Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when cartilage wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness. In the feet, it often affects joints in the toes and midfoot, making walking uncomfortable. Causes include aging, excess body weight, genetic predisposition, and other forms of arthritis that contribute to joint damage. Symptoms include pain, swelling in foot joints, reduced flexibility, and discomfort that may worsen at night. Persistent foot pain can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and develop a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve mobility. If you are experiencing ongoing foot discomfort or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Walking shoes and running shoes are built differently to match specific movement patterns and impact levels. Walking shoes often feature a flexible upper, stable midsole, and durable outsole that supports a smooth heel-to-toe motion. Running shoes typically include enhanced cushioning to absorb repeated impact and a more responsive midsole for forward propulsion. Shoe stability is important in both types, and proper fit should include checking for heel slippage and allowing enough toe room. Wearing the correct footwear may help prevent painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend proper shoes, and provide custom orthotics. If you are experiencing foot pain after walking or running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired activity. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Foot care becomes especially important as people grow older because the skin, joints, and circulation of the feet can change over time. Small problems such as dry skin, thick nails, or poorly fitting shoes can quickly turn into painful conditions if they are not addressed early. Maintaining healthy feet helps support balance, mobility, and independence. One of the most important steps is wearing properly fitting shoes that provide support, cushioning, and enough room for the toes. Shoes that are too tight or worn out can lead to pressure points, blisters, or joint pain. Daily hygiene is also essential. Feet should be washed with mild soap, dried carefully between the toes, and moisturized to prevent cracking skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not cut too short to help avoid ingrown nails. Regular foot checks are helpful for noticing redness, swelling, or skin changes early. If you are experiencing foot discomfort or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Stiffness in the big toe is often caused by a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the toe called hallux rigidus. It mainly affects the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint that connects the first long bone of the foot to the first bone of the toe. This joint plays a key role in walking and pushing off the ground. Over time, the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that cushions joints, can wear down. This leads to pain and swelling and limits movement. People over 50 are more likely to develop big toe stiffness due to wear and tear. Symptoms include difficulty bending the toe, discomfort when walking, or a bump forming on top of the joint. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, order X-rays, and prescribe medical treatment to reduce pain, improve joint motion, and slow joint damage. If you notice stiffness in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Josef Elouze, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 contact our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.