Items filtered by date: July 2021

When the ligaments that connect and support the ankle joint get stretched or torn during a physical activity or accident, an ankle sprain may occur. Ankle sprains are very common and are often recurrent because they sometimes go untreated, and therefore don’t heal properly. You may sprain your ankle while running or walking on uneven surfaces, making sudden movements or landing wrong after a jump during sports, or twisting your ankle wearing high heels. Ankle sprains are graded in severity from 1-3 with symptoms such as pain, bruising, swelling, instability, tenderness, and limitation of movement. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose you and use a variety of methods such as RICE (rest-ice-compression-elevation), bracing, physical therapy, medication and more to treat your ankle sprain and to help avoid chronic ankle instability.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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
• Bursitis
• 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 Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The cuboid is a cube-shaped bone located in the middle of your foot. This bone can become injured or dislocated following an injury to the foot. People who play sports that put a lot of stress on the feet and people with notable overpronation of the feet are said to have an increased risk for developing this condition. The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain and weakness in the affected foot, particularly when bearing weight. The foot may also be swollen, tender, or red. These symptoms can be severe enough to make walking or standing difficult, sometimes causing a limp, and interfering with daily activities. Symptoms can also have a sudden or gradual onset. If your foot is showing any signs or symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A neuroma is a condition where the tissue that surrounds a nerve becomes thickened and inflamed. A neuroma can materialize around any nerve of the body, but when it occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes (or less commonly the 2nd and 3rd toes), it is known as Morton’s Neuroma. This benign growth of nerve cells can cause tingling, pain, and numbness in the ball of the foot—often making it feel as if there is a pebble stuck in your shoe. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist if you suspect you have Mortaon’s neuroma, as the condition may worsen and possibly lead to permanent nerve damage.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the skin surrounding it. It can cause extreme pain and discomfort, and it can happen from cutting the toenails incorrectly. Noticeable symptoms can include redness, tenderness, and pus may drain from an infected toenail. Incurring a toenail injury, poor foot hygiene, or genetic factors may significantly contribute to developing an ingrown toenail. There are some patients who find mild relief when the affected foot is soaked, and this may make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. Additionally, soaking the feet in epsom salt may help to reduce existing inflammation. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this uncomfortable condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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