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1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

September 2020

Monday, 28 September 2020 00:00

Ways to Help Prevent an Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon is found in the back of the leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. Many patients experience an Achilles tendon injury from repetitive motion which may be caused by participating in running and jumping activities. Common symptoms include severe pain and discomfort while walking, and the foot may become swollen and feel weak. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent an Achilles tendon injury. These can include performing specific stretches that can relieve tight calf muscles, and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have pain in the heel and calf areas of your leg, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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Tuesday, 22 September 2020 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Monday, 21 September 2020 00:00

Types of Sesamoid Injuries

The sesamoids are bones that are embedded in a tendon. They are found in several joints in the body. Within the feet, sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Injuries to the sesamoids can involve the bones, tendons, or surrounding tissues in the joint. There are three main types of sesamoid injuries. Turf toe is an injury of the soft tissue surrounding the big toe joint. A sesamoid fracture is a break in the sesamoid bone, and can be acute or chronic. Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury caused by chronic inflammation of the sesamoid bones and the surrounding tendons. If you have a sesamoid injury, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Monday, 14 September 2020 00:00

Signs of a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle can involve the breaking of any of the 3 bones in the ankle joint, as well as damage to the surrounding tissues. Ankle fractures can occur to the tibia, fibula, or talus and can happen due to a variety of traumas. Common signs of a broken ankle include a popping sound at the moment of injury, limited ankle movement, tenderness, swelling, pain, and bruising. In extreme cases, there may be an open wound that also occurs with the injury. If you believe that you have broken your ankle, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will assess your symptoms and take X-rays of the injured ankle to determine the extent of the injury. Once the ankle is diagnosed as a fracture, the ankle will be immobilized. The severity of the injury will determine the time table and management plan for the injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

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Tuesday, 08 September 2020 00:00

Wearing Flip Flops May Hurt Your Feet

Many people look forward to the warm summer months, and reach for their flip flops to wear. They are easy to slip into, and often are available in a variety of styles and colors. As desirable as they may be to wear, they often wreak havoc on the feet. When flip flops are frequently worn, there may be a variety of foot conditions that can develop. These can include bunions, which typically occur when the ligaments are stretched in the foot. This can happen as a result of walking on a flat surface, which is generally done while wearing flip flops. The painful foot condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis can occur when the arch lacks support. Additionally, the soft cushioning in flip flops may be a likely place for fungus to live, and may cause foot and toenail fungal infections. If you would like more information about the dangers of wearing flip flops, please speak with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

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