Foot Drop Exercises May Provide Relief

Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot while walking. This problem can lead to tripping, balance issues, and a high-stepping gait. Exercises that strengthen the muscles in the front of the lower leg can help improve foot movement and ankle control. Common exercises include seated toe raises, resistance-band ankle flexion, and calf stretches. These movements help strengthen muscles that lift the foot and improve flexibility in the ankle joint. Stretching exercises for the front of the ankle and shin can reduce stiffness and improve movement. A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to determine the cause, including nerve injuries, muscle weakness, or tendon problems. Treatment includes custom orthotics, bracing, and gait evaluation. Targeted exercise programs may be designed to improve balance and walking ability. If you have symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet

Lingering Ankle Pain

Ankle impingement syndrome develops when soft tissue or bone in the ankle becomes compressed during movement, often after repeated sprains or ongoing instability. Many people notice pain at the front or back of the ankle, especially while walking uphill, squatting, running, or pointing the foot downward. Swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are also common. In some cases, scar tissue or bony growths form inside the joint and create ongoing irritation each time the ankle bends. Athletes and active individuals are frequently affected, but anyone with a history of ankle injuries can develop this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, order imaging studies, identify areas of inflammation, and recommend treatments designed to reduce pressure within the ankle. Care may include bracing, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment, or surgical correction when symptoms become severe. It is strongly suggested that people with chronic ankle pain or restricted motion visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Pain

Pain on the Bottom of the Foot

A number of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, and Morton’s neuroma, can cause  pain on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue along the arch. It often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Nerve-related pain may feel like burning, tingling, or numbness and can worsen with activity. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve, usually between the toes. It may feel like walking on a pebble or cause a sharp, shooting pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms can become more noticeable with pressure or when wearing certain shoes. Causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, foot structure, or repetitive stress. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of pain and order imaging or physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include supportive footwear, padding, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises. If you have pain on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

When Swelling Develops in the Feet and Ankles

Swollen feet and ankles can occur for several reasons related to fluid balance, circulation, or underlying conditions. This swelling, known as edema, happens when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the lower extremities. These play an important role in supporting body weight and returning blood back toward the heart. Common causes include prolonged standing or sitting, circulation issues, certain medical conditions, and injury that affects normal fluid movement. The swelling may appear gradually or suddenly, causing the skin to look stretched or shiny and feel tight or heavy, and some people notice an indentation after pressing on the area. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern of swelling through a physical exam and may recommend imaging or coordinate care to identify contributing factors. Treatment includes compression, elevation, wearing supportive footwear, and targeted exercises to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup. If you have swollen feet and ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Swelling of the Feet

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Connect With Us