A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn after the foot rolls inward unexpectedly. This often happens during sports, quick changes in direction, or simple missteps on uneven ground. The most commonly affected tissue is the ligament at the front of the outer ankle, which is more vulnerable to sudden twisting. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, soreness when touching the outer ankle, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some people feel unsteady or notice that the ankle wants to give way. Early care focuses on reducing swelling and protecting the joint while it begins to heal. As pain improves, targeted movement and strengthening help restore stability. A podiatrist can determine the extent of the injury and outline the safest recovery plan. If your ankle remains painful or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection seen by podiatrists, often affecting teens and adults who sweat in shoes. Symptoms include itching, peeling skin, cracking between toes, and blisters that form on the sole or instep. The skin may look white, scaly, or raw, and blisters can appear clear or cloudy. It may feel itchy, sore, or painful when walking. Causes include warm, moist environments, shared showers, tight footwear, and contact with contaminated surfaces. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining the skin, confirming a diagnosis, and ruling out similar conditions. Treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medications, blister care, drying strategies, and prevention education. Prompt professional guidance supports healing, reduces recurrence risk, and protects family members and teammates nearby. Early care helps prevent spread, so it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are dealing with skin issues on your feet.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 stiff big toe joint, called hallux limitus, makes it harder for the toe to bend and can affect how the foot moves during walking, which can lead to discomfort and a less efficient stride. Custom-made orthotics can help by supporting the arch, stabilizing the midfoot, and reducing excessive pressure on the big toe joint. These devices improve the way each segment of the foot moves, allowing smoother motion and better weight transfer during walking. A podiatrist can assess joint mobility, gait, and foot structure to design orthotics that address the specific limitations caused by this condition. With proper guidance, patients can experience improved comfort and more efficient foot function. If limited big toe motion is affecting your daily activity, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to learn how custom orthotics can support healthier movement.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . 

Friction blisters on the feet are small pockets of fluid that form when the skin experiences friction, heat, or pressure. They may look like raised, clear or whitish bumps on the surface of the skin and can sometimes develop a red or inflamed border. Blisters often feel tender, sore, or tight, and walking or standing may become uncomfortable. Common causes include wearing poorly fitting shoes, repetitive motion, excessive sweating, or prolonged activities like running or hiking. In some cases, blisters can result from burns, allergic reactions, or underlying medical conditions. A podiatrist can begin by examining the blister, determining the cause, and ensuring there are no signs of infection. Treatment may involve safe drainage techniques, footwear adjustments, and strategies to reduce friction and pressure in the future. Because early care can prevent complications and promote healing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.