April 2020

People who enjoy the sport of running are generally familiar with the need to properly stretch their feet. This may be beneficial in protecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons each foot is composed of, which may lead to a more enjoyable running experience. The toes are responsible for maintaining adequate balance, and it is important to properly stretch them before and after completing a run. There are effective stretches that will benefit the overall foot. These can consist of curling your toes while on your hands and knees, followed by sitting back until a good stretch is felt. Additionally, many people find it helpful to roll their foot on top of a tennis ball, as this may help to stretch the plantar fascia. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Research has indicated that many cases of plantar fasciitis do not occur as a result of a traumatic injury. The plantar fascia is a portion of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. If it tears or becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. Many people who are afflicted with this condition will gradually experience this ailment, and it can happen from standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time throughout the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may play a significant role in developing plantar fasciitis. There are a variety of methods to treat this condition. If you have heel pain, and think it may indicate plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options that are best for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Scott Shrem  from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

One of the most well known fungal foot conditions is athlete’s foot. This condition is a contagious skin infection that, as its name suggests, tends to primarily affect athletes. Because athletes’ are likely to get sweaty, hot feet while partaking in their sporting activity, their footwear becomes a space that fungus can likely thrive and grow in due to the dark, moist environment. Some common symptoms of this condition may include an irritating rash on the affected foot, dry skin, and psoriasis. For more information on what symptoms to look out for, it’s suggested to ask a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

If you have noticed a thickened layer of skin, often appearing in a small, ball-like shape, you may have developed a foot condition known as a corn. Corns generally form due to excess pressure put on the soles of the feet, and are known to be recurring if not properly treated. Corns are generally sore to the touch and may become increasingly more painful overtime. To help treat this condition, it may be beneficial to wear corn caps, have cryosurgery performed, or wear shoe inserts for extra support and cushion. Some patients have found soaking their feet in warm water followed by filing their corn with a pumice stone to be helpful in relieving discomfort. To determine which treatment option is best for you, and to prevent corns from recurring, it’s suggested you consult with your local podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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