Items filtered by date: August 2017

Suzie, an average woman, had felt a numbing and burning sensation in her foot for several years. She had been consistently told by doctors that she was experiencing neuropathy and that there was little that could be done. Only after her doctor referred her to a podiatrist did she become aware that what she was actually experiencing was tarsal tunnel syndrome, an often misdiagnosed condition that causes a variety of nerve problems such as numbness or burning sensations in the foot. Regular doctors often have trouble identifying tarsal tunnel syndrome and only through special nerve tests conducted by podiatrists can proper diagnosis and treatment be prescribed. If you are experiencing numbness and pain in your foot, be sure to seek out a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Researchers at Kansas University of Technology were able to develop a device that can measure pressure on human feet. The feet are responsible for carrying most of the body’s weight when a person walks, and as a result, they tend to endure the most mechanical pressure. Studying the pressure changes in one's feet can lead to the diagnosis of more serious problems such as diabetes, flat feet, and toe deformities. Flat foot is a treatable condition, and although the most common ways to treat it are by using special shoes and monitoring gait; analyzing the pressure in the feet can be beneficial as well.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater recently suffered a broken foot while free surfing. After suffering the injury, Slater went toward the shore where he was able to receive treatment from medical staff. He posted a picture of his x-ray on Instagram with the caption, “Kinda' like smashing my foot with a big hammer as hard as I can.” He later announced that he would need a recovery period of six weeks after the surgery. This injury is devastating news for Slater who had been doing well in the competition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.