Your gait is the manner in which you walk. When a patient has a unique walking style or an abnormal gait, a podiatrist will often conduct a gait analysis to study their walking habits. Gait analysis can tell a lot about a person's body movements. This can help to determine what is causing imbalances in areas such as the hamstrings, glutes, quads, or calves. The analysis can take place on a treadmill or by simply walking down a hallway. In even more complex analyses, sensors and video recordings may be used to diagnose any areas of concern as the patient walks. Anyone struggling with pain as they walk should consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper gait analysis, and to customize a treatment plan that is specific to their walking pattern.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This ligament can become damaged when it is strained through repetitive overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, such as running. Standing for prolonged periods of time, exercising on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support or fit poorly can also injure the plantar fascia. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight, have had foot or ankle injuries, or are over age 40 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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 care needs.

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that is caused by degeneration of cartilage, a layer of tissue that lines the ends of bones and helps them move smoothly. When the cartilage is worn away, the bones begin to rub directly against each other as they move, leading to pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis often affects the joints in the feet and ankles. In addition to the symptoms of arthritis itself, this condition can also cause other foot problems, such as bunions, hallux rigidus, and corns and calluses. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and tends to affect people over age 45. People who are overweight or obese, have a family history of osteoarthritis, or have a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis or gout are most at risk. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are open sores or wounds that often occur on the feet of people with diabetes. There are three main types of DFUs. Neuropathic ulcers constitute 90% of DFUs. They are associated with diabetic neuropathy and involve damaged nerves leading to a loss of sensation in the feet. Without sensation, it can be difficult to detect a wound until it has progressed. Ischemic ulcers are associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes poor circulation. Without adequate circulation, DFUs heal slowly and poorly. The third type of DFUs, neuroischemic ulcers, are caused by a combination of diabetic neuropathy and PAD. If you suffer from DFUs, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

If your child is experiencing heel pain, it could be a sign of Sever’s Disease. This condition often occurs when a child is starting a new sport or activity. Children are at most risk of Sever’s Disease during puberty or a growth spurt. Telltale signs include limping or tiptoeing to avoid putting pressure on the heel, increased pain when running or jumping, and redness or swelling in the heel. If your child has these symptoms, please see a podiatrist a soon as possible for proper treatment.

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 and ankle injuries.