Items filtered by date: May 2023

The plantar fascia is found on the bottom of the foot. It is a long portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and can become quite painful if it becomes irritated. A heel injury or gradual wear and tear may lead to developing plantar fasciitis. This foot condition is defined as inflammation or tears that happen to the plantar fascia, which can occur from wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning in the heel area. It can also happen to people who stand on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, causing excess pressure on the heel and surrounding areas. Many people enjoy running and jogging, and it is helpful to be aware of how this can negatively impact the heels. Pregnant women may develop plantar fasciitis, as a result of the added weight the feet must endure. Temporary relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and walking is kept to a minimum. A podiatrist is a specialist that can effectively treat plantar fasciitis, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer you the treatment option that is best for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 care needs.

A foot wound is an injury to the foot that breaks through the skin. First and foremost, diabetics must exercise special precaution with such wounds, and visit a medical professional immediately, as they are more at risk for infections. Regardless of the severity of the foot wound, the healing process begins with cleaning and covering the wound. It is important to sanitize hands prior to cleaning a wound so as not to transfer bacteria to the injury. Running water over the wounded foot for approximately two minutes is helpful in removing dirt and bacteria. This should be followed by rubbing it gently with plain soap and rinsing the area again. If the wound is bleeding, press on it with a clean towel or gauze pad until the bleeding stops. If antibacterial cream is available, a thin layer can be applied to the wound with a cotton swab. Petroleum jelly can also be used to keep the wound moist and promote healing. Cover the wound with a bandage, make sure the adhesive does not touch the wound, and change it every day. If you have sustained a wound to your foot and it is deep, continues to bleed, or looks infected, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible for further treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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 care needs.

Orthotics are devices placed inside shoes that can correct abnormal foot structures. The feet carry an individual’s weight, and foot pain can cause the entire body to feel fatigued. Custom-made orthotics are unique for your foot needs and are constructed to relieve specific foot problems. They are successful in supporting the arches and can help to realign the feet and ankles. The majority of orthotics offer adequate shock absorption which is often lacking in people who have flat feet. Many people have feet that overpronate, meaning the feet roll inward. Overpronation can happen for various reasons, and orthotics may be helpful for this ailment. If you are considering purchasing orthotics, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide expert advice to help you determine which type is best for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Learning about the biomechanics of the feet can be significantly beneficial for anyone who takes the health of their feet seriously. One aspect of the biomechanics of the feet that everyone ought to know about is the growth of the toenails. The toenails serve important functions, protecting the toes and providing a hard outer armor. There are six parts of the nail, including the root, nail bed, nail plate, eponychium, paronychium and hyponychium. Compared to fingernails, toenails grow at a slower rate. For example, it can take 12 to 18 months for a completely new toenail to grow from the root of the nail to the tip. If an individual has poor circulation, this might further impede toenail growth. If you are someone that is interested in learning more about the toenails, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Many people associate the foot condition that is known as flat feet with difficulty in running. Conversely, there are numerous professional sprinters and athletes who are flat-footed, and  this may provide a special ability that can help to absorb shock. When flat feet are strengthened, it may help an individual to run faster, in addition to possibly having more control on the surface. Research has shown there is a difference between running shoes that are designed for flat feet and shoes that have a high arch. Shoes that are made with an extra cushioned midsole area may be more beneficial for flat-footed runners to wear. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the arch. If you have flat feet and are interested in running, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can teach you correct stretching techniques which may help you to improve your running practice.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.