Items filtered by date: July 2023

Flat feet can be easily recognized by the absence of an arch space while standing on the feet. Instead, the foot lies flat on the floor. Flat feet can lead to pain across the arch and heel, while ill-fitting shoes or exercising on hard surfaces may only make it worse. Because having flat feet can affect your movement, the chances of developing knee and hip pain can increase. Athletes with flat feet are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and knee injuries. Fortunately, people with flat feet who are experiencing some type of pain can wear an orthotic device to correct the deficiency and improve their gait. A podiatrist can examine the feet to determine the severity of this condition and also test the way you walk to determine what type of proper orthotic device is right for you. This foot doctor will make a mold of your feet that perfectly mirrors their shape and builds an insole specifically for you. For more information on options to deal with flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet provide us with mobility, and enable people to participate in running, walking, and jumping activities. An individual person will walk 100,000 miles during the course of an average lifetime, and research has shown that many people spend approximately 80 percent of their waking hours on their feet. This being said, it is beneficial to keep the feet as healthy as possible in order to prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Some of these ailments can consist of hammertoe, foot cramps, ingrown toenails, or bunions. Many of these can be remedied by purchasing shoes that fit correctly, in addition to maintaining proper foot care. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing foot ulcers. This is defined as an infection that develops on the sole of the foot, and can happen from the inability to feel existing cuts. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it effectively.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High-heeled shoes are the cause of many foot problems, and experts agree the higher the heel, the worse they are for your feet. When high heeled shoes also have a narrow and pointy toe box, they may become even more destructive. Add to that strappy sandals with minimal support and thin soles, and the situation worsens. Specifically, high heels force the weight of the body onto the metatarsals and sesamoid bones of the feet. This excess pressure in turn causes inflammation of the surrounding nerves. In some cases, hairline breaks in the bones, called stress fractures, can develop. In addition, the likelihood of tripping and spraining an ankle increases while wearing high heels. The answer may be simply changing your footwear or limiting the amount of time spent wearing high heels. Shoes with heels no higher than two inches are thought to be less harmful. Look for shoes with a wider toe box that allows freedom of movement for the toes and thicker heels for increased stability. For help with foot problems stemming from wearing high heels long term, it is suggested that you make 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. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are considered to be one of the most complex parts of the body. Each foot has 26 bones, and a number of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work in harmony to keep us mobile. The bones in the feet are divided into three categories. Seven bones make up the first group, known as the tarsal bones. These include the ankle and heel bone, in addition to the bones that form the arch. The metatarsals are the next set of foot bones that are found in the center of the foot. They connect the tarsal bones to the phalanges, which is the third group of bones. These are found in the toes, and aid in balancing the body. Some of the foot conditions that can affect the foot bones are arthritis, gout, bunions, and hammertoe. Additionally, the heel bone is targeted when heel spurs or plantar fasciitis develops. If you would like more information about the structure of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with interesting foot facts.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.