Ankle injuries are among the most common problems in professional basketball due to repetitive jumping, rapid direction changes, and the constant need for explosiveness on the court. The most frequent injury is an ankle sprain, which occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn when landing or awkward foot placement. Risk factors include previous injuries, poor balance, wearing inadequate footwear, and fatigue from intense play. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can assess stability, provide rehabilitation guidance, recommend supportive braces or footwear, and help reduce the risk of future injuries. If ankle pain or instability is affecting your performance in sports, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An injury involving the Achille’s tendon, especially a rupture, can leave ongoing issues even after healing. People often report reduced strength in the lower leg, making activities like pushing off the foot or climbing stairs more difficult. Limited flexibility and ankle stiffness may persist, especially after rest. Muscle shrinkage in the calf can occur due to disuse during recovery, sometimes creating an uneven appearance between legs. Changes in walking or movement patterns are also common, which may place extra stress on nearby joints such as the knees or hips. Some individuals continue to feel tightness or discomfort long term, while others face a higher chance of reinjury if they return to activity too quickly. Proper rehabilitation, gradual strengthening, and targeted exercises are important to help restore mobility, improve function, and reduce the risk of lasting complications. If you have sustained an injury to your Achille’s tendon, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. 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 our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Some foot problems seem to run in families, even when people live different lifestyles. One example is a shift in the big toe toward the others, often leading to a noticeable bump at the joint, or a bunion. Changes in the smaller toes, such as curling or bending, can also appear across generations. This pattern suggests that inherited traits may influence how bones, joints, and soft tissues develop and respond to pressure over time. Studies have observed these patterns in certain populations, especially among individuals with shared ancestry, pointing to a strong link between family background and these common changes in foot structure. While shoes and activity still matter, they may not tell the whole story. Understanding these patterns may lead to better ways to identify risk early and guide care. If you notice similar foot concerns in your family, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and support.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Peripheral artery disease, often called PAD, occurs when arteries become narrowed and reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. This limits oxygen delivery to tissues, which can lead to pain, especially during walking, known as claudication. Some people may also notice cold feet, skin color changes, or slower nail and hair growth. In more advanced cases, wounds on the feet may heal very slowly or not at all, increasing the risk of infection. Because the feet are far from the heart, they are especially vulnerable to poor circulation. Early detection is important to help prevent serious complications. A podiatrist can check circulation, monitor skin health, and help manage foot-related risks of PAD through routine care and guidance. They also work with other providers as needed. If you have leg pain with walking or slow-healing foot wounds, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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