Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that supports the arch. It often occurs when this tissue becomes irritated from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or standing for long periods of time. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, and increased activity. Symptoms include heel pain, stiffness, and discomfort that is often worse in the morning or after rest. A podiatrist can identify the cause, provide targeted treatment, recommend supportive footwear, and guide stretching and strengthening routines to ease strain on the heel. Heel pain can be painful, and may affect daily activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

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 our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Properly measuring your shoe size is essential for comfort, support, and foot health. The most accurate method involves using a Brannock device, a specialized tool designed to measure the length, width, and arch length of your foot. This ensures that your shoes fit properly and reduces the risk of blisters, bunions, or other foot problems caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can help guide you through the measurement process, assess your foot structure, and recommend shoes that support your unique shape and gait. Regular measurements are important, especially as feet can change over time due to age, weight, or activity level. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional information about the importance of proper shoe fitting. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & 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 Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe occurs when one of the toe bones cracks or breaks, often from a heavy object falling on the foot, stubbing the toe on a hard surface, or accidentally banging it during daily activities. Symptoms include swelling, sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness when walking, and sometimes a discolored toenail from underlying injury. The toe may also appear bruised or slightly out of alignment. A podiatrist can confirm the fracture with an exam and imaging, provide proper stabilization, and guide healing to prevent long-term problems. If you think you have broken your toe or feel persistent pain and swelling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, ensuring proper healing.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Congenital foot deformities are structural abnormalities present at birth that affect the shape or function of an infant’s feet. One of the most recognized conditions is clubfoot, in which the foot turns inward and downward, making normal movement difficult without treatment. Early care often includes manual manipulations that gently guide the foot into a healthier position, followed by supportive methods to maintain correction as the child grows. A podiatrist can evaluate the deformity, create a personalized treatment plan, and guide families through each stage of care to improve long term mobility and foot health. If your child shows signs of a foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective management tips.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.