Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes heel and arch discomfort, especially with the first steps in the morning. Exercise can play an important role in easing symptoms and improving function over time. Strengthening the small and large muscles of the foot helps support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Working the muscles of the hips, especially those that stabilize movement, can also improve alignment and reduce stress placed on the feet while walking or running. Simple stretching on its own can help loosen tight tissues and improve flexibility, which may decrease tension and pain. These approaches are often more effective when combined and guided properly. A podiatrist can create a plan that targets your specific needs and monitor your progress to prevent setbacks. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Total contact casting is a specialized treatment used to manage diabetic foot ulcers by distributing pressure evenly across the foot and reducing stress on the wound area. It works by enclosing the foot and lower leg in a carefully molded cast that limits movement and promotes healing through constant contact and offloading pressure. This method is highly effective in encouraging ulcer closure while protecting the affected tissue. Risk factors for poor healing include uncontrolled blood sugar, poor circulation, and prolonged pressure on the foot. A podiatrist plays a key role by applying the cast, monitoring healing progress, and adjusting treatment, as needed. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this treatment method with you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force rather than a single injury. It commonly occurs in the feet and ankles due to repeated stress from activities such as walking and running. Causes include sudden increases in running speed or distance, and inadequate recovery time. Symptoms often involve localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Risk factors include wearing improper footwear, low bone density, and high-impact sports. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures through examination and imaging, provide immobilization strategies, and recommend footwear or orthotics to support healing. Early treatment is essential to prevent worsening injury. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Ankle pain can develop for several reasons, involving the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the joint. The ankle connects the leg bones to the foot and allows movement while keeping the body stable. A common cause of ankle pain is a sprain. This injury occurs when ligaments, the strong bands that hold bones together, are stretched or torn, often after a sudden twist. Tendinitis refers to irritation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone, and may cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis, a condition that leads to joint inflammation, can also cause long-term ankle discomfort and reduced motion. Additionally, repetitive stress from walking, running, or standing for long periods of time may worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, order imaging, and evaluate gait to determine the cause. Treatment options include bracing or custom orthotic devices to improve support and reduce strain. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Josef Elouze, DPM from Elite Podiatry. 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 tendonitis
• 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 our office located in (Holiday City) Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.