May 2024

Foot fractures, though often underestimated, can cause significant pain and hinder mobility. A foot fracture occurs when one or more bones in the foot break, commonly due to trauma from falls, accidents, or repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping. Those at risk include athletes, individuals with osteoporosis, and people who have structural foot abnormalities. Diagnosing a foot fracture involves a physical examination, often accompanied by X-rays to confirm the extent and location of the injury. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Pain, particularly while walking or bearing weight, is a hallmark symptom of a foot fracture. While some fractures may heal with rest and immobilization, others may require more aggressive treatment such as casting or surgery. If you believe you have sustained a foot fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive plan to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent complications.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It is characterized primarily by a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel. This pain is often more pronounced in the morning when taking the first steps of the day, or after long periods of sitting or standing. The pain may flare up with intense activity but typically worsens after, not during, the exercise. Other symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the heel area. Plantar fasciitis is particularly prevalent in runners, overweight individuals, and those whose jobs require long hours on their feet. Wearing shoes with inadequate support exacerbates the problem in those with plantar fasciitis. Effective treatment involves rest, stretching exercises, and proper footwear. If you have heel pain and suspect plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, for care. 

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

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 office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking on a foot stress fracture can seem like a feasible option in certain situations, but it carries both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, continuing to walk may help maintain mobility and prevent muscle atrophy, especially if the fracture is minor and does not cause severe pain. It can also be convenient for individuals with busy schedules or obligations that require them to stay on their feet. However, walking on a stress fracture can exacerbate the injury, delaying healing and potentially causing further damage. It may prolong recovery time and increase the risk of complications such as a complete fracture or chronic pain. Additionally, ignoring the need for rest and proper treatment can lead to long-term consequences, including decreased bone density and recurrent injuries. Ultimately, while walking on a foot stress fracture may offer short-term benefits, it is essential to prioritize rest and medical guidance to ensure a full and efficient recovery. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide proper recovery treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Feet are remarkable structures comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These bones are divided into three groups, consisting of the tarsal bones, which form the back of the foot and ankle, the metatarsal bones, which make up the midfoot, and the phalanges, which form the toes. On average, a person takes approximately 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. Among the many joints in the feet, some of the most essential include the ankle joint, subtalar joint, and metatarsophalangeal joints. These joints work together to provide support, flexibility, and propulsion during movement, allowing us to walk, run, jump, and dance with ease. If you have developed foot pain which may be due to your foot's structure, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with relief solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact 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.

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 office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.