Items filtered by date: March 2024

Suffering from a foot stress fracture can be frustrating and challenging, especially when it disrupts your daily activities and mobility. The healing time for a foot stress fracture can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, your overall health, and adherence to treatment protocols. Generally, foot stress fractures take approximately six to eight weeks to heal, but in some cases, it may take longer for complete recovery. During this period, it is wise to follow your podiatrist’s recommendations diligently, which may include rest, immobilization with a cast or boot, and avoiding weight-bearing activities. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and staying hydrated can support the healing process. As tempting as it may be to return to normal activities, rushing the healing process can prolong recovery and increase the risk of re-injury. If you have a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

It is beneficial for runners to include running injury prevention techniques in their warm-up routines. A holistic approach can consist of blending basic stretches with simple yoga poses to invigorate your running journey. This can begin with the classic hamstring stretch. Extend one leg forward, gently lean, and feel the tension dissipate along the back of your thigh. Then, transition to the downward facing dog, grounding your palms and lifting your hips for a full-body release. Transitioning into the low lunge, sink your hips forward, feeling the stretch reverberate through your hip flexors and thighs. This can be followed by warrior II, with arms outstretched, grounding your stance, empowering your legs and core. Integrating these foundational stretches and yoga poses into your routine fosters flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, elevating your running experience to new heights. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain as a result of running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

People can injure their feet from falling, and ensuring a safe home environment is important for seniors to maintain independence and prevent falls. Simple modifications and precautions can significantly reduce the risk of falls in the home. Start by removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords from pathways. Install handrails and grab bars in key areas such as bathrooms, staircases, and hallways to provide stability and support. Improve lighting throughout the home, especially in dimly lit areas, to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of missteps. Consider adding non-slip mats or strips in the bathroom and shower to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. Regularly check and maintain the condition of stairs, handrails, and flooring to address any potential hazards promptly. By implementing these practical falls prevention methods, seniors can create a safer living environment. If you are seeking additional fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with education about protecting the feet from falling.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. These protrusions form in response to long-term strain or pressure on the foot's ligaments and muscles, typically due to repetitive activities or poor foot mechanics. Heel spurs can cause intense pain, especially with weight-bearing activities like walking or standing. They also may be associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. While rest and proper footwear can alleviate discomfort, targeted exercises can help strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduce strain on the heel. Stretching exercises that target the calf muscles and plantar fascia can improve flexibility and alleviate tension on the heel. Additionally, exercises to strengthen the arch and intrinsic foot muscles can provide better support and stability to the foot. Incorporating these exercises into a regular routine, along with rest and supportive footwear, can help manage heel spurs and promote overall foot health. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods, in addition to exercises for relief.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.