Diagnosing a heel stress fracture can be challenging because early symptoms often resemble other causes of heel pain. A heel stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated force. Patients may have deep, aching pain that worsens with standing or walking and improves with rest. During an exam, a podiatrist checks for tenderness, swelling, and pain with pressure on the heel. Standard X-rays are often the first step, but they may appear normal in early stages. If pain continues, advanced imaging like an MRI can detect subtle bone injury and confirm the diagnosis. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, order appropriate imaging, and determine the severity of the heel stress fracture. Treatment plans include reducing pressure on the injured area with a walking boot or brace. This approach, along with footwear changes and careful monitoring, helps promote healing and prevent complications. If you have constant heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a main cause of heel pain that affects the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. It often begins with sharp discomfort during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain may ease with movement but return after long periods of standing. The heel may feel tender, tight, or slightly swollen, and pressure along the arch can increase discomfort. Causes include repetitive strain, poor foot support, and tight calf muscles. Abnormal foot structure that places excess stress on the tissue may also contribute. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, confirm the diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient. Care options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to reduce tension and improve flexibility. Early treatment can help prevent chronic pain and further injury. If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the foot specialists  from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Regaining strength after spraining an ankle is essential for stability and prevention of repeat injuries. A sprain stretches or tears ligaments, the strong bands that hold the joint together, leading to weakness and poor control of movement. Early recovery focuses on improving range of motion, meaning how well the ankle can move in different directions. As healing progresses, strengthening exercises target the muscles and tendons that support the joint. This helps the ankle handle weight and movement again. Balance training is also important, as it improves coordination and reduces the risk of chronic sprains. A podiatrist can guide this process by evaluating joint function, recommending supportive bracing, and prescribing custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain. They may also design a structured rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength safely and effectively. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Negative pressure wound therapy is an advanced method used to help foot wounds heal more efficiently. It works by applying gentle suction through a sealed dressing placed over the wound. This controlled suction removes excess fluid, reduces swelling, and helps improve blood flow to the area. Better circulation brings oxygen and nutrients that support healing. The therapy also promotes the growth of new tissue, which fills in the wound over time. Keeping the wound clean and reducing bacteria lowers the risk of infection. A podiatrist carefully prepares the wound, selects the proper dressing, and adjusts pressure levels based on the wound type to ensure safe care. This treatment is often used for slow-healing wounds, including ulcers or surgical sites. If you have foot wounds that are slow to heal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

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 the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.