Items filtered by date: December 2018

The formal name that is given for pain in front of the ankle is referred to as anterior ankle pain. Patients can develop this type of pain suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Pain in this part of the ankle can occur from an inflammation of the tendon sheath. This can cause discomfort while bending the foot up, and the front of the ankle may be swollen and red. A bony growth in the front or back of the ankle can be an ankle impingement. This can cause a limited range of motion and may happen following an ankle sprain that has not fully healed. A proper diagnosis consists of how successfully the ankle is moved by the patient, and then compared to how freely the ankle moves with a podiatrist's help. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact this type of doctor who can determine the reason for the pain and offer you the correct treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from New York. Our doctors 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
• Bursitis
• 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 one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is found in the lower half of the calf and connects the heel to the calf muscles. Repetitive use or a sudden injury may cause an Achilles tendon injury to occur, which can be a tear or a rupture. A rupture is considered to be a severe injury, and it is obvious as the tendon is completely torn in two. Walking is often difficult, if not impossible, and prompt medical attention is often sought for relief. A mild tear may be treated by wearing a cast or walking boot, which may be effective in keeping the foot stable as the healing process occurs. For complete ruptures, surgery may be necessary for proper healing. Complications may be minimal, and recovery time can take several weeks. If you have suddenly or gradually injured your Achilles tendon, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer the best treatment method for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New York. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, which are deformities in the toes, can be extremely painful. Most bunions occur on the big toe, forcing the bottom of the toe out and the tip of the toe inward toward the other toes. Another type of bunion is termed a bunionette, which causes the same effect, only this time it occurs on the little toe. Most people develop bunions because of a genetic predisposition to the deformity. The development of a bunion can be made worse by external factors. Among them is wearing shoes that are too tight or too small. Any footwear that pushes the toes inward may increase pressure on an already unstable toe joint. Some people with high arches are prone to developing bunions, as are those with flat feet. In some cases, ligaments in the toe structure may be loose, which contributes to abnormal movement of the bones. If you have bunions that have become painful and inhibit your ability to carry out daily activities, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist. A number of treatment options, ranging from non-invasive to surgical, are available that can help correct this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels can cause various foot issues in women. Corns, Morton’s neuroma, and bunions are common conditions that can happen from frequently wearing high heels, and this can be a result of not having enough room for the toes to move freely in. Some women may develop toenail fungus from the constant pressure the nails endure as they are forced to lie against the front of the shoe. Additionally, the Achilles tendon may become shorter from the angle of the shoe, which can lead to developing plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. People who wear high heels may have an increased risk of falling and incurring an ankle injury from losing their balance. An alternative for wearing these types of stylish shoes may be to choose shoes that are wider in the toe area, and have a lower heel. If you have concerns about the possible foot conditions that can develop from wearing high heels, please contact a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It has been said that practicing a regular exercise routine is one of the best things that can be done to prevent falling. The benefits of doing this include improved balance, stamina, and strength when done three to five times per week. An effective exercise for balance is called weight shifting, and this can be done by standing with the feet hip distance apart. As the weight is shifted from one foot to the other, the opposite leg is lifted off of the floor, and held for several seconds. After switching legs, this exercise can be repeated as often as you would like. Coordination may be improved by implementing the heel-toe walk. This can be accomplished by taking a step forward while touching that foot to the toe of the back foot. Having the arms straight out may help to achieve a sense of balance. Cardiovascular function may become better when you are standing with your feet apart about the distance of your hips, and slowly lower into a chair. This is followed by immediately standing up, and repeated several times. If you would like more information about how exercise may help to prevent falling, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.