Senior forward Amile Jefferson of Duke University has been out indefinitely due to a right foot injury. Jefferson has been cited as the team’s most productive player in the past. He averaged 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds in Duke’s first nine games and was among the best offensive rebounders in the country. Duke’s program is not unfamiliar with players suffering significant injuries. During the 2012-13 season, Ryan Kelly had missed 13 games. Before that, Kyrie Irving had suffered a right toe injury.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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In recent years, many parents are noticing a “floating toe” in their children. This means that at least one toe on the foot is not touching the ground. The condition is usually harmless, but can cause foot pain, future foot problems, or a lack of balance. “When children have floating toes, the area of the sole of their foot touching the ground is smaller and harder for them to maintain their balance,” stated Takuma Usada, director of Toranomon Chiropractic Office in Tokyo. One concern is that floating toes occurs due to a lack of foot usage in present day children. Having children participate in foot usage activities may help prevent the condition.

Looking out for potential foot and ankle injuries as well as general health is vital in maintaining proper development in children’s feet. If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

• Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
• Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

• Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
• Be watchful of any pain or injury
• Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
• Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Last month Gavin Escobar of the Dallas Cowboys had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Escobar had suffered the injury during the Cowboys game against the New York Jets. A long rehabilitation lies ahead for Escobar. The Cowboys athlete went into 2016 on his final year of his contract and has yet to play on the offense for the team. Escobar’s career currently is in flux, but Cowboys coach Jason Garrett believes “[Escobar] did a good job blocking in training camp and showed he could run routes and catch the ball.”

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel bone of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Snapping sensation

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If unable to immediately see your podiatrist, remember to Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate until then.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Adrian Peterson of the Vikings has suffered an ankle sprain in the game against the Bears. Although he had hurt his ankle, Peterson continued in the game, running for 63 yards. Following the conclusion of the game, Peterson was analyzed by doctors, who began evaluating Peterson. Peterson was “initially worried that he wouldn’t be able to come back after he felt the ankle tighten up while he was being evaluated.” However, Peterson feels confident that he’ll be able to recover, although he will end up missing the Giants game.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you are having discomfort in your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about ankle sprains.