Congratulations Dr. Lai for being named to Becker’s distinguished List of Foot & Ankle Surgeons!

38 foot and ankle surgeons to know | 2020
November 17, 2020
beckersasc.com

Becker’s is thrilled to feature 38 foot and ankle surgeons to know in 2020
The surgeons and specialists featured on this list have led accomplished careers and hold leadership positions at some of the top institutions across the U.S. The list was developed through nominations and internal research. Individuals do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list.

Dr. Lai began his practice in 2017 after completing a fellowship at The Orthopedic Group of Pittsburgh. He focuses his practice on minimally invasive procedures and diabetic limb reconstruction. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lai engages in research and has authored multiple chapters on foot and ankle surgery.

Congratulations Dr. Fox on being selected as a Top Podiatrist in NJ!

SELECT SURGEONS BONE & JOINT

Best in New Jersey 

Announcing an elite grouping of the state’s top Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Plastic Surgeons and Podiatrists across 13 procedure categories. This distinction is based on a number of criteria, including experience, qualifications, surgical volume, results and reputation. Only the top doctors in each category are named to the Select Surgeons Bone & Joint list. Many of the surgeons on this list perform other procedures in addition to those for which they have been recognized.

Ira M. Fox, DPM
Podiatric Surgeon
Shore Orthopaedic University Associates

Specializing in:
Reconstructive and Traumatic Foot and Ankle Surgery, Ankle Joint Replacement

Selection Methodology—Bone & Joint Surgeons
By New Jersey Monthly | August 8, 2019

Select Surgeons takes a 360-degree look at New Jersey’s bone and joint surgeons, reviewing 9 criteria across 13 procedure categories to arrive at the most comprehensive evaluation of leading bone and joint surgeons in the state. Leflein Associates (add link), a locally owned research firm in Ringwood, NJ, was commissioned to conduct the survey. Research was conducted between November 2019 and April 2020.

Golf Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Although golf does not involve running or jumping, injuries can occur to the foot and ankle. Golfers should be aware Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis can be exacerbated by excessive walking on the golf course. 

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. A foot and ankle surgeon is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and to determine the underlying source of your heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity and overuse may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.

 

Symptoms

Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Lai offers advice on Ankle Sprains

Ted C. Lai, DPM
Shore Orthopaedic University Associates

 Advice on Ankle Sprains

While in 80 percent of ankle sprains the ligament heals with a brace, rest, ice, compression and elevation, in 20 percent of ankle sprains the ligament does not heal in the correct anatomical position. This happens if the injury is more severe with complete rupture of the ligament and/or you don’t allow it to heal correctly. In this situation, the acute ankle sprain can develop into chronic lateral ankle instability and predisposes other structures to further injuries such as tendonitis and cartilage damage. At that point, with the triad of injuries, surgical repair many times is necessary. With today’s advanced surgical techniques and innovative technologies, recovery time has significantly improved and allows you to get back on your feet earlier. Surgery may be avoided completely by seeing a doctor as soon as the sprain occurs especially if there is swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty with walking. To avoid ankle sprains, proper footwear is important. Stay away from flimsy shoes and wear rigid-soled sneakers with arch supports. Be cautious when walking or running on uneven terrain such as the beach, curbs, or steps.

Dr. Lai is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in fractures, trauma, reconstructive surgery, ligament and tendon repair, and deformity correction of the foot and ankle. He is board qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and an associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

 

 

 

This Little Piggy Has A Bunion

Ira M. Fox, M.D.

Bunions are those big ugly bumps on the inside of your foot. Sometimes bunions are accompanied by big toes that turn outward toward the small toe.

Most people believe bunions are the result of ill-fitting shoes, but in fact they are hereditary. If you have bunions, look at the feet of your mother, father or grandparents; it is highly likely one of them also has bunions.

The discomfort of bunions can be worsened by shoes, but shoes cannot cause bunions. Treatment consists of accommodation – a change in footwear to fit the bunion – or surgical correction. Accommodation includes wearing more sensible shoes with a more rectangular toe box, or front of the shoe. For those unconcerned with style, orthopedic shoes are available with a toe box specially made for bunions. Padding of the bump also works.