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Recognizing Warning Signs of a Foot Stress Fracture

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

A foot stress fracture is a small bone crack that develops from repeated stress and overuse. It can occur when the force placed on a bone exceeds its ability to recover between activities. Stress fractures are common among athletes because running, jumping, and repeated training create continuous impact on the feet. The condition may develop gradually rather than following one obvious accident. Early symptoms often include localized pain, tenderness, and swelling on the top of the foot. As the injury progresses, walking may become uncomfortable or difficult, especially after physical activity.

Overuse is a major cause of foot stress fractures. Increasing mileage, changing training surfaces, or starting an intense exercise program without enough recovery can place excessive stress on the bones. Athletes may be at greater risk when they continue training despite persistent pain. Other risk factors include wearing improper footwear, weakened bones, and inadequate recovery between workouts. A previous stress fracture can also increase the likelihood of developing another one. Recognizing these factors can help athletes make informed choices about training and injury prevention.

A podiatrist can evaluate persistent foot pain and determine whether a stress fracture may be present. The process typically begins with a review of symptoms and physical activity, followed by examination of the foot and ankle. The podiatrist may check for localized tenderness, swelling, and changes in walking mechanics. X-rays can help identify fractures, although some stress injuries may require additional imaging for confirmation. A gradual return to activity is important once healing has progressed.

Athletes should not ignore pain that repeatedly develops in the same area during training. Continuing high-impact activity while a stress fracture is present can delay healing and potentially worsen the injury. If you have gradual foot pain, swelling on the top of the foot, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lisfranc Fracture Surgery

Tuesday, 13 October 2026

A Lisfranc injury affects the middle of the foot, where bones and ligaments connect the forefoot with the midfoot. This injury can range from a stretched ligament to a fracture or joint displacement. Symptoms include midfoot pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Bruising on the bottom of the foot can be a warning sign. Because Lisfranc injuries can resemble a sprain, evaluation is important after injury.

A Lisfranc injury may occur when the foot twists while the body moves in another direction. Falls, car crashes, and sports injuries can create enough force to damage the Lisfranc joint complex. Risk increases with activities or trauma. Injuries are subtle and may seem manageable. Without treatment, an injury can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or foot deformity. A podiatrist may use an examination and X-rays to evaluate for alignment. An MRI or CT scan may be recommended when the injury is difficult to see.

Lisfranc surgery may be needed when the joint is unstable, bones are displaced, or the injury cannot be maintained in proper alignment without fixation. During surgery, the podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon realigns the bones. Screws, plates, or fixation devices may be used to hold the joints in position while they heal. The approach depends on the fracture pattern and joint damage. Some patients may require fusion when joints are damaged or cannot be restored reliably.

After treatment, protecting the foot is important for healing. Your podiatrist may recommend immobilization and restricted weight-bearing during recovery. Follow-up appointments and imaging tests can help confirm that the bones and joints remain aligned. As healing progresses, your podiatrist can guide a return to activities and footwear. Treatment can help protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have sustained a Lisfranc fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Facts About Gout

Tuesday, 06 October 2026

Gout is a joint-related disease that develops when high levels of uric acid build up in the blood and form sharp crystals within a joint. These crystals often collect in the joints of the feet, especially the big toe, leading to sudden inflammation and intense discomfort. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, and severe joint pain that may limit normal movement. Risk factors may include genetic predisposition, gender differences, age-related metabolic changes, and dietary habits that increase uric acid production. Certain foods and beverages may contribute to elevated uric acid levels and trigger painful flare ups. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, help manage symptoms, and provide treatment to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can verify the diagnosis and provide relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

When an Ingrown Toenail Becomes Painful

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail curves downward and grows into the surrounding skin. Anyone can develop this painful foot problem, although teenagers and older adults experience it more often. Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or repeated impact from running, may also contribute to an ingrown nail. In some cases, ingrown toenails can run in families. As the nail presses into the skin, irritation can increase and make normal activities uncomfortable.

Pain, swelling, and redness around the toenail are common signs of an ingrown toenail. Symptoms may become more noticeable as the nail continues pressing into the skin. In more serious cases, the area can become infected and may bleed or drain pus. The discomfort can eventually interfere with walking or participation in sports. Because worsening redness and drainage may indicate infection, significant symptoms should receive professional attention. An ingrown toenail that becomes increasingly painful may require more advanced medical treatment rather than being left untreated.

A podiatrist can examine an ingrown toenail, determine its severity, and check the surrounding skin for signs of infection. When symptoms are severe, a procedure may be needed to remove the portion of nail growing into the skin. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed. Treatment may also involve addressing part of the nail bed, which is the tissue beneath the nail, to reduce the chance that the ingrown toenail will return. A podiatrist can determine which approach is appropriate, based on the condition of the nail and surrounding tissue and its effects on daily foot function. Professional evaluation is especially important when pain becomes severe or infection is suspected. If an ingrown toenail is causing increasing pain, redness, or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Sunday, 27 September 2026

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!

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