Items filtered by date: November 2022

An ingrown toenail is the result of the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. This can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight or from trimming the toenails improperly. Some people will get an ingrown toenail from enduring a toe injury, or from inadequate foot hygiene. Additionally, there may be genetic factors that can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. Common symptoms that many patients experience can consist of the surrounding skin becoming red, swollen, and painful. If the nail becomes infected it may bleed and a discharge may ooze from the nail.  A proper diagnosis is done by having a physical examination of the foot performed, and an X-ray may be necessary which can determine the extent of the injury. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, thus making it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. This is considered to be a temporary solution and a podiatrist is eventually sought who can provide permanent relief, which may include surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

There are a variety of afflictions of the feet that can negatively impact the area around the toes. Bunions are one such foot condition. A bunion is a bony bump that can develop on the side of the foot, particularly on the side of the big toe or on the side of the pinky toe. Many individuals are curious to know what a bunion looks like for good reasons because being aware of this can help you identify a bunion at an early stage. Commonly, a bunion looks like a bulge. When the bunion is located on the side of the big toe, it might look as though the foot bone juts out at an angle. In some cases of bunions, the toes might even look crowded because of the bunion. The big toe might also look like it is turned inward. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about what bunions look like. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

One common ankle injury is an avulsion fracture. This occurs when a ligament or tendon tears off a portion of the bone. An avulsion fracture is commonly the result of a trauma or fall. While some avulsion fractures may require surgery, that determination depends on how far the bone fragment is pulled from the rest of the bone. Falling on the pavement or ice, turning too quickly, or even getting hit by a baseball can cause an avulsion fracture. Symptoms of an avulsion fracture include sharp pain in the fractured joint, especially if you try to move it. Other symptoms are swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. The severity of an avulsion fracture is generally determined by taking an X-ray. Treatment will depend on the extent of the injury, ranging from rest and elevation and strengthening exercises to surgery. In some cases, pins may need to be used to stabilize the joint and hasten recovery. In more serious injuries, a cast may be required. If you have injured your ankle, please visit a podiatrist as soon as possible for immediate treatment. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

There are two bones that lie in the tendons beneath the joint in the big toe. These are known as the sesamoid bones, and their function is to help the foot to push off while walking. People who frequently run may experience a condition that is called sesamoiditis. This can happen when the sesamoid bones become inflamed from excessive pressure and the impact the bones endure while running. Symptoms that many people have with this condition can be a sudden sharp pain, which may indicate a fracture has happened. More commonly, a burning pain may occur, which may be a sign of nerve damage. Additionally, the ball of the foot can be tender while walking on it, and it may feel like there is a pebble in the shoe. Poor foot mechanics may lead to developing sesamoiditis, and the tendon that houses the sesamoid bones may be tight. This condition can negatively impact completing daily activities, and it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you have any of the above symptoms.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors 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 Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet is a condition that occurs in an individual when they do not exhibit any natural arch in their feet. This is to say that their entire foot rests completely against the floor. It is true that many cases of flat feet are not particularly problematic. For example, many cases rarely cause other complications or preclude you from engaging in physical activities. However, some cases of flat feet can cause the individual pain. If you find that you are prone to foot or ankle injuries, you are having difficulty walking, or only one foot has lost its natural arch, it might be a good idea to consult a podiatrist. This foot specialist will help you identify and address the problem with your flat feet. Don’t take any chances with the health of your feet–visit a podiatrist today.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors 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 Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.