May 2022

Research has indicated that artificial playing surfaces may increase the risk of getting a foot or ankle injury. This is despite the reasons artificial turf was introduced, which includes controlling environmental conditions on playing surfaces, and to lower the maintenance costs of natural grass. Additionally, 90% of North American professional football players have a higher risk of getting injured on an artificial surface. There are many professional athletes who understand foot structure, and the importance of strengthening the feet and ankles. Strong feet play a role in controlling balance in the body, and the ankle acts as a lever to provide flexibility. The sesamoid bones are a few of the smallest bones in the body. Sesamoiditis, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the sesamoid bones, can be common among runners, dancers, and gymnasts. If you would like more information about foot injuries that are common among athletes, in addition to how they are treated, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Athlete’s foot is a common and contagious fungal infection of the skin. Common symptoms are dry, red, and cracked skin that generally develops on the bottom of the foot and in between the toes. It can spread to the toes and other areas of the foot if it is not promptly treated. This fungus can be uncomfortable and cause irritability and embarrassment. There are effective methods that can help to prevent athlete’s foot. These include wearing appropriate shoes while in public shower rooms or locker rooms and keeping your feet washed and thoroughly dried regularly. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from sharing shoes and socks. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are made of natural materials as this may help the feet to feel more comfortable. There are several treatment methods that respond well to athlete’s foot and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine which treatment options are best for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Foot massages are an effective form of foot therapy. The benefits of this form of therapy can include relieving sore muscles, and it can help to aid in relaxation. Additionally, research has shown that getting frequent foot massages may help patients to sleep better, and it may be easier to manage emotions. There are several methods of performing a good foot massage. These can include gently bending the toes which may help to increase flexibility, and squeezing the heel which is beneficial in relieving tension at the back of the foot. Additionally, when pressure is applied to the inside of the foot, this may help to provide an overall positive feeling in the body. Many patients enjoy having their Achilles tendon massaged, which can aid in reducing any tightness in that area. If you would like additional information about how foot massages can help you, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the joints of the feet. One who has RA of the feet often experiences pain and swelling in the feet, which can impair functioning and quality of life. Though there is no cure for this condition, treatments focus on preventing the disease from progressing by reducing or stopping joint inflammation. One might experience relief from one or a combination of RA management regimens, such as anti-inflammatory medication, more supportive footwear, orthotics, physical or occupational therapy, and even surgery. If you are experiencing pain from RA of the feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help devise a treatment plan to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms and preserve joint structure and function.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

We are all bound to have occasional bouts of pain in our feet because we use them so much. Foot pain mainly results from overuse, but an underlying medical condition or injury can exacerbate it. Many foot problems can lead to painful feet. One of the most common heel conditions is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia which runs lengthwise across the bottom of the feet. Calluses, which are thick layers of skin that form from friction on the soles of the feet are another condition that can cause foot pain in addition to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation of the ball of the foot. Other foot ailments can include Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot leading to the toes, tendinitis, or inflammation of a tendon. Turf toe is a sprain in the main joint of the big toe, and tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed inside the tarsal tunnel- a narrow passage in the ankle surrounded by bones and a connecting ligament. Many people have flat feet, which is noticeable when the feet lie flat on the ground when standing. It is best to consult with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any kind of foot pain, especially if the pain worsens, or if you have diabetes and an open wound is not healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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