Items filtered by date: March 2024

Overpronation can interfere with optimal foot health and contribute to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Foot pronation and supination are natural movements that are necessary for proper gait. However, excessive pronation, characterized by prolonged inward rolling of the foot, can lead to biomechanical imbalances. One common cause of overpronation is a lack of normal ankle range of motion. When the ankle fails to bend the foot upward properly, it restricts the forward motion of the body's center of mass over the foot. This often leads to changes in gait that may lead to overpronation. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical issues contributing to overpronation and recommend personalized treatment options, such as custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and improve overall function. To address overpronation issues effectively, it is suggested that you ask a podiatrist for a thorough exam, which may include a gait analysis. A diagnosis and treatment suggestions will follow.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Are you often hiding your feet in closed-toe shoes, even at home? Crooked toes, including conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes, can cause embarrassment and discomfort for many individuals. They often result from a combination of genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or underlying foot deformities. Besides the physical appearance, crooked toes can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against the footwear. Podiatrists offer various approaches to relieve symptoms and correct crooked toes. Conservative treatments may include wearing wider shoes, padding to reduce pressure, and custom orthotics to improve toe alignment. In more severe cases, surgical options like toe-straightening procedures may be recommended to alleviate pain and restore normal toe function. If you have bothersome crooked toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Amoss, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Poor circulation in the feet occurs when blood flow to the lower extremities is restricted or inadequate, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including peripheral artery disease, PAD, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, impairing blood flow to the feet and toes. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can also restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery to the feet. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, further escalating circulation issues and increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections. Symptoms of poor circulation in the feet may include cold feet, numbness or tingling, slow-healing wounds, and changes in skin color or texture. Left untreated, poor foot circulation can lead to serious complications such as foot ulcers and gangrene. Therefore, early detection and management are vital for maintaining optimal foot health and preventing complications associated with poor circulation. If you have poor foot circulation, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Scott Amoss, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.

Flat feet in children are a common condition and can be a normal part of a child's development. The arch of a child’s foot may not fully develop until later in childhood, so flat feet often resolve on their own as the child grows. However, some cases of flat feet persist, which can cause an older child heel and arch pain. This can worsen during activities like playing sports and running. Flat feet can be associated with other conditions, such as tendon inflammation or joint problems. There are treatment options for flat feet that cause pain, and discomfort, and affect a child's ability to participate in physical activities. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can address any potential issues and assess your child’s foot development. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.