Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports, offers fun and fitness but comes with risks for sprains, fractures, and falls that affect the ankles and feet. Sudden pivots, quick lateral movements, and uneven court surfaces can strain ligaments or even lead to fractures. Proper warmups are essential to reduce injury. It is important to spend a few minutes stretching calves, Achilles tendons, and hamstrings, and practice gentle ankle rotations. Gradually increasing your heart rate with light jogging or dynamic stretches can prepare your muscles for the game’s demands. Wearing supportive footwear and paying attention to court conditions are additional ways to minimize falls. If you experience foot pain after a pickleball game, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess the injury and provide treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . 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 Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly, and vitamin deficiencies may contribute to their development. Insufficient levels of certain vitamins, especially from the B-vitamin group, can cause the skin to become dry and brittle, leading to cracks. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, and a deficiency can result in rough, cracked skin on the feet. Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps the skin retain moisture and improve its elasticity, preventing cracks. Vitamin B6 supports the body's ability to repair damaged tissues, including the skin, while vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness. A lack of these vitamins can impair the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and repair itself, making the heels more prone to cracking. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is repeated stress or strain on the fascia, often due to excessive walking, running, or standing. Other factors like wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or being overweight can also contribute. The most noticeable symptom is sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. As the day progresses, the pain may lessen but can return with prolonged standing or walking. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where a podiatrist may palpate the heel and foot, and sometimes imaging tests to rule out other conditions. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Your feet are the foundation of your body, bearing weight and supporting movement every day. Strengthening them through exercise is essential for overall health and mobility. Foot exercises improve balance, flexibility, and strength, reducing the risk of injuries like sprains or plantar fasciitis. For example, toe curls, which involve picking up a small towel with your toes help strengthen the arch and improve dexterity. Heel raises, where you lift your heels off the ground while standing, help build calf and ankle strength to support stability. Regular exercise enhances circulation, alleviating swelling and stiffness while promoting proper alignment to reduce stress on joints. Neglecting your feet can lead to weakness and pain that affect daily activities. If you have foot discomfort that continues, or you need personalized guidance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert advice and tailored care plans.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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