For seniors, falls can pose serious risks to both physical health and independence. Understanding the underlying causes is pivotal in designing effective prevention strategies. Factors consisting of muscle weakness, poor balance, and reduced vision can play a significant role. Medication side effects, particularly dizziness or drowsiness, can also contribute to falling. Additionally, hazardous home environments, clutter, and uneven surfaces also heighten the risk. There are methods that can be implemented to prevent falling. Engaging in a regular exercise routine can help to enhance strength and balance. Vision checks and reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can be beneficial in reducing risks. Modifying the home environment by installing handrails, improving lighting, and reducing clutter fosters safety. By addressing these causes and adopting preventive measures, seniors can confidently navigate life while minimizing the risk of falls. If you would like more information about effective fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in children experiencing growth spurts. It primarily affects active kids involved in sports and physical activities. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension on the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. As children grow, the bones often grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to this painful condition. Sever's disease usually affects children and young teenagers between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. The treatment for Sever's disease focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Rest, and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition are the primary treatment measures. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help improve flexibility and reduce stress on the affected area. In some cases, heel pads or orthotic shoe inserts may be recommended to provide additional support and cushioning. If the pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper evaluation and guidance on managing Sever's disease effectively.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Running shoes are the holy grail for many fitness enthusiasts, but with so many options available, finding the right pair can be overwhelming. Understanding the different types of running shoes will make the selection process smoother. Neutral cushioned shoes are ideal for runners with a neutral gait, providing balanced cushioning for shock absorption. People who have mild overpronation may benefit from wearing stability shoes that offer added support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Motion-control shoes may be a good choice for people who have severe overpronation because they feature maximum support and control that can stabilize the foot. Experienced runners seeking a natural, lightweight feel may opt for minimalist shoes, which can also help to improve foot mechanics. To find out which type of running shoes are best for you, it is beneficial to have a gait analysis performed. This is an accurate method that can determine your foot type and running style. A proper fit consists of having a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and shoe tip and a snug heel fit. If you would like additional information about which types of running shoes are right for you, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. seeking.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ankle joint is a structure of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that allow the foot to flex and point. At this complex joint, the tibia and fibula muscles of the calf connect with the talus bone of the foot, forming what is termed the ankle mortise. These bones bear the majority of weight bearing, while the ligaments that hold them in place provide stability. When this mechanism fails, usually as the result of some kind of trauma, the ankle becomes dislocated. The most common causes of a dislocated ankle are falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. Types of dislocations include posterior, anterior, lateral, and superior. A posterior dislocation, which is the most common, occurs when the talus is pushed forward while the tibia is pushed backward. A lateral dislocation, which occurs when the ankle is twisted, is usually accompanied by a bone fracture. A superior dislocation occurs when the talus is pushed upward into the space between the tibia and fibula, often the result of a fall or car crash. Treatment for a dislocated ankle depends on the type and severity of the injury, and recovery can take up to 3 months. For help with an ankle dislocation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is easy to notice. It is a foot condition that causes the second or third toe to bend up at the middle joint and may be caused by shoes that are the incorrect size. This is a common condition among people who wear high heels or tight shoes, and in severe cases, it may be difficult to walk. Many people develop corns on top of the hammertoes, caused by the toes constantly rubbing against the top of the shoe. In mild cases, some stretches can gradually straighten the toes. This can be coupled with wearing protective pads on top of the toes, which may help reduce friction. Some people choose to wear orthotics, which may help realign the foot. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that commonly affects a joint in the big toe, but also occurs in other joints of the body. Attacks of gout, called flare-ups, come on suddenly and frequently occur during sleeping hours. They are characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and constant pain. Gout is mainly caused by an overabundance of uric acid, which is formed during the breakdown of purines in the system. Eating foods that contain high levels of purines, including red meats, seafood, alcohol, and sugary drinks, can set off gout attacks. Crystals of uric acid can build up in the joints, resulting in inflammation and severe pain. Gout may be associated with kidney disease, obesity, and heart disease, as well as from a hereditary disposition. While it is not curable, there are ways to manage it and lower the risk of experiencing gout. It is important to control gout as recurring attacks can damage joints and tendons. Reducing the amount of uric acid is the number one way to treat gout. Certain medications, such as colchicine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can help to reduce the effects of gout. For more information about gout treatments, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatry is a field of medicine that specializes in the disorders and treatment of the feet and ankles. There are several painful conditions that can affect the feet, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and ingrown toenails. There are various branches of podiatry that can range from performing foot surgery to working in a hospital or clinic setting. Interested candidates pursuing podiatry will go through an extensive education process. This can begin with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by completing a four-year program in a podiatric medical school. At this time, the student will earn a DPM, which is the abbreviation for a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. A residency program begins after the DPM is obtained, and lasts for three years. This will give the student an opportunity to work in podiatry, in addition to learning pertinent information about medicine. If you think you may want to pursue a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you meet with this type of doctor who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy running are all too familiar with the fear of incurring a running injury. The majority of running injuries can be prevented when simple strategies are implemented. These are the same techniques for all runners, ranging from weekend warriors to people who run several marathons. Research has shown that stretching is an important factor which may help to prevent running injuries. The hip flexor and quad stretch is done by kneeling on one knee on a mat while pulling the tailbone inward, and pushing the hips forward. This stretch will be felt in front of the hip. For people who prefer a deeper stretch, the ankle can be grabbed, and brought close to the glutes. A calf stretch is effective in exercising the heel and sole of the foot. This is performed by standing on a step while lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. There are additional stretching techniques that can be done which can protect the feet while running. If you would like more information about how to perform these, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.