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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and affects people of all ages and activity levels. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed, often due to overuse, high arches, flat feet, or prolonged standing. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The foot may feel tight, sore, or swollen along the bottom, and discomfort often worsens after exercise. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam, gait evaluation, and imaging when needed. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or supportive footwear. Early care can prevent chronic pain and help restore mobility. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve your heel pain and promote healthy movement.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common problem can make even the simplest tasks uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can relieve the pressure by gently lifting or trimming the affected nail, and treating any infection that may be present. For more advanced cases, a minor in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and trimming nails straight across can help reduce future problems. Proper care not only eases discomfort, but also restores confidence in walking and daily movement. If you notice swelling, pain, or drainage around your toenail, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Swollen feet can not only be uncomfortable but also may signal underlying health issues that require attention. Common causes include diabetes, liver damage, kidney damage, or infections in the feet that lead to inflammation and fluid buildup. Swelling may present as tight, heavy, or tender feet and can interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by identifying the root cause of the swelling, evaluating foot health, and recommending treatments to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. This may include specialized footwear, wound care, and exercises to improve circulation. Early intervention is key to protecting your feet and overall health. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone due to long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments. They often form where the plantar fascia connects to the heel, causing discomfort and inflammation. Common causes include repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, and prolonged standing. Risk factors such as flat feet, obesity, and age can increase the likelihood of developing them. There are two main types. Plantar heel spurs located under the heel and dorsal heel spurs form on the back near the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include sharp pain, tenderness, or stiffness. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through an examination and imaging tests, and provide treatments that reduce pain and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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