Items filtered by date: October 2025

Ankle pain is a common complaint that can make daily activities difficult. It is an uncomfortable sensation or ache in one or both of the ankle joints. Possible causes are varied. They include minor sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, or tendon inflammation. The feeling is often described as a throbbing, sharp, or burning pain, sometimes accompanied by stiffness and swelling. It may hurt when you walk or bear weight. Prevention is key. Choose supportive footwear, maintain a healthy weight, and always stretch properly before exercise. Additionally, build strength in your lower legs and ankles. If pain does strike, rest and elevation are important first steps, and gentle compression may reduce swelling. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the issue and offer specialized treatments, such as custom orthotics or targeted exercises for effective relief. If your pain is severe, if you cannot bear weight, or if swelling persists for more than two days, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Different dance styles require specific shoes designed for support and performance. Ballet slippers and pointe shoes emphasize flexibility and precision, while jazz, tap, and ballroom shoes provide stability and movement control. A proper shoe fit is essential to prevent pain and injury, especially since dancers have unique foot shapes such as square, Greek, or Egyptian feet. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can contribute to posterior ankle impingement, anterior ankle strain, and medial ankle injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and treat dance-related injuries to keep feet strong and balanced. If foot pain or discomfort is affecting your dance performance, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your desired style of dance.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the third and fourth toes, often resulting in burning, tingling, or numbness. When conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended.  A neurectomy involves removing the affected nerve to relieve pain, while decompression surgery releases pressure on the nerve by cutting surrounding ligaments. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, typically requiring several weeks to regain full function and return to normal activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the neuroma, discuss surgical and non-surgical options, and provide post-operative care to ensure proper healing. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose Morton’s neuroma, and discuss surgical options with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Custom orthotics can be a game-changer for runners dealing with pain or injuries. These specially designed shoe inserts help by correcting foot mechanics. For example, a rearfoot medial wedge in the orthotic reduces excessive inward rolling of the heel, called eversion, which is common in injured runners. This adjustment can ease the strain on the feet, ankles, and legs, promoting better alignment. Orthotics work best when combined with a broader treatment plan, including stretching and strengthening exercises. This comprehensive approach can lead to better outcomes compared to using orthotics alone. For runners with foot pain, custom orthotics offer targeted relief, improved performance, and support for long-term recovery. If you are a runner and have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment, which may include custom orthotics.

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 our office located in Passaic, NJ . 

Dropping a heavy object on your toe, or stubbing it against a piece of furniture, are common reasons to experience a broken toe. Pain is generally the first symptom that is noticed, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, many patients notice their toe is swollen and bruised, and it is often painful to wear shoes. The affected foot may feel better when it is elevated, and this can help to diminish a portion of the swelling. As the healing process occurs, it may be beneficial to perform stretches and exercises that can promote rebuilding and strength. Toe curls can be effective in strengthening the toes, in addition to the overall foot. This is done by curling the toes, followed by stretching them back as far as possible. Many patients choose to pick up a towel from the floor with their toes, which can help to strengthen the top of the foot. If you would like to know how to perform additional exercise after a broken toe has healed, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.