Obesity can place significant stress on the feet because they support the body's weight with every step. As body weight increases, the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the feet must absorb greater pressure during standing and walking. This added stress may contribute to foot pain, reduced mobility, and changes in the way the feet function. People who are overweight may be more likely to develop heel pain, flat feet, or arthritis affecting the foot and ankle. Ongoing discomfort can make everyday activities more difficult and may reduce overall physical activity. Because foot pain has many possible causes, a professional evaluation is important to identify the underlying problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Excess weight can also affect the structure of the feet and alter normal walking patterns. As movement patterns change, additional strain may be placed on the ankles, knees, and hips. This altered body mechanics can increase discomfort and reduce stability over time. Obesity has also been linked to a higher risk of tendon problems and joint degeneration in the feet. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps determine how weight-related changes are affecting foot function and mobility. Identifying these concerns early allows treatment to focus on relieving pain, improving movement, and helping prevent further complications.

A podiatrist plays an important role in evaluating and treating foot problems related to obesity. During an examination, the podiatrist assesses foot structure, walking mechanics, and joint function to identify the source of discomfort. Treatment is tailored to each patient's condition and focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting healthier foot function. Regular podiatry care may also help reduce stress on the feet and monitor changes before they become more severe. If foot pain or difficulty walking is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is a toe that bends downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat. It usually affects the second, third, or fourth toe and can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. The condition develops when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that control the toe become unbalanced. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones. Wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that lack proper support can increase pressure on the toes and make the problem worse. Arthritis, foot injuries, and inherited foot structure also can contribute to hammertoes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty while walking. Corns and calluses also can develop because the bent toe rubs against the inside of the shoe.

A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to determine the severity of the hammertoe and whether other foot problems are present. The evaluation includes checking the flexibility of the affected toe, the position of the joints, and the strength of the surrounding muscles. The podiatrist also watches how the patient stands and walks because changes in movement can increase pressure on the toes. X-rays provide detailed images of the bones and help identify arthritis or changes in joint alignment. An accurate diagnosis allows the podiatrist to develop a treatment plan that matches the patient's symptoms and activity level. Early treatment can help prevent the toe from becoming more rigid and painful.

Treatment depends on how flexible the toe remains and how much discomfort it causes. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the affected toe. Care also includes custom orthotics that improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the joints. Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve muscle balance and help support better toe movement. Patients with severe deformities or toes that have become permanently stiff can benefit from surgery to restore a more natural position. If you have developed a  hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Sesamoiditis can make every step uncomfortable because it affects two small bones beneath the base of the big toe. These bones, called sesamoids, sit inside a tendon and help the foot absorb pressure while walking, running, and pushing off the ground. When the sesamoids become irritated or inflamed, pain develops under the ball of the foot near the big toe. The discomfort usually becomes worse while walking, especially when wearing thin-soled shoes or high heels. Mild swelling, warmth, or redness can also appear in the area. Sesamoiditis affects runners, dancers, and people with high arches. It also affects many people with bunions because changes in foot structure place extra pressure on the sesamoid bones.

A podiatrist begins by asking about symptoms and examining the foot. Gentle pressure on each sesamoid bone helps identify the exact source of pain. When swelling surrounds the big toe joint, additional testing helps rule out gout or an infection. If a fracture or changes in the position of the sesamoid bones are suspected, X-rays are commonly ordered. An MRI scan, which creates detailed images of bones and soft tissues, provides more information when X-rays do not give a clear answer. An accurate diagnosis allows the podiatrist to recommend the most effective treatment.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the sesamoid bones and allowing the irritated area to recover. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with thick soles, custom orthotics, or offloading pads that shift pressure away from the painful area. When a fracture is present without the bones moving out of place, the foot can be protected with a rigid medical shoe while healing occurs. Surgery is considered only when other treatments do not relieve symptoms. Early care helps prevent ongoing pain and allows many patients to return to comfortable movement. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays an important role while walking, running, and pushing off the foot. When this tendon becomes irritated, stretched, or torn, it can make everyday movement painful. Achilles tendon injuries can develop from repeated stress on the tendon or from a sudden movement that places too much force on it. The risk also increases when the calf muscles are tight or when wearing shoes that lack proper support. Pain usually develops at the back of the ankle or just above the heel. Swelling, stiffness, and tenderness also are common. Some patients notice pain at the beginning of activity that becomes worse after continued movement. A complete tear can cause a popping sensation followed by severe pain and weakness.

A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to identify the type and severity of the injury. The evaluation includes checking the foot and ankle for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. The podiatrist also observes how the patient stands and walks to identify changes caused by the injured tendon. Imaging tests, like ultrasound or MRI scans, provide a clear view of the tendon and help confirm a partial or complete tear. Finding the injury early helps prevent additional damage and allows treatment to begin before the condition becomes more serious.

Treatment depends on the condition of the tendon and the patient's activity level. A podiatrist develops a treatment plan that reduces stress on the tendon while helping restore strength and flexibility. Care includes custom orthotics to improve foot support and reduce strain on the tendon. It also includes guided stretching and strengthening exercises.  If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel 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 create immense 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 injuries 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
• 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 you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.