Items filtered by date: March 2026

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 00:00

When Swelling Develops in a Lower Limb

The lower limbs include the parts of the body from the knee down to the foot and toes. Podiatrists often treat conditions that affect this region because problems in the leg, ankle, or foot can affect walking and balance. Swelling in the lower limb can occur for many different reasons. Common causes include injuries such as sprains or fractures, infections, inflammation of joints, or problems with tendons and ligaments. Circulation issues can also lead to swelling, especially when veins have difficulty returning blood from the legs back to the heart. In some cases, fluid builds up in the tissues, causing the leg, ankle, or foot to appear puffy or tight. Long periods of standing, certain medications, and medical conditions may also contribute. Because swelling can signal many different problems, proper evaluation is important. If you notice persistent swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 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.

Read more about Swelling of the Feet

Scar tissue can develop in the foot or ankle after an injury, surgery, or repeated strain to the soft tissues. It forms as the body repairs damaged areas, but the new tissue is often thicker and less flexible than the original structure. When scar tissue builds up around muscles, tendons, or ligaments, it may limit normal movement and create ongoing discomfort. Some people notice stiffness, tenderness, or a pulling sensation during walking or exercise. Treatment often focuses on restoring mobility and reducing irritation in the affected area. Gentle stretching, targeted exercises, and focused massage techniques may help improve flexibility and circulation. Wearing supportive footwear and activity changes can also reduce pressure on healing tissues. In some cases, medical treatments may be recommended to help break up restrictive scar tissue. When scar tissue leads to persistent foot or ankle pain or reduced movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain

Heel discomfort in children is surprisingly common, especially during growth spurts when the bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different speeds. One of the most frequent causes is irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, often called Sever’s disease. This condition can create soreness during activity, stiffness after rest, or limping during sports. Tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, and wearing worn-out shoes can add extra strain to the heel, making symptoms more noticeable. Because kids are often active and may not slow down when something hurts, the irritation can worsen without guidance. A podiatrist can evaluate the child’s foot structure, activity level, and gait to determine the exact cause of the pain. Treatment may include activity modification, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or orthotic devices that reduce pressure on the heel. If your child’s heel pain persists, affects sports participation, or causes limping, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper assessment and appropriate care.

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.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Sunday, 15 March 2026 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 10 March 2026 00:00

When Toenails Become Thick and Discolored

A fungal infection of the toenails, termed onychomycosis, causes changes in color, thickness, and texture. The nail may appear yellow, brown, or white, and can become brittle, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed. Some patients notice a foul odor or debris collecting under the nail. This condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, often thriving in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes. Although it may begin as a cosmetic concern, untreated toenail fungus can lead to discomfort, pressure while wearing shoes, and the spread of infection to other nails or skin. A podiatrist will examine the nail and may take a sample to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment. Options include topical medication, oral antifungal therapy, or, in some cases, removal of the infected portion of the nail. If you have signs of a toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus

Abnormal gait patterns in children can signal underlying structural or neurological concerns. An antalgic gait occurs when a child shortens the stance phase to avoid pain, often due to injury or inflammation. A circumduction gait involves swinging the leg outward in a semicircle, which may result from muscle weakness or limb length differences. A spastic gait appears stiff and tight, commonly associated with increased muscle tone from neurological conditions. Additionally, a clumsy gait may include frequent tripping and poor coordination, sometimes linked to developmental delays or balance issues. Causes vary from minor injuries to more complex disorders. A podiatrist can evaluate walking patterns, identify underlying causes, and recommend treatment. If you notice your child has unusual walking patterns, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective treatment and management techniques.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

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