Items filtered by date: November 2025

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to twisting or rolling the foot. Sprains are classified by grade. Grade one is mild, involving slight stretching with minimal swelling or pain. Grade two is moderate, with partial tearing, noticeable swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Grade three is severe, a complete ligament tear causing significant instability, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous sprains, weak ankle muscles, uneven surfaces, and wearing improper footwear. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the injury, recommend supportive braces and guide recovery to prevent long-term instability. If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is one of the most frequent foot complaints, but it does not always have a single cause. While plantar fasciitis is often blamed, fat pad atrophy or nerve entrapment can produce similar discomfort. Each cause has different symptoms. Plantar fasciitis often creates sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, while fat pad atrophy feels more like a deep bruise from loss of natural cushioning. Because symptoms can overlap, an accurate diagnosis is important in choosing the right treatment. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, activity level, and gait patterns to pinpoint the true source of pain. Treatments may include stretching, custom orthotics, footwear changes, or other targeted therapies. If heel pain is interfering with your daily comfort, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatric evaluation to find the most effective treatment solution.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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 care needs.

Custom orthotics are designed by podiatrists. They are tailored foot inserts made to enhance foot function and lower-leg biomechanics. These specialized orthotics are crafted to support the unique contours of the feet, align the ankle, and enhance overall posture and function. Each pair of custom orthotics is exclusively designed to address your specific needs, ensuring optimal foot health and a successful outcome. Orthotics are versatile, serving both as a solution for various existing conditions, and as a preventive measure against future ankle and foot problems. The process of obtaining custom orthotics involves having an initial foot and ankle assessment, and an examination of the foot function and gait. This is followed by creating an image of the feet, designing the orthotics, fitting them, and making any necessary adjustments. If you are interested in the possibility of having custom orthotics designed for you, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation and evaluation.

Custom orthotics play an important role in preventing and treating foot and ankle injuries by providing personalized support that aligns with the unique structure of each foot. These specially designed devices help correct biomechanical imbalances, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and improve stability during movement. When the feet are properly supported, the risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle sprains can be significantly reduced. Custom orthotics also help relieve discomfort caused by having flat feet, high arches, or uneven leg length, which may contribute to recurring injuries or pain.

Foot and ankle injuries can develop gradually from repetitive strain or occur suddenly during physical activity. Without proper treatment, these injuries can affect mobility and overall quality of life. Orthotics work to redistribute weight evenly across the foot, allowing joints and muscles to function more efficiently. This not only supports recovery from injury but can also prevent future problems by promoting better posture and alignment throughout the lower body.

Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are designed based on a detailed evaluation of each patient’s foot structure, gait, and medical needs. Podiatrists use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to create orthotics that fit precisely and provide targeted correction. Whether used in everyday footwear or athletic shoes, custom orthotics can improve comfort, enhance performance, and support long-term foot health.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or have sustained an injury that has not improved with rest, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Call our office for more information or to make an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common problem can make even the simplest tasks uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can relieve the pressure by gently lifting or trimming the affected nail, and treating any infection that may be present. For more advanced cases, a minor in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and trimming nails straight across can help reduce future problems. Proper care not only eases discomfort, but also restores confidence in walking and daily movement. If you notice swelling, pain, or drainage around your toenail, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 care needs.

The ankle joint is defined as a hinge between the foot and the leg. There are bands of tissues that are referred to as ligaments, and these can tear as a result of a sprained ankle. This can happen as the ankle twists from falling, or while suddenly stepping off a curb. Common symptoms of an ankle sprain include severe pain, swelling,  and difficulty walking. If you have sprained your ankle, mild relief may be felt when the foot is elevated, and it is advised to refrain from putting any weight on the affected ankle. If you have injured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.