Items filtered by date: May 2022

Foot health is important for everyone but because children’s feet are soft, pliable, and still developing, they are more vulnerable to injuries, diseases, and conditions that can interfere with normal movement. More common foot problems among children are Sever’s disease, flat feet, toes pointing in or out, ankle weakness, and foot deformities. Sever’s disease is heel pain in children that may come on during puberty or when experiencing growth spurts. This is usually a temporary affliction and can be managed by stopping sports or activities involving running or jumping until the pain subsides. Flat foot is when the entire sole of the child’s foot lies flat against the ground. If a child walks with their toes pointed in or out it may be because a child’s leg alignment is constantly changing and again may improve as the child grows and muscles get stronger. Children’s ankles may be weak and give way more easily during sports and everyday activities leading to chronic ankle instability. Children may even suffer from congenital foot deformities. It is important to consult with a podiatrist for help in learning and understanding the growth of children’s feet, proper footwear choices as they age, and to treat any foot problems that may arise and are not transitory.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.

Probably the most commonly known lump on the foot is a bunion, but there are many other types, such as lumps, nodules, contusions, and cysts. They can be caused by infections, inflammation, tumors and trauma. The bunion, which is a bump on the side of the big toe, is the result of misplacement of the bones in the foot. A bunion often becomes a long term problem that in the worst cases calls for surgery to correct. Other lumps are the result of infections, insect bites, boils or trauma. Many lumps are temporary and others, such as ulcers brought on by systemic diseases, can develop into serious conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful bumps to bloom around joints. A foot lump may be accompanied by other symptoms, including bleeding or bruising, swelling, redness and pain. If you notice an unusual lump on your foot, especially if it is painful, please consult a podiatrist who can offer a diagnosis and plan for treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 and ankle needs.

Anyone who plays sports, wears high heels, or spends a lot of time on their feet is at risk of spraining or straining one of the many ligaments in the ankle joint. It is possible to help an ankle sprain heal more quickly and to limit the damage with a few simple measures: Rest the ankle, and try to avoid bearing weight or repeating the activity that caused the pain. Apply ice packs to the area, for about 10 minutes, making sure to cover your skin with a cloth or towel first. This method can help keep the swelling to a minimum and can be repeated after an hour or so. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or wear an ankle brace for stability, but avoid making it so tight that it cuts off the blood flow to the feet. Elevate the joint by keeping it at a 45 degree angle with your leg extended. Gently flex and point your foot to evaluate the pain level. If the pain lingers or increases after a day or so, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, along with a treatment plan to heal and then strengthen the joint. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Designing and producing custom orthotics that will effectively treat the specific condition of a patient requires a great deal of work by a podiatrist. First, the patient must be thoroughly examined, and imaging tests may be necessary for the podiatrist to diagnose the condition. The podiatrist must then determine what type of orthotic is necessary to treat the condition. Orthotics are often categorized as either functional or accommodative. Functional orthotics may be created to help patients with conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and pronation issues. They are typically manufactured with thinner and firmer materials. Accommodative orthotics use thicker, less rigid materials and can be used to treat neuropathy, diabetic foot conditions, Charcot disease, and more. Other considerations that podiatrists take into account when designing a custom orthotic include the patient’s lifestyle, the type of shoes they wear, their weight, and shoe size. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort or limited mobility, consult with a podiatrist to explore whether you can benefit from custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When your child has been walking for a few weeks, it may be time to think about getting them shoes. Prior to this period, it is thought to be better for a child to go barefoot in order to help develop foot strength, though soft shoes and socks are suggested to help keep baby's feet warm in the colder weather. Selecting the proper shoes starts with size, because giving the toddler’s feet room to grow is important. If shoes are too tight they can negatively affect healthy foot development. There should be some space between the toes and the end of the shoe. Shoes should give ample support and have a solid heel, and sandals should have a closed heel. Check that the front of the shoe is wider than the heel, and avoid shoes with pointy toes or high heels. Shoes with non-slip soles are thought to be safer, as are those that tie, rather than slip on. Stiff outer parts on shoes may be too constrictive. Continue to check the fit of the shoes frequently, and be prepared to buy larger ones as needed to ensure proper growth and development. If you need further information on fitting your child’s first pair of shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide your decisions.  

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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 and ankle needs.