If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site
We are Open and Following CDC Guidelines
Leave Google Review for Burlington County Podiatry Associates
 

March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00

When to Call a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain

Ankle pain may be due to a sprain or strain, a blunt force injury, muscle weakness or chronic joint instability, nerve compression in the tarsal tunnel, arthritis, gout, tendonitis, a fracture, or another condition. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation in your ankle, you may try to rest the ankle, elevate it, ice it, and compress it. It is suggested that you call a podiatrist if your pain does not improve, you notice a visible deformity, your calf or ankle feels tender, hot or swollen, you cannot put weight on the affected foot, or if you are limping. Your podiatrist will be able to examine you and run tests, along with any necessary imaging in order to diagnose your condition properly. A treatment plan will be created based on their findings and the cause and severity of your ankle pain.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Wednesday, 23 March 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00

What Is Cuboid Syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome (also known as cuboid subluxation) involves a tear or injury to the joint and/or ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot. The bones move but are not fully displaced when one has this condition. Ankle sprains or injuries are often the culprit of this syndrome, but it can also be caused by repetitive strain of the foot or having flat feet. As with many foot problems, this syndrome is more likely to affect those who are: overweight, have arthritis or bone conditions, wear improperly fitting shoes, do not stretch well before exercise, do not allow enough rest of the foot before resuming physical activity, exercise on uneven surfaces, or fracture a bone connected to the cuboid. One can suspect cuboid syndrome if there is pain on the side of the foot near the baby toe, which may intensify with weight bearing or pushing on the arch on the bottom of the foot. The pain can also spread to other parts of the foot when pressure is exerted on the front of the toes, there may be redness near the injured area, swelling of the injured area and ankle due to fluid buildup, less movement of the ankle or lateral side of the foot, weakness in toes on this side of the foot and an altered gait to compensate for pain. Treatments for cuboid syndrome vary and it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted for proper diagnosis of the condition and pinpointing the best course of action for your case.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about All About Cuboid Syndrome

Plantar fasciitis will affect 1 in 10 people, mostly between the ages of 40-60, or younger if they are runners, athletes or dancers. The plantar fascia is the web-like fibrous tissue connecting the heel bone with the toes on the sole of the feet. Stress, micro-tears or other damage to the plantar fascia can cause it to become inflamed, which results in plantar fasciitis. This inflammation, in turn, causes the plantar fascia to tighten during periods of rest or inactivity and typically produces a sharp, stabbing pain towards the middle of heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to it. Initially, once activity is resumed (after waking in the morning, for example), and the plantar fascia begins to stretch, the pain may subside, but will reoccur later in the day. Contributing factors to plantar fasciitis include obesity, foot structure disorders such as flat feet or high arches, having to stand for prolonged periods, and participating in sporting activities with repetitive stress on the plantar fascia (i.e., running and jogging). If you have heel pain, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if plantar fasciitis is the cause and create a treatment plan to reduce your pain and help repair the plantar fascia.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear  from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Wednesday, 09 March 2022 00:00

What to Do After Hammertoe Surgery

During hammertoe surgery, the deformed toe is straightened to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. General recovery from hammertoe surgery usually takes around six weeks. After your surgery, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions so that your toe can heal properly. At home, elevate and rest your foot as often as you can. Wear wide, comfortably fitting shoes that give your toes plenty of space and avoid high heeled shoes. You may be prescribed medications to relieve pain and prevent infection, which you should take as directed. You may also be asked to avoid certain activities to keep pressure off your foot. For more information about surgical aftercare, please consult with your podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Read more about Hammertoe
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00

What Is a Walking Boot?

A walking boot is an orthotic device used to protect the foot or ankle after an injury. The boot helps keep the foot stable and in the right position so that it can heal properly. Walking boots can also help keep weight and pressure off of an injured area. Injuries that may require wearing a walking boot include broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, and shin splints. Most walking boots have two to five adjustable straps that hold the boot in place over the injured leg. How long you will need to wear the walking boot will depend on your specific injury and its severity. For more information, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Connect with us