Understanding the Role of a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They manage a wide range of foot problems, including bunions, heel pain, arthritis, infections, and injuries. Podiatrists also develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgical procedures, when necessary. They are skilled in diagnosing complex foot and ankle conditions and can prescribe custom orthotics to support proper alignment and relieve discomfort. By addressing foot health proactively, a podiatrist helps patients maintain mobility, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing foot or ankle issues, it is suggested that you promptly seek podiatric care for expert evaluation and treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

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Causes of Toe Joint Pain

Toe joint pain often affects the big toe, which absorbs much of the body’s weight when walking. This discomfort can stem from a variety of causes. Gout is one of the most common, resulting from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint that leads to sudden pain. Structural problems like hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes can also strain toe joints, causing inflammation and stiffness over time. A bunion, which forms when the big toe pushes inward toward the others, creates pressure and misalignment that may result in toe joint pain. A form of arthritis in the big toe, called hallux rigidus, leads to stiffness and difficulty in bending the joint. Toe joint pain may also result from turf toe, which involves stretched ligaments due to the toe bending too far back. If you are experiencing pain in toe joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

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Custom Orthotics for Hallux Valgus May Vary in Stiffness for Better Support

Hallux valgus, often known as a bunion, affects the joint at the base of the big toe and can lead to pain, pressure, and changes in how the foot moves. Custom orthotics are often used to help manage this condition by improving alignment and reducing stress on the affected joint. Some designs include elements that specifically increase stiffness around the big toe joint. One example is a stabilizing feature near the front of the orthotic, which can add support and limit excess motion in the area. This increased stiffness may help reduce strain on the joint during walking, compared to wearing regular shoes. The exact structure and firmness of an orthotic should be chosen based on the patient’s symptoms and foot function. If you are dealing with bunion discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to explore custom orthotic options tailored to your needs.

Discover relief from persistent foot pain with custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re battling heel pain, these personalized solutions offer targeted support, addressing the root causes of discomfort. Customized to your unique biomechanics, these inserts provide stability, alleviating both heel and foot pain. Say goodbye to the agony of every step and hello to a life free from constant foot pain. Invest in your well-being with custom orthotics or shoe inserts ensuring your feet receive the care they deserve. Step confidently, step comfortably – because a pain-free journey begins with the right support. 

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

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Key Facts About Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone, often caused by long-term stress or inflammation in the foot. Common causes include natural wear and tear, intense physical strain from running, standing for long periods of time, and footwear that lacks adequate support. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose a heel spur using physical examination and imaging, then recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, supportive shoes, stretching exercises, and in some cases minimally invasive procedures. If heel pain is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.

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