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1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

March 2022

When you flex your foot and the front of your ankle hurts, it may be the result of scar tissue that has built up following a previous injury. This is not unusual after twisting or spraining an ankle, because the torn ligament forms a large mass while healing and then becomes inflamed. That tissue can get caught between the leg (tibial and fibula) and ankle bones, a condition known as anterolateral impingement (ALI), which is common in the aftermath of a high ankle sprain and can be quite painful. Treatment options include icing the ankle, ceasing any activity that aggravates the condition, and wearing a brace to help restrict movement. If those measures fail to relieve the symptoms, however, arthroscopic surgery may be the only recourse. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested to determine the cause and severity of the condition, and to determine the proper treatment for you.

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

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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00

Checking Your Feet if You Have Diabetes

We often take our feet for granted, paying little or no attention to them, until they begin to hurt. But if you have diabetes, you may not be able to feel pain in your extremities, and that’s where the trouble really starts. Professionals believe that it’s important for diabetics to develop a daily foot-care action plan to help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. It is a good idea to use a magnifying glass to inspect the feet and toes, along with a mirror to see the bottom of your feet. If that is impossible, you may need to ask a healthcare worker to help with the exam. A foot-care checklist can include checking the feet and toes for: redness or bruising; breaks in the skin; blisters or calluses; peeling skin; moisture between the toes; feelings of numbness, pins and needles or burning; ingrown toenails; and sores or ulcers. Many of these symptoms may indicate other maladies that, if ignored, can develop into more serious problems. It is also suggested that anyone with diabetes makes regular appointments with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and toes and treat them early, if needed. 

 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Wednesday, 16 March 2022 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00

Types of Athlete's Foot

The most common type of athlete’s foot is referred to as chronic interdigital. Symptoms that are associated with this condition often include itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too small, and this can create a warm environment that is perfect for fungus to grow in. The least common type of athlete’s foot is known as vesicular, and this can produce blisters that are painful on the bottom or top of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public showers. If you have developed this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for you.

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. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group.  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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Wednesday, 09 March 2022 00:00

Reasons the Bottom of Your Foot May Hurt

There are 26 bones, more than 30 joints, and nearly 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in the foot – and an issue with any of these can lead to foot pain. Depending on the source of the pain, different conditions can be indicated. For example, pain at the bottom of the foot can be a sign of plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or neuropathy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed or partially torn. Metatarsalgia can affect the ball of the foot (the metatarsal region). Usually, this pain is a result of the metatarsal heads becoming inflamed and applying pressure on the bones at the front of the foot. Another common issue to the bottom of the foot is neuropathy, which occurs when there is nerve damage that causes a tingling, burning, or stabbing sensation. It’s suggested that anyone who struggles with foot pain consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00

What Are Orthotics Used For?

Orthotics are designed to be inserted into shoes to help realign the feet or relieve pressure caused by other foot-related problems. They can also help with non-foot issues, such as knee pain or lower back pain. Orthotics can be made to take stress off certain parts of the feet, or to keep the feet aligned. Orthotics are also often used as a method to delay surgery (e.g., when a child needs to wait for their growth plates to close or for their bones to grow more) or to help alleviate pain after surgery. There are multiple ways to make orthotics as well. These methods include laser scanning the foot, using a foam box, or using a plaster cast. If you believe that orthotics are right for you, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
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