Items filtered by date: May 2023

There are some people who have heel pain, and it may be caused by a heel spur. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel bone, and it can feel like a thorn in the foot. It generally forms at the point where the Achilles tendon connects to the back of the heel bone. A heel spur can happen from putting excessive strain on the foot. It can measure up to a half inch in length, and can become inflamed. Having an X-ray taken can be successful in determining if a heel spur exists. This is often performed after confirming symptoms, which may include increased pain while walking and avoiding any weight on the heel. Many patients walk on their tiptoes and find their pain is reduced while sitting down. Additionally, it may hurt when it is pressed on, and these symptoms may indicate medical attention is needed for relief. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can confirm a heel spur diagnosis and offer correct treatment solutions.

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 William Street Podiatry. 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 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 latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A broken ankle develops when an individual breaks, or fractures, one or more of the bones in the ankle area. In order to determine whether or not the ankle has in fact been fractured, a medical professional may perform an X-ray. An ankle X-ray can look at each of the different types of bones in the ankle, including the tibia, fibula, and talus. Importantly, there are different types of views that an ankle X-ray may capture. For example, this type of X-ray can present an AP, mortise, and lateral view. Each of these different types of views show various angles of the ankle area. Having an ankle X-ray taken is helpful for a medical professional and the patient because it can illuminate which areas of the ankle have been impacted. If you are someone that has recently broken their ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. 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 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.

Being overweight increases the risk of many health-related issues, including foot problems and pain. One’s gait can become altered from obesity, putting one at greater risk for foot, ankle, and other injuries. Eating healthy and exercising regularly is the recommended route to losing weight, however, it can be challenging to accomplish movement when experiencing foot pain. Tips to overcome this conundrum include starting an exercise program slowly. Wear well-fitting, comfortable, and supportive shoes along with padded socks to help protect the feet from injuries. Practice good foot hygiene to avoid potential trouble spots that might interfere with progress. If you are overweight and want to begin a movement program but are concerned about the ability of your feet to cooperate without excessive discomfort, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist about how to best proceed.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 and ankle needs.

Warts are caused by a virus. When they develop on the soles of the feet, they may are termed plantar warts. They grow inward as a result of the weight the feet must bear, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Warts are contagious and are caused by the human papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV. This virus lives in warm and moist environments, and it can be transmitted between people by sharing shoes, towels, or socks. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in areas such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar places. Many people choose to wear flip flops or water shoes, and it is helpful to refrain from walking barefoot. A plantar wart is a hard, thick patch of skin, and it often has dark spots in the center. They can cause difficulty in walking, and many patients may alter their gait, which may help to reduce existing pain. If you have a wart on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you one of various treatments for plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are foot specialists that are specially trained in addressing different afflictions of the feet. They are trusted medical professionals who can treat a range of various foot conditions, from plantar fasciitis to hammertoe. It is important to note there are different types of podiatrists who may specialize in specific areas in the field of podiatry. For example, one such kind of podiatrist is known as a sports podiatrist. As the name suggests, this type of podiatrist works primarily with athletes and those who engage in sports. A sports podiatrist is well-versed in understanding, recognizing, and treating the nuances of foot injuries in the context of sports. Some of these sports podiatrists are engaged in producing research in their field. These podiatrists are easily able to identify the foot afflictions that most affect athletes. To learn more about the different types of podiatrists available to help you address any foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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 and ankle needs.