Ankle pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The ankle is a complex joint that supports body weight while allowing the foot to move in different directions. Pain may develop suddenly after an injury or appear gradually from repeated stress. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness surrounding the joint. Some people also experience bruising, difficulty walking, or a feeling that the ankle is unstable. Ankle pain may result from sprains, fractures, or inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Because many conditions can produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Persistent ankle pain can interfere with everyday activities and limit mobility if left untreated. Ongoing discomfort may change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on the foot and lower leg. In some cases, such altered movement can increase strain on the knee or hip over time. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps evaluate the ankle's stability, range of motion, and overall function. Imaging studies may be recommended when a fracture or more serious injury is suspected. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the condition progresses or causes long-term problems that affect balance and daily movement.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle pain while evaluating how the injury or condition affects the entire foot and ankle. Professional care focuses on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and improving joint function through an individualized treatment plan. Care is based on the cause of the symptoms and may be adjusted as healing progresses. Regular follow-up visits also help monitor recovery and reduce the risk of ongoing instability or recurring injuries. If you have persistent ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children, especially those who participate in running and jumping activities. Despite its name, it is not an illness or an infection. It develops when repeated pulling on the growth plate, which is an area of developing bone near the end of a bone, irritates the back of the heel. Growth plates are weaker than mature bone, making them more vulnerable during periods of rapid growth. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, limping, and discomfort that becomes worse after sports or other physical activities. Some children also walk on their toes to avoid placing pressure on the painful heel. The condition usually affects children between 8 and 15 years of age and can involve one or both heels.

A podiatrist evaluates the child's foot structure, walking pattern, ankle movement, and heel tenderness to identify factors contributing to the condition. The examination also looks for tight muscles and abnormal foot mechanics that increase stress on the heel. Treatment includes custom orthotics when appropriate, footwear recommendations, and exercises that improve flexibility and strength. Wearing shoes that provide proper support can also reduce repeated stress on the heel during sports and everyday activities. Regular follow-up visits help monitor progress and adjust treatment as the child's feet continue to grow. Early podiatry care also supports comfortable movement and encourages a safe return to normal activities.

Although Sever’s disease can be painful, it does not cause permanent damage to the heel when properly managed. Symptoms usually improve once the growth plate matures and closes. Early evaluation helps reduce unnecessary strain on the heel and identify contributing factors before pain interferes with sports or daily life. Prompt podiatry care supports healthy foot development, improves comfort, and helps children stay active with greater confidence. If your child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space on the inside of the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This pressure can interfere with normal nerve function and cause discomfort in the foot and ankle. Symptoms often include burning pain, tingling, or numbness that may spread into the heel, arch, or toes. Some people also experience sharp, shooting pain that becomes worse when standing or walking. The symptoms may appear gradually or develop after an injury. Because several foot conditions can produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Several factors can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome, including flat feet, injuries, and swelling around the ankle. Inflammation or nearby growths may also place pressure on the tibial nerve. As nerve compression continues, symptoms may become more frequent and begin to affect balance or normal walking. Persistent nerve irritation can also make daily activities less comfortable. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps identify the source of the nerve compression and determine whether another condition is contributing to the symptoms. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the condition progresses and causes more significant nerve-related problems.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating tarsal tunnel syndrome by evaluating foot structure, ankle function, and walking mechanics. Professional treatment is based on the underlying cause and focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve while improving overall foot function. Early podiatry care may also help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and lower the risk of long-term nerve damage. Regular follow-up visits allow your progress to be monitored and treatment to be adjusted when needed. If numbness, tingling, or pain in your foot or ankle is affecting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This often affects the big toe and can lead to pain, redness, and swelling. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight fitting shoes, and genetic nail shape. When pressure forces the nail into the skin, irritation and inflammation develop, which may progress to infection if left untreated. This condition is frequently seen in individuals who wear narrow shoes or participate in activities that stress the toes.

Symptoms of ingrown toenails include tenderness along the nail border, swelling, and localized warmth. As the condition worsens, drainage, infection, and increased pain may occur. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, curved nails, and excessive sweating. Individuals with diabetes or circulation issues may face a higher risk of complications. Early management can often relieve symptoms, but advanced cases may require surgical intervention to correct the problem.

Surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments fail or when infection persists. Nail avulsion involves removing part or all of the nail to relieve pressure and allow healing. Wedge excision removes a portion of the nail and surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence and nail-bed ablation targets the growth center of the nail to stop regrowth in severe cases. Additionally, the Zadek procedure is a more advanced technique that removes the nail matrix entirely, providing a long-term solution for chronic conditions.

Proper treatment can restore comfort and prevent recurring issues. Wearing well-fitted shoes, maintaining good nail care, and addressing symptoms early can reduce risk. Surgical options are safe and effective when performed by a podiatrist. If you have an ingrown toenail that needs surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.