Haglund's syndrome is a painful condition that affects the back of the heel and is more common in women, especially those who often wear high heels or shoes with stiff backs. It usually involves three related problems. First, the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel becomes irritated where it attaches to the bone. Second, a small fluid-filled cushion that helps reduce friction in the heel becomes swollen and inflamed. Third, a bony bump can form on the back of the heel. This bump may rub against shoes, leading to redness, swelling, and ongoing pain. Symptoms of Haglund's syndrome can affect one or both heels and often get worse with activity or certain footwear. A podiatrist can order imaging tests and recommend treatment such as supportive devices, targeted injections, or surgery in more severe cases. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Black toenails are common in runners, usually resulting from repeated trauma to a toenail inside the shoe. While running, the toes strike the front or roof of the toe box, especially on downhill routes or long distances. This can cause bleeding beneath the nail, called a subungual hematoma. The dried blood produces a dark red or black appearance and may loosen the nail over time. Improper shoe length or width, excessive movement within the shoe, and swelling from heat or high-mileage add to pressure on the nail plate. Certain toes, particularly the big and second toes, absorb the greatest impact. Less common causes include chronic ingrown nails, fungal infection, toe deformities, or rarely tumors that also create discoloration. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail bed, relieve pressure, and guide a safe return to running while preventing nail deformity. If you notice unusual coloration in the toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, often occurring during periods of rapid growth. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, frequently triggered by repetitive stress from running, jumping, or sports activity. This is especially common in children with tight calf muscles or high arches. Symptoms include pain at the back or bottom of the heel, swelling, tenderness, and limping after activity. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it can feel sore, stiff, or sensitive when walking, running, or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination of the heel and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes rest, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf and heel. Early care helps prevent further pain and allows safe activity. If your child is having issues with their feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and  appropriate treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

Exercises for foot problems can improve strength, flexibility, and support long-term foot health, when done correctly. Choosing the right level of exercise is important because pushing too hard can increase pain or delay healing. Gentle movements performed with proper form help activate muscles without causing strain. Repetitions should be kept comfortable, and spread out in small amounts during the day rather than completed all at once. Allowing time for rest between exercise sessions gives tissues a chance to recover and adapt. A podiatrist can help by identifying the cause of foot pain, creating an individualized exercise plan, and guiding safe progression. If foot discomfort or weakness is limiting daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips, which may include an exercise program tailored to your needs. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.