Flat feet can lead to discomfort and other issues, but targeted exercises can help to build arch strength and improve flexibility. One beneficial exercise is the toe raise, where you stand with your feet flat and then slowly lift your heels off the ground while keeping your toes and the balls of your feet planted. This movement strengthens the muscles that support the arch. To enhance flexibility, incorporate stretches like the towel stretch, where you sit with your legs extended and use a towel to gently pull your toes towards you, stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Another effective stretch involves rolling your foot over a small ball or rolling pin to target the plantar fascia. Regularly performing these exercises can improve arch support and overall foot health. If you have flat feet and you are uncomfortable, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

Proper toenail care is important for maintaining foot health and preventing issues like ingrown toenails and infections. Start by soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. This softens the nails, making them easier to cut and reducing the risk of cracking. Use a high-quality nail clipper or scissors specifically designed for toenails, as regular fingernail clippers may not provide a clean cut. When trimming, cut the toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges. This approach helps to prevent ingrown toenails, which occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Avoid cutting the nails too short, leaving a small white edge at the tip to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. After cutting, smooth any rough edges with a nail file to avoid snags and cuts. If you need help with problematic toenails, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a 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 bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing the toe to deviate towards the others. Common issues can include chronic pain, bursitis or inflammation of the fluid-filled pads that cushion the bones, and metatarsalgia or pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Severe cases or complications can lead to hammertoes or crossover toes, where toes bend abnormally, and even arthritis in the big toe joint. Preventing bunion complications involves wearing properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box, avoiding high heels, and using orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the bunion. Maintaining a healthy weight can also alleviate stress on the feet. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods like padding and medications to manage pain to surgical procedures for more severe cases. If you have a bunion that is causing worsening symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can help to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 warts can be both unsightly and painful. These small, hard growths on the bottom of the foot are usually harmless but highly contagious. They are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV, which can enter through a sore or crack in the skin. Plantar warts commonly appear on the heels and the fleshy parts of the toes. HPV thrives in damp environments, like public pools, showers, and gym locker rooms, so wearing protective footwear in these places is advised. It's also important to avoid touching the warts to prevent spreading the virus to other body parts. Treatment options for plantar warts include over-the-counter medications, liquid nitrogen to burn off the wart, or cryotherapy to freeze it. If you frequently get plantar warts, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can be effectively managed through both foot orthotics and non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical options include performing specific stretching exercises which may help to strengthen the foot. These methods aim to alleviate symptoms and promote healing by addressing tightness in the calf muscles and reducing stress on the plantar fascia. Foot orthotics provide additional support and cushioning, redistributing pressure away from the affected area and correcting foot mechanics that contribute to the condition. Custom orthotics are tailored to individual foot anatomy, offering precise alignment and comfort. While non-surgical treatments focus on reducing symptoms, orthotics offer ongoing support to prevent recurrence and aid in long-term recovery. Combining both approaches may yield optimal results, addressing pain relief and addressing underlying biomechanical issues that contribute to plantar fasciitis. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, 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 Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please 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.

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet. It typically causes a red, itchy, and scaly rash, often starting between the toes. The condition thrives in warm, moist environments, making locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers common places for contraction. Athlete's foot occurs when the fungus comes into contact with the skin and finds favorable conditions to grow, such as damp socks or shoes. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, and in severe cases, blisters or ulcers. For mild cases of athlete's foot, antifungal creams, powders, or sprays may be effective. Keeping feet clean and dry is essential, as is changing socks regularly and wearing breathable footwear. Preventative measures include using shower sandals in public areas, thoroughly drying feet after washing, and avoiding sharing towels or shoes. If symptoms of athlete's foot persist or worsen despite treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture manifests as a small crack or severe bruising within a bone, typically caused by repetitive force or overuse, such as high-impact activities like running or jumping. This injury often results from sudden increases in activity intensity or duration, wearing inadequate footwear support, or changes in training surfaces. Symptoms can include localized pain and tenderness, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. The pain associated with a stress fracture is often described as dull and achy initially, worsening with activity and subsiding with rest. In some cases, there may be a noticeable tenderness or throbbing sensation at the fracture site. Prompt diagnosis through imaging techniques like X-rays or MRI scans is essential to differentiate a stress fracture from other foot injuries and initiate appropriate treatment. If you have foot pain, and believe it may be a stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the most appropriate course of treatment is for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Diagnosing a broken toe involves recognizing symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Types of toe fractures include stress fractures, where small cracks form from repetitive stress, and traumatic fractures, resulting from a direct blow or impact. A doctor will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the fracture type. Relief options for a broken toe include rest and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the type of fracture, buddy-taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe may provide support and alignment during healing. Wearing stiff-soled shoes can protect the toe and ease walking. In severe cases, a cast or surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward a comprehensive treatment plan. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.