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What Causes a Stress Fracture?

Research has shown that when bones in the foot endure repeated impact, the result may be a stress fracture. The muscles and tendons may become overworked, and a small crack may appear in the bones. The name of the bones that a stress fracture may most likely occur in is the second and third metatarsals of the foot, and this may be due to the fact that they are longer and thinner than the first metatarsal, which may enable a break to happen easier. This type of fracture will typically appear in the bones of the foot because they bear the weight of the body. Many people who participate in specific sports including volleyball, soccer, or tennis may experience stress fractures, which may be a result of not stretching the muscles properly before engaging in these sports. The symptoms that are associated with this type of injury may include pain and discomfort while walking or running, tenderness when touched, in addition to bruising and swelling. If you feel you may possibly have a stress fracture in your foot, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so correct treatment can begin.

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.

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Who Does Sever’s Disease Affect?

Calcaneal apophysitis is the medical term for a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It may typically affect the heel bone of teenagers who are physically active at a time when an accelerated period of growth may occur. A young person may notice symptoms including heel pain during physical activity and possibly becoming worse after ceasing the exercise, or experiencing an inclination to tiptoe. There may be several reasons why this uncomfortable ailment may develop, including how often physical activity is practiced, the type of shoes that are worn, or having a predisposition to flat feet. Following a proper diagnosis, treatment may include limiting the amount of exercise that is performed, practicing specific stretches that may aid in maintaining a desired level of comfort, in addition to self-managing the symptoms. If your child has the symptoms of Sever’s disease, it’s important to speak with a podiatrist so the proper treatment techniques may begin.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

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Symptoms Of An Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the leg and its purpose is to connect the calf muscle to the heel. If an inflammation should occur as a result of an injury to this tendon, you may experience difficulty in pointing and flexing your toes in addition to severe pain while walking or running. There are several causes why this may occur, including running uphill frequently, which may cause the tendon to be overused, activities such as jumping and running, which may tear the tendon, or having flat feet, which may make the feet turn inward, possibly putting pressure on the tendon. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, you will most likely notice symptoms that may include swelling and tenderness in the back of the heel, or struggling to rise on your tiptoes because of the pain that may be present in the back of the ankle. If you have injured your foot and think it may be an Achilles tendon tear, it’s advised to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible to discuss correct treatment options for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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