Achilles tendon pain, especially first thing in the morning, can be linked to physical activity or how your foot is positioned during sleep. The Achilles tendon, a strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to the heel, is essential for walking, running, and jumping. Overuse, particularly in athletes or those who engage in repetitive physical activities, can lead to small tears in the Achilles tendon fibers, causing pain and stiffness. Additionally, during sleep, your calf muscles may tighten as your ankle rests in a relaxed position. When you stand and stretch these muscles in the morning, the sudden tension can result in pain at the back of your heel. Proper footwear, appropriate training surfaces, and gradual increases in activity levels can help to prevent this condition. If you experience persistent Achilles tendon pain, especially when you wake up in the morning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Wearing high heels can often lead to painful blisters on the feet. These blisters form due to excessive friction and pressure against the skin, which causes the outer layer to separate from the deeper layers. As a result, fluid accumulates in the space, forming a blister. High heels typically increase the likelihood of blisters because they alter the natural alignment of the foot and place pressure on areas that are not accustomed to such strain. To relieve and prevent blisters, opt for well-fitting, cushioned shoes that reduce friction. It is also helpful to give your feet regular breaks from high heels and to practice proper foot care, including moisturizing and keeping the skin healthy to reduce the risk of blisters. Blisters can be bothersome and may become infected. If you frequently develop blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Preventing falls, especially in older adults, is essential for maintaining health and independence. As people age, factors such as muscle weakness, balance issues, and certain medical conditions can increase the likelihood of falls. Certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce this risk. Regular exercise that focuses on strength, balance, and endurance is a key factor in preventing falls. Strengthening the core and legs improves stability, while activities like tai chi and yoga enhance balance. Further, ensuring that your home is free of hazards, like loose rugs or poor lighting, can create a safer environment. A podiatrist plays a vital role in fall prevention by assessing and addressing foot-related issues, which are often overlooked but critical for maintaining proper gait and balance. Custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and treatment for any underlying foot problems can help reduce the risk of falls in older adults. If you have endured a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment and fall prevention strategies.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Toe, foot, and ankle pain can stem from various conditions, each requiring specific attention. Achilles tendinitis, characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often results in heel and calf pain from overuse or strain. Bruises occur when blood vessels under the skin are damaged, causing localized pain and discoloration. Puncture wounds, typically from sharp objects, can lead to infection and persistent discomfort. Stress fractures, small cracks in the bones from repetitive stress, are common in athletes and cause gradual pain that worsens with activity. Additionally, plantar fasciitis, involving inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes, leads to sharp heel pain, especially noticeable in the morning. If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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