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Clark, NJ 07066

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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: heel spurs

By Clark Podiatry Center
April 24, 2019
Category: Orthotics

There are many reasons to wear an orthotic, depending on the type of foot problem you may have.

Reasons to wear an orthotic include:

  • Flat feet – low arches
  • Supination – an outward roll of the foot when stepping
  • Overpronation – inward roll of the foot when taking a step
  • Diabetes – lack of insulin in your bloodstream
  • Shin splints – painful swelling of the shin from repeated pounding on hard surfaces
  • Morton’s neuroma – tingling in your forefoot caused by damaged nerve
  • Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of your foot
  • Heel spurs – painful swelling of the heel usually caused by a buildup of calcium
  • Morton’s toe – where your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Plantar Fasciitis – the inflammation of the bottom of your foot

In each of the above cases, a specific orthotic can be of great help. Many orthotics provide much needed extra cushioning for such conditions as diabetes, shin splints or flat feet, yet each provides cushioning different from the other. Those suffering from diabetes need a softer orthotic, whereas shin splints need cushioning that will absorb the shock of pounding feet. Flat feet, however, need greater support in the arch. Each condition requires knowledge about your specific foot problem. While there are many orthotics or insoles on the market, the best resource for this is your podiatrist who will diagnose your exact condition and determine just what orthotic is best for you.

Basic types of orthotics:

  • Semi-rigid – more flexible orthotic providing cushioning without a lot of arch support
  • Rigid – a stiffer orthotic that is considered aggressive support often used for arches.

Other types of orthotics may include athletic, gel, heat moldable, high heel, children’s and memory foam. Each treat different types of problems so just getting a basic insole is not enough. Your foot has a specific need and must have a specific type of orthotic. The best person to determine what your foot requires is your podiatrist.

If you believe you need an orthotic or have any other foot concerns, please make an appointment with us. Dr. Brandon A. Macy, who is associated with New Jersey Children's Foot Health Institute. He will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments to get you back to being active. Call Clark Podiatry at (732) 382-3470.

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By Clark Podiatry Center
July 13, 2017

At The New Jersey Children's Foot Heath Institute, we know that your children’s health is extremely important to you. So today, we have a top tip for you: When it comes to your children’s feet, growing pains are not normal. Pain in the feet usually indicates that something is wrong. Without treatment, some pain may linger and even worsen over time. Worst-case scenario, children’s bones can develop or form incorrectly when problems are not treated promptly. We can help!

 

If your child complains about pain, there are several possible causes behind it:

 

  • Achilles Tendonitis – The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. When the Achilles tendon is strained, such as when there is a sudden increase in activity or change in intensity of activity, it can become inflamed, causing pain in the back of the heel. It is also a common overuse injury for children who participate in sports with repetitive activities like running and jumping. 
  • Plantar Fasciitis – Another overuse injury, the connective tissues along the bottom of the feet that connect the midfoot to the heel can become irritated and inflamed. Running, walking, or standing for long periods of time, as well as intense activity can make it worse, especially if shoes are not supportive in the arches. As the tissues become tight, the heels may feel pain. 
  • Heel Spurs – This is a bony growth that protrudes from the heel. It can happen if the plantar fascia is constantly tight or inflamed. When the bone is developing or healing, it may develop a spur to compensate for problems in the feet. These spurs can be painful if weight is put on them. 
  • Sever’s Disease – Typically brought on during sports or injury, the growth plate of a developing heel bone can become irritate. A tight Achilles tendon can aggravate the problem by pulling excessively on the growth plate. It can also cause the feet to flatten, further worsening problems in the feet. 
  • Fractures – Repeated use of the heel or traumatic injury can cause fractures. The growing heel bone in your children’s feet are more at risk of fracture since they are not yet fully formed. Children playing high impact sports are more prone to this injury.

 

If your child complains about heel pain, do not hesitate to bring him or her into our office. The earlier any of these conditions are treated, the better the healing time and outcome. For the best treatment, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy. Make an appointment today at The New Jersey Children's Foot Heath Institute at Clark Podiatry Center to have your child’s heel pain assessed and treated with care. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns! We keep you walking!

 
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By Clark Podiatry Center
November 27, 2015
Category: Common Treatments

The latest treatment being offered at the podiatrist’s office is known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. This is a new and non-invasive technique that is now being used to successfully treat many foot conditions. The Shock Wave Therapy treatment essentially delivers high pressure shock waves that travel deep within the skin to heal affected skin tissues and bones without harm to the rest of the body. Although the term ‘shock wave’ sounds scary and painful, this is a quick and painless procedure that sends no electricity to the body. Ultrasonic waves and pulses are sent to the skin to stimulate and kick start the body’s natural healing process. This device works similar to some of the new high-end medical facials such as micro current treatments and light therapy.

What is Shock Wave Therapy Used for?

Shock Wave Therapy is being used to bring relief and comfort to people with many foot conditions such as:

  • Chronic heel pain
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Heel Spurs

Who is Shock Wave Therapy for?

If you have been suffering from chronic heel pain and have not found relief or adequate healing through medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy or orthotics, you may be a good candidate for Shock Wave Therapy.

Who is Shock Wave Therapy NOT FOR?

  • Children
  • Pregnant Women
  • Patients prescribed with blood clotting medications

Is there any downtime?

You will most likely not feel any pain while undergoing the treatment. Patients do not require anesthesia or any injections. As this is a non-surgical treatment, you will not require any downtime post treatment. Patients may feel mild stinging or a tingling sensation that will usually subside within hours.

How is the Shock Wave Therapy treatment performed?

Consult with Dr. Brandon Macy who is a board certified podiatrist with expertise and focused training in the Shock Wave Therapy treatment. He treats men, women and children with all their foot and ankle care needs. First, he will complete a thorough evaluation followed by a manual examination of the affected areas. The areas affected will be marked and the Ultrasonic Transmission gel will be applied on the treatment areas to prepare for the procedure. The treatment will begin with the doctor gliding the Shock Wave Therapy device over the injured areas. The treatment will last from 15-30 minutes. Multiple sessions may be required to see results and maximize relief. Dr. Brandon Macy is a highly experienced podiatric surgeon and has treated many patients at our office in Clark, New Jersey with Shock Wave Therapy. Call Clark Podiatry today at (732) 382-3470 to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment or schedule your online appointment now.

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1114 Raritan Road
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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470