Foot and ankle trauma can happen in a fall, sports mishap, or auto accident. During a crash, most people tense and brace for impact. The feet and ankles can absorb force from the collision and body weight. Each foot has 26 bones, plus joints, muscles, and soft tissues that support balance and movement. Damage to these structures can make standing or walking painful. Warning signs include pain, swelling, and changes in the foot’s shape. Numbness, weakness, or skin-color changes deserve attention because some injuries can worsen quickly.

Serious trauma can affect several areas of the foot. For instance, the force of an auto accident can injure the toes, middle foot, or heel when loose objects strike or crush the foot. The damage can involve puncture wounds, soft-tissue injuries, or broken and dislocated bones. A Lisfranc injury affects bones or joints in the middle of the foot and can cause lasting pain or poor balance when untreated. A heel bone fracture can happen when a strong impact crushes or breaks the heel. These problems can limit mobility and raise the risk of arthritis, infection, or an abnormal walking pattern.

A podiatrist can examine the injured area and check circulation and nerve function. X-rays and other imaging is ordered to find the type and severity of damage. Treatment options include a cast, a special boot, or supportive shoes. Some fractures, crushed bones, and severe joint injuries require surgery to restore alignment and stability. Early care can help protect movement and reduce the chance of long-term pain. Do not delay an evaluation because swelling or pain seems manageable at first. If you have foot or ankle trauma from a fall or accident, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Falls can cause serious injuries and threaten an older adult’s independence. Foot pain, poor balance, and wearing poorly-fitting shoes can make a fall more likely. Shoes affect how securely the feet meet the ground. Loose shoes can slide or come off, while high heels can shift body weight forward. Smooth soles provide less grip on slick surfaces. Shoes that lack proper support can also reduce stability. Choosing appropriate shoes is therefore an important part of a complete falls-prevention plan.

A safer shoe should fit securely without pinching the toes or slipping at the heel. Laces, straps, or buckles help hold the foot in place. A wide, low heel provides a steadier base than a narrow or raised heel. The sole should have good traction and enough contact with the ground. Lightweight shoes can make it easier to lift the feet and avoid catching a toe. Patients should replace shoes with badly worn tread or uneven soles. Slippers, backless shoes, and socks without shoes can increase the chance of slipping. Even a well-designed shoe can create problems when it is the wrong size, so both feet should be measured because their size can differ.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for problems that interfere with safe movement. The evaluation includes checking strength, joint motion, and sensation. The podiatrist can also watch how a patient stands and walks to identify changes that affect balance. Treatment can reduce pain from corns, thick nails, or arthritis. Custom orthotics can improve support and help distribute pressure more evenly inside the shoes. A podiatrist can recommend shoe features based on the patient’s foot shape, health needs, and activity level. Regular foot examinations can detect changes that make walking less secure. Addressing these concerns can support mobility, confidence, and independence. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The medical name is tinea pedis. The fungus grows well in warm, moist environments, including locker-room floors, public showers, and swimming-pool areas. It can also grow inside damp socks and shoes. Despite its name, athlete’s foot does not only affect athletes. Anyone can develop the infection. Feet that stay moist for long periods can create conditions that allow the fungus to grow and spread.

Symptoms can differ from one patient to another. Athlete’s foot can cause itching, burning, and scaling, but some infections do not itch. Skin between the toes can become white, cracked, or peeling. The bottoms or sides of the feet can also become red and dry. Blisters can develop in some cases. Athlete’s foot can spread beyond the feet, especially when a person scratches infected skin and then touches another part of the body. The fungus can also spread through clothing and bedding. Other skin conditions can resemble athlete’s foot, making an accurate diagnosis important.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether athlete’s foot or another condition is causing the symptoms. Treatment can include antifungal medication that targets the fungus responsible for the infection. More serious cases can require prescription medication. Severe athlete’s foot can lead to open sores and additional infection when it is not properly treated. A podiatrist can also explain ways to reduce the risk of repeated infections, especially for patients who frequently use gyms, pools, or shared showers. Getting the correct diagnosis helps ensure that a different skin condition is not treated as athlete’s foot. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition that involves disruption or misalignment of the cuboid bone, which is located on the outer side of the foot. This condition often develops after repetitive stress or a sudden injury that affects the midfoot region. It is commonly seen in athletes who perform activities that involve jumping, cutting, or rapid changes in direction. Causes may include ankle sprains, poor biomechanics, or wearing improper footwear that does not provide adequate support.

Symptoms of cuboid syndrome typically include pain along the outside of the foot that may worsen with activity. Affected individuals often report tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, and a feeling of instability when walking or running. Swelling may be present, and some athletes describe discomfort during push off movements. The pain may be mistaken for other conditions ,such as a stress fracture, which makes accurate diagnosis important for proper treatment.

Risk factors include high-impact sports, repetitive motion, and previous ankle injuries. Athletes with flat feet or unstable foot mechanics may place additional strain on the cuboid bone. Improper training techniques, sudden increases in activity level, and lack of supportive footwear can further increase risk. These factors contribute to abnormal stress on the midfoot and may lead to persistent symptoms if not addressed.

Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment and reducing stress on the affected area. Rest, wearing supportive footwear, and targeted exercises may help improve function and relieve pain. Early recognition of symptoms can prevent long-term complications and allow for a quicker return to activity. If you are an athlete or lead an active lifestyle and have signs of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and  effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.