July 2020

Proper foot care is important to maintain, and this is especially true for older adults. When the toenails are trimmed correctly, the painful condition that is known as ingrown toenails may be prevented. Additionally, the skin can remain soft when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It is beneficial to wear socks and shoes that fit correctly and to avoid walking barefoot. Many elderly people have difficulty in bending down to inspect their feet, thus it may help to put a mirror under the feet so that existing cuts and wounds can be seen. If you would like more information about implementing methods to take care of elderly feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Ankle sprains are generally the result of the ligaments in the ankle turning in or out. Falling is the most common cause of ankle sprains, or it may take place while stepping off of a curb unexpectedly. Research has indicated ankle sprains may be prevented when stretching exercises are frequently performed. This helps to maintain balance, flexibility, and strength. An effective ankle stretch consists of leaning against a wall and bending one leg while keeping the other leg straight. A gentle stretch can be felt in the back heel while bending forward, and then repeated after switching legs. Additionally, performing heel raises can have positive results on strengthening the ankles. If you would like more information about how to possibly prevent ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

The purpose of the talus bone is to act as a link between the leg and foot, while also playing an important role in forming the ankle joint. If the talus is injured, it can negatively affect the function of the foot and ankle joints by limiting their range of motion. Patients who fracture their talus may experience a great deal of ankle pain. Other symptoms can include swelling around the ankle joint, fracture blisters, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the affected joint. In order to determine if ankle pain is caused by a talus fracture, an X-ray should be performed by a professional. For advice on treatment and a proper diagnosis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Younger adults who participate in sporting activities may run a higher risk of developing the foot condition known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is caused by inflammation of the sesamoid bones, located behind the big toe at the bottom of the foot. Those who commonly participate in physical activities can run the risk of placing stress on the feet. Common sporting activities linked to this condition may include soccer, football, dancing, and baseball, particularly for those who pitch. Another common cause can include wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoes such as high heels, while often being too tight for the feet, can also cause one to fall. For more information and advice on how to treat sesamoiditis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.