Strong and flexible feet are essential to runners. Feet are the part of the body that strike and engage with the ground, and provide the foundation on which the body relies to complete and sustain the running movement. With 26 bones in each foot, nearly one quarter of all the bones in our bodies are located in the feet, not to mention muscles and tendons. Strong arches are an important component in the propulsion action the feet and legs perform during running and also help the foot’s ability to adequately absorb high-impact forces which is critical to preventing injuries. Sometimes, runners either need to compensate for flat feet, or they can develop fallen arches over time. There are exercises a podiatrist can suggest to help you strengthen your foot muscles, as well as custom orthotics to give you the proper arch support you need while running. Additionally, they may present a surgical option to correct flexible flatfoot.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

An ingrown toenail is defined as the corners of a nail growing into the edges of the surrounding skin. This typically occurs in the big toe of babies and adults alike, but it can happen to any of the toes. Because baby’s nails are soft and flexible and sometimes curve in at the edges, they may appear to have an ingrown toenail without the nail truly being ingrown. When you are not sure if the nail is ingrown, give your baby a bath and let their feet soak in warm water. The toenails will become even softer so you can check and gently bend the corners of the nail upward if they are in fact growing inward. If you are still unsure, the most common symptom is for the skin around the affected toenail to become red or swollen. You may even notice pus or a yellow fluid where your baby’s toenail is ingrown. If any of these symptoms occur it is important to visit your podiatrist as these may be signs of an infection. An infection can be serious to your baby, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions. To help prevent your child from developing ingrown toenails, do not cut their nails too short and when you do trim them be sure to cut straight across. To learn more about proper foot health for your baby, please seek the counsel of a local podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

A common symptom of pregnancy that many women experience is swollen ankles. This can happen as a result of the growing fetus, and may become worse in the warmer weather. Additionally, it can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and relief may be found when specific lifestyle changes are implemented. These can include drinking plenty of fresh water daily, frequently elevating the feet, and it may help to sleep on the left side. Many women find that it may help to refrain from crossing the legs, in addition to exercising, and performing specific stretches. If you would like more information about how pregnancy affects the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 needs.

The most common reason corns on the feet develop is excess friction that is caused by the shoes that are worn. They are defined as small, hardened areas of skin that can form in different areas of the foot. A soft corn will develop between the toes, and can cause severe discomfort. Wearing shoes that are too tight may lead to having a soft corn. Hard corns can form on the outside of the pinky toe, and seed corns are often found on the bottom of the foot. Many corns will dissolve when the shoes that are worn fit properly, and it may help to wear thick socks which can absorb excess pressure. If you have corns on your feet, please speak with a podiatrist who can identify and treat this painful foot condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Onychomycosis is a common type of fungal infection that can affect the toenails. Infected toenails may become discolored, brittle, or thickened, and can crumble, crack, or separate from the skin over time. Toenail fungus is usually not painful, but can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It is also highly contagious and can spread from one nail to another and from person to person. There are several treatments available for onychomycosis. Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments, such as medicated nail polishes and creams, are applied directly to the surface of infected nails. Oral antifungal medications are often prescribed for more severe infections, but may cause side effects that require close monitoring. In some cases, removing the infected nail may be suggested. For more information about toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

A bunion is a bony growth that forms on the base of the big toe joint. This growth can cause deformities in the structure of the foot, forming a bump on the side of the big toe and pushing the big toe out of alignment and towards the smaller toes. There are both surgical and nonsurgical methods for treating bunions. Bunion surgery is usually suggested in severe cases and can consist of removing damaged tissue or parts of the bone, realigning the bones, or permanently joining the bones to straighten the toe and remove the deformity. Nonsurgical or conservative treatment methods usually work well in milder cases and can help manage bunion symptoms and prevent the bunion from worsening. These include wearing roomy, comfortable shoes or orthotic inserts, applying ice to the bunion, and taking over-the-counter pain medications to reduce inflammation. If you have bunions and are wondering which treatments may work for you, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

The majority of ballet dancers understand the importance of properly stretching the feet before a dance recital. Proper balance is achieved when there is adequate strength and flexibility, and this is often accomplished by performing simple stretches. An effective stretch can consist of placing one foot over the opposite thigh while sitting on the floor, and pushing into the heel with your hand until a gentle stretch is felt. This is one of several stretches that can keep the flexibility that is needed for graceful ballet dancing. If you would like additional information about how to safely perform foot stretches that may help to enhance your dance routine, please confer with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common overuse injury that results in inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, can be a very painful and persistent ailment. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain that is usually at its worst upon taking your first steps in the morning. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can worsen over time and can cause foot pain that interferes with daily activities. Full recovery from plantar fasciitis can take between 6 to 8 weeks, and in some cases may take several months. Treatments for this condition are typically conservative and involve resting and icing the foot, modifying your activities and footwear, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. If you have plantar fasciitis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 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 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.

Running is great exercise, but it can also take a toll on your feet. To keep your feet healthy while you run, it is important to wear the right shoes. You want your shoes to fit snuggly, but to have about a half inch gap between your longest toes and the end of your shoes. Go shoe shopping later in the day or after a run, when feet are at their largest, and wear the shoes around the store to determine if they are right for you. Your foot structure and biomechanics may also be a consideration when shoe shopping. People with flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait will want to look for running shoes that reduce the impact of these issues. For more information about choosing the best running shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. 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

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.