Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet do not rise off the ground, causing the entire foot to make contact with the surface. You can often find out if you have flat feet by looking at your footprint after stepping on a wet surface or by checking whether your ankles roll inward when standing. Flat feet differ from normal arches, which provide natural support and shock absorption, and from high arches, which place extra pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate your arch type, identify any related pain or alignment problems, and recommend treatments such as supportive footwear or custom orthotics. If you have problems related to flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm this condition, and offer effective management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Toenail and toe pain while hiking is a common problem that can turn an enjoyable outdoor adventure into a painful experience. Causes often include wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, friction from improper socks, and repetitive impact on uneven terrain. To prevent these issues, it is important to wear properly sized hiking shoes, gradually break them in before long treks, and choose socks with cushioning and reinforcement in key areas. These steps help reduce pressure on the toes, prevent blisters, and protect the toenails from trauma. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide treatment for any persistent pain or nail injuries. If you have toe or toenail pain that is preventing you from enjoying your hiking experience, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM of Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Overuse, especially in runners, repetitive stress, or sudden increases in activity can lead to microtears in the plantar fascia. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, improper footwear, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a thorough evaluation, recommend targeted treatments such as stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or supportive footwear, and provide strategies to prevent recurrence. If you are a runner and have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM  from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy warm weather, but it is also a season when your feet need extra care. Avoid super hot showers because they can dry the skin and make cracking more likely. Gently exfoliate to remove rough patches and keep the skin smooth. Additionally, always apply sunblock to the tops of your feet when wearing sandals or spending time outdoors, since this area is often overlooked and prone to sunburn. A podiatrist can help you manage dry skin, evaluate foot pain, and recommend products that keep your feet healthy through the summer months. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional everyday foot care routines. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation beneath the big toe joint where two small bones, called sesamoids, help support weight during walking and push-off. When these tiny bones become irritated from repetitive impact, high-arched feet, thin-soled shoes, or activities such as running or dancing, the area can become tender and swollen. People often describe a sharp or aching pain that increases when bending the big toe or bearing weight on the ball of the foot. Rest and cushioned footwear may ease early symptoms, but persistent discomfort should not be ignored because ongoing stress can slow healing. A podiatrist can determine the level of inflammation, recommend protective padding or orthotics, and guide activity changes that allow the area to recover safely. If pain under the big toe joint is continuing or affecting daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM of Gerald Mauriello, DPM. 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 offices located in Hackettstown Vernon and Allamuchy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.