Strengthening the ankle after a sprain helps restore control in the foot and reduce the risk of repeated injury. When ligaments around the ankle heal in a weakened state, the joint can feel unstable during walking. Strengthening focuses on improving motion, muscle support, and balance through controlled ankle and toe movements. Ankle exercises that move the foot in multiple directions help rebuild coordination. Weight bearing activities, introduced at the right stage, improve stability during movement. A podiatrist evaluates ligament healing, joint alignment, and weight bearing tolerance, then directs a plan that progresses safely. Ongoing instability or joint damage can require surgery to restore function and protect the ankle in the long term. Proper treatment lowers the risk of ankle weakness. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for advanced treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor 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 Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition where firm nodules develop within the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms often include one or more slow growing lumps in the arch, tenderness with pressure, and discomfort when standing or walking. The area may look slightly raised or thickened, and the nodules can feel firm or rubbery under the skin. Pain may range from mild irritation to sharp soreness, especially in shoes. Causes are not always clear but may include genetics, repetitive foot stress, diabetes, or certain medications. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a physical examination, reviewing medical history, and using imaging if needed to confirm diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear modification, or injection therapy, with surgery reserved for severe cases. Early care helps manage symptoms and slow progression. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are having issues. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Hagland's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that often develops where the Achilles tendon attaches. It is commonly caused by wearing rigid footwear or high heels, repetitive irritation, or inherited foot structure. This condition may look like a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, and is often accompanied by redness or swelling. It can feel sore, stiff, tender, or painful, especially when wearing closed shoes or during walking and exercise. Some people experience aching or burning sensations as the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough examination, reviewing footwear habits, assessing biomechanics, and using imaging, if needed for confirmation. Treatment may include shoe modifications, padding, stretching programs, and inflammation management to relieve pressure and discomfort. Early care can prevent worsening symptoms and improve daily comfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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