October 2024

Heel bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, becomes inflamed. It is a common injury in athletes, active people, and people who stand for long periods of time.The bursa serves as a cushion between the heel bone and surrounding tissues, helping reduce friction and pressure. Bursitis in the heel often leads to throbbing heel pain, especially when walking or running, and can make even simple daily activities uncomfortable. Pain is usually most noticeable when the heel first strikes the ground, and the area may appear swollen or feel warm to the touch. A podiatrist can identify the best treatment approach to alleviate discomfort from heel bursitis. Common strategies include recommending footwear modifications, such as using cushioned shoes, or prescribing orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the heel. This foot doctor also may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Big toe pain can result from biomechanical problems or arthritis in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, where the base of the toe meets the foot. Biomechanical issues arise when there is an imbalance in the way the bones, tendons, and muscles function together, causing pressure to shift to the front of the foot. This action can lead to bunions, where the big toe pushes against the second toe, and turf toe, caused by overextending the toe during high-impact activities. Arthritis-related pain is the result of joint inflammation from gout, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms often include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the underlying cause of the big toe pain. Treatments like custom orthotics, specific exercises, or in some cases, surgery may be suggested. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, often due to repetitive pressure or irritation. Common symptoms include sharp, burning pain in the affected area, tingling, or numbness that may radiate to the toes. Several risk factors contribute to the development of Morton's neuroma, including wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, engaging in high-impact activities, and having foot deformities like flat feet or bunions. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination where a podiatrist assesses the foot's structure and evaluates symptoms. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasounds or MRI scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Determining if orthotics can help you often starts by evaluating signs of imbalance or improper foot mechanics. If your shoes wear unevenly, typically on one side, it can indicate poor alignment or overpronation, both of which orthotics can address. Frequent ankle sprains suggest instability that orthotics can help stabilize. Chronic foot, heel, knee, or low back pain may stem from improper foot function, and custom orthotics can provide support and improve alignment, relieving pressure on joints. If your toes are not straight or your feet point excessively inward or outward, orthotics may correct these issues by guiding your feet into proper alignment. If you think you might benefit from orthotics, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation, foot and gait analysis, and determination if orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 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 Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that results in pain and inflammation in the heel and bottom of the foot. The primary symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain, particularly noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The discomfort often eases with movement but may return after long periods of standing or walking. This condition is typically caused by excessive strain on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Contributing factors include overuse, footwear that lacks ample cushioning, and having poor foot biomechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. Activities that involve repetitive stress, like running or standing for long periods, can also increase the risk. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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.