Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

Are you a soccer or basketball player? Did you know that stress fractures are common in sports with constant running? The repetitive activity can cause a small crack or bruise on your foot bone. Stress fractures can also occur when someone changes their activity, such as running on a treadmill to running outdoors. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC realize that things happen, no matter how much you prepare your body for physical activity. We are dedicated to treating your sports injury as quickly as we can, so that you can get back on the court.  The sudden increase or change in physical activity are causes of stress fractures and include poor conditioning, improper technique, change in surface, and using improper equipment. Certain medications and pre-existing conditions can make individuals more susceptible to stress fractures, such as the bone insufficiency that comes with osteoporosis. Stress fractures are also more common during the winter, since the body is deprived of the sun’s vit...

Do you have heel pain? If so, then you might have plantar fasciitis, which is the most common culprit of heel pain. This condition involves the band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects to your heel bone and toes, to become inflamed. The stabbing pain that comes with plantar fasciitis affects your day to day routine, where even the simplest tasks cause discomfort. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC take pride in assisting our patients in the treatment of their foot problems. You shouldn’t have to live in pain! Your New Jersey podiatrist can help. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overstressing the bowstring that supports the arch of your foot, though a clear cause isn’t really known. With this kind of condition, rest is the key to finding relief. Stretching or exercising with plantar fasciitis can actually worsen it, resulting in chronic heel pain.  There are some known factors that increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, including: - Age - Obesity - Bei...

If you have a shooting pain up your calf that you just can’t shake, you might have Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is especially painful because it affects the tibial nerve, which branches from the sciatic nerve. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC are committed to helping you manage your pain, as well as correct the issue and prevent it from occurring again. Your New Jersey podiatrist can walk you through a treatment plan designed uniquely for you! There are different types of pain associated with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Pain ranges from sharp, shooting, pins and needles, to an ‘electric shock’ or burning sensation. The pain is felt along your calf, but it is not uncommon to also feel pain in the sole of your foot or inside your ankle. Symptoms also depend on the individual. Some people experience gradual pain while others have felt pain very suddenly. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome pain worsens with physical activity, but depending on the severity, an individual can experience pain while ...

It’s typical for people to assume older individuals are more prone to bunions when in actuality, people of all ages and at any fitness level can develop them. Though, this foot condition is more common in women and, yes, older individuals. Bunions can develop as a result of an inherited defect, stress on the foot, arthritis, or from wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions are permanent unless surgically corrected. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC want to help our patients alleviate the pain associated with this foot condition. Bunions form when your big toe pushes against the toe next to it, forcing the joint of the big toe to grow and stick out more than normal. This area becomes inflamed, swollen, and radiates persistent or intermittent pain. You should see your New Jersey podiatrist if you experience constant pain in your big toe or foot, or if you notice decreased movement or a visible bump on your big toe joint. If you find it difficult to find shoes that fit correctly because of your...

Prevent the possibility of injuring yourself during training, so that you can still run that marathon you’ve been planning! We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC understand that even with efficient training, accidents happen. Your New Jersey Podiatrist is here for you when or if those accidents happen. We want to get you back to doing what you love as soon as possible!  One way to prevent running injuries is to train smarter. You need to prioritize safety over anything else, which includes proper equipment utilization and performing exercises correctly. Before any major physical activity, you need to also warm-up your muscles and ligaments. It’s important to prepare your body for physical activity, as this is a proven way to limit your chances of injury. Improving your strength can also decrease the risk of running injuries since many runners lack the skills for basic movement and functional strength. Working on core exercises, such as the plank, can significantly help with this! Some common...

Typically, a child’s feet are the furthest from our minds when it comes to the child’s overall health and care. Why would pediatric foot care be important when you have to think about checkups, crib safety, and a million other things? In reality, there are several problems that can affect your infant’s feet even if they don’t walk on them yet. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC are committed to educating parents about proper foot care for their children. As early as infancy, it’s crucial that parents take proper measures to promote good foot care for their babies. This can be accomplished in several different ways: - Cover the baby’s feet loosely. Never tighten the covers on them so that movement is restricted. - Promote exercise. With the baby lying uncovered, kicking and other related motions prepare the feet for bearing their growing weight. - Change the baby’s position several times a day. - Always check the baby’s feet for any abnormalities. Foot deformities can form easily since a b...

Each of us has a unique walking pattern, defined as our gait. Gait is crucial for development because when observed at an early age, it can be an early diagnostic clue for conditions such as cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Normal gait requires adequate strength and balance from all participating joints. Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry would like to briefly explain some different types of abnormal gait. Scissors gait – This is when the legs are flexed slightly at the hips and knees in a crouching motion. The knees and thighs may hit each other crossing in a scissor-like movement. Waddling gait – This type of gait is usually observed in children and will cause a person to have a duck-like walk. Magnetic gait – This occurs when a person walks while shuffling their feet as if they stick to the ground. If you suffer from arthritis of the leg or foot joints or experience frequent corns, calluses, or swelling of the feet, call us immediately to discuss your treatme...