Items filtered by date: November 2022

The bones in the foot that connect the ankle to the toes are referred to as the metatarsal bones. A stress fracture can occur when one or more of these bones undergo extreme stress from frequently running or jogging. It can also happen from increasing speed and distance too quickly, and not warming up or cooling down properly before and after running. The pain that stress fractures can cause may expand over the entire foot, and it can feel better when the affected foot is rested. An X-ray is an effective method that can obtain a proper diagnosis, and this is successful in determining the severity of the stress fracture. Once this happens, proper treatment can begin. It generally takes approximately four to twelve weeks for this type of fracture to completely heal, and a special shoe may be worn, which can provide optimum support. It is important to temporarily stop the activity that caused the fracture, which will typically accelerate the healing process. If you have endured a stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Yearly, foot fractures affect millions of people worldwide. Each foot has 26 bones, numerous tendons, joints, and muscles, and there are risks that a foot fracture can occur from an injury. The biggest bone in the foot is called the calcaneus. The bone located on the top of the foot is known as the talus. The metatarsals are in the forefoot, in addition to several bones that are in each toe. Any one of these bones can break due to a fall or if something heavy drops on them. In severe breaks, a bone can protrude from the skin and this can make the foot appear deformed. Surgery is often necessary to move the bone back in place and healing can take several weeks. The majority of broken feet are treated by using a walking cast or a boot. The cast can often provide the support that is necessary as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment options for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Foot massages are performed worldwide, and have been practiced for hundreds of years. They have been proven to be beneficial to different parts of the body, starting with the feet. There are specific pressure points in the feet that are connected to different organs in the body, and may be effective in releasing energetic blockages. Having a foot massage may help to reduce stress, possibly alleviate pain, and accelerate recovery from an injury. Additional benefits can include improved circulation and a reduction in the stress hormone known as cortisol. Many patients enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being and balance after having a foot massage performed, and they may sleep more fitfully. Physically, the joints in the feet may be loosened by rotating and twisting the toes and the feet. Many people enjoy the firmness of having their feet rubbed, and a scented lotion is often applied during the massage process. If you would like to learn about the additional benefits of foot massages, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Wearing the right shoes can make a world of difference while running. There are various styles of running shoes that can confuse even the most seasoned athlete, and it is crucial to know which pair is correct for you. Running shoes are divided into several categories, and the pair that provides the most support are referred to as motion control shoes. This type of shoe has maximum arch support in addition to a high heel drop, which may help overpronation. Another type of shoe is called a stability shoe, and these may be appropriate for runners who have less overpronation. Runners who have no overpronation may feel more comfortable while wearing neutral shoes. These are considered to be lighter in weight, and the majority of the cushioning is found in the heel. People who enjoy running barefoot may choose to wear minimalist shoes, and these provide little or no support. Additionally, road running shoes are designed for those people who like to run on hard surfaces, while running on different types of terrain may call for trail running shoes. If you would like more information about what type of running shoes should be purchased, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you in the right direction.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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