Items filtered by date: February 2024

A sign of ankle impingement is the appearance of bony growths that restrict normal range of motion. There are two types of ankle impingement, anterior and posterior. Anterior impingement often follows ankle sprains, resulting in persistent pain at the front or sides of the ankle, weakness, and discomfort during dorsiflexion. With posterior impingement, more common among ballet dancers, the pain is at the back of the ankle and often occurs when pointing the toes or tiptoeing. Impingement syndrome arises when tissues become trapped between bones during extreme ankle movements. Ligament thickening and scar tissue formation can worsen the condition. In severe cases of ankle impingement, surgical intervention may be necessary. If you experience intense pain when either flexing or pointing your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether you have an ankle impingement.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. 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
• 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 our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions, a foot deformity that impacts mobility and causes discomfort, afflicts millions of people across the globe. These bony protrusions form at the base of the big toe, gradually pushing it outward while forcing the tip to move toward the other toes. Despite common misconceptions, bunions are not solely caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Rather, they often stem from inherited structural issues, such as foot mechanics or arthritis. Bunions tend to worsen over time, leading to swelling, redness, and pain, especially when wearing tight or narrow footwear. Bunions can hinder daily activities and contribute to other foot ailments, like corns and calluses. While conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes, using toe spacers, and applying ice packs can provide temporary relief, surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases to realign the toe joint and alleviate discomfort. If you have developed a bony protrusion at the base of your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm a bunion diagnosis, and offer relief and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

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 our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hansen's disease, commonly known as leprosy, is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. One of its hallmark symptoms is the loss of sensation in various parts of the body, including the feet. This sensory loss occurs due to the bacteria's damaging effects on peripheral nerves. As the disease progresses, it can lead to nerve damage and the loss of the ability to feel pain, temperature changes, and touch in the affected areas, including the feet. This sensory impairment can result in injuries and wounds going unnoticed, which may lead to secondary infections and complications. The loss of sensation in the feet is particularly concerning because it can hinder mobility and self-care, making early detection and treatment crucial in preventing severe deformities and disabilities associated with Hansen's disease. Creating orthotics for individuals without sensation requires extra care as they cannot provide feedback on fit and comfort. Frequent skin inspections are necessary to prevent irritation and skin breakdown. Custom orthotics can be made by molding the material directly to the patient's foot. Contours may be added for pressure relief, and localized relief can be achieved with various tools. Monitoring foot health closely with new shoes and orthotics is vital, looking for signs of redness, temperature changes, calluses, swelling, pre-ulceration, or recurrent ulcers. Prompt attention to pressure signs helps prevent ulcers. Orthotic selection depends on the degree of sensation loss, deformity, ulceration, and callus development. If you have Hansen’s disease and you have a loss of sensation in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether orthotics can help you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Sesamoiditis, a condition affecting the tiny sesamoid bones just below the big toe, can be a source of discomfort for many. The primary cause of sesamoiditis is repetitive stress on these small bones, often incurred during activities such as running and dancing, that involve increased pressure on the forefoot. Additionally, wearing high-heeled shoes or participating in sports that require frequent push-off movements can contribute to the development of sesamoiditis. Recognizing the symptoms, which include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, is vital for timely intervention. Diagnosing sesamoiditis involves a comprehensive examination by a podiatrist. Clinical evaluation, including assessing the range of motion and palpating the affected area, is key. Imaging studies like X-rays may be employed to visualize the sesamoid bones and confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer correct treatment for this condition.

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.