December 2024

Burning feet syndrome, or BFS, is also known as Grierson-Gopalan. It refers to a sensation of burning or heat in the feet, often accompanied by pain, tingling, or numbness. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, typically worsening at night. BFS can result from a variety of underlying causes, including nerve damage, neuropathy, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic alcohol use. It is also associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or infections and can occur due to excessive pressure on the feet. While it can affect anyone, middle-aged and older adults are more commonly impacted. Diagnosis involves identifying underlying causes through blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and a physical exam. Treatment varies depending on the cause, including managing diabetes, supplementing deficiencies, or wearing supportive footwear. If you have persistent burning feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert evaluation and tailored care to alleviate discomfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels can lead to significant heel and ankle pain due to the unnatural positioning of the foot. High heels shift your body weight forward, putting extra pressure on the toes, ball of the foot, and heel. Over time, this can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or ankle sprains. The prolonged stress on the foot's arch and the ankle can also cause discomfort and swelling. The causes of heel and ankle pain from high heels include improper alignment, muscle strain, and pressure on the sensitive structures of the foot. Wearing heels that are too high, too tight, or lack proper cushioning can worsen these issues. Treatment often includes rest, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes. A podiatrist can provide tailored recommendations, such as custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or advice on choosing shoes that protect your feet. If you are experiencing heel or ankle pain from high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often between the toes. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection occurs when the fungi come into contact with the skin, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blisters. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, such as public showers, locker rooms, and pools. Wearing tight shoes, sweaty socks, or walking barefoot in damp areas increases the risk of developing the infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems or poor foot hygiene are also more susceptible. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck.  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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when fatty deposits, called plaque, build up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. This lack of blood flow can result in pain, sores, infections, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which can be serious enough to require amputation. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and an age of 65 or older. A key screening tool for peripheral artery disease is the ankle-brachial index, or ABI test, which measures blood pressure at the ankle and compares it to blood pressure in the arm. This helps assess how well blood circulates in the lower limbs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain or cramping during walking that eases with rest and wounds on the feet that heal slowly, or not at all. Additional tests include a Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and detect blockages and a toe-brachial index, or TBI test, to measure blood pressure in the toes. If you experience symptoms of poor circulation to the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for testing and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

FSH muscular dystrophy, or facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, is a genetic disorder that primarily weakens the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms. Over time, it can also affect muscles in the feet, legs, abdomen, and hips. Symptoms often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, with progression and severity varying widely between individuals. Muscle weakness in FSH muscular dystrophy results from the gradual breakdown of muscle tissue, affecting mobility and balance. While there is no cure, treatments like custom orthotics can significantly improve function, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Many people with muscular dystrophy worry that orthotics might signal disability or be uncomfortable. This is a myth. Orthotics can support weakened muscles, reduce pain, enhance balance, and prevent falls. If you have a condition like FSH muscular dystrophy that affects strength and balance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss customized orthotics for your specific needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.