising and tenderness when touched. An X-ray is often performed to rule out an existing fracture, and this precedes starting the proper treatment. It begins with resting and elevating the affected foot as often as possible, and wrapping it with an elastic bandage, which may provide stability. Additionally, there are exercises that can be performed which may restore and increase the range of motion. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some afflictions of the foot are known as congenital conditions, which are present in an individual’s feet from birth. Congenital vertical talus is one such condition. This affliction occurs when the talus bone in the foot has essentially grown in the incorrect posture, causing other nearby foot bones to shift on top of the talus bone. Interestingly, the exact cause of this rare congenital foot condition is still elusive. Individuals living with congenital vertical talus may experience any number of symptoms, including abnormalities in the muscles of the feet, pain in the foot, and a stiffened Achilles tendon. This condition may affect either one foot or both feet. As a result of congenital vertical talus, the front of the foot may point upwards. If you want to learn more about congenital vertical talus, make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

A stress fracture is a hairline fracture that commonly happens in the foot and may be prevalent among people who enjoy running. It occurs as a result of repeated stress the foot endures from physical activity, and the pain can gradually worsen if it is not treated promptly. It is suggested to temporarily cease the activity that caused the fracture, and relief may come from frequently elevating and resting the foot. Research has shown that people who are deficient in vitamin D or calcium may be susceptible to getting stress fractures, and it is advised to increase these types of supplements, if applicable. Additionally, when crutches are used, healing may be accelerated as the weight is kept off of the affected foot. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary for permanent healing. The full recovery period for stress fracture surgery can be up to eight weeks, and low-impact activities can be performed as the healing takes place. If you think you may have a stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly evaluate your foot, and offer treatment options that are correct for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that it is beneficial for people who run to make less than eight changes in their running routine at a time, as this may help to reduce or prevent running injuries. It is important to refrain from increasing speed and mileage too quickly, in addition to wearing correct running shoes. Runners tend to experience more aches and pains in comparison to people who enjoy cycling and swimming. Covid-19 restrictions may have led people to change their running habits from the gym to the road, and the difference in a smooth treadmill versus an uneven street can cause injuries and foot pain. Many experienced runners know the benefits of properly warming up before running, and this can prepare the body for the toll running takes on the feet. It is important to focus on one change to the routine at a time because this can give the body ample time to adjust. If you would like more information about how running can affect the feet, and how to prevent injuries, please confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have. 

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 Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.