Plantar fasciitis is easily the most common cause of heel pain complaints and is characterized by stabbing pain under the heel.  It is the result of inflammation of a band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. This tissue, known as the plantar fascia, connects the toes to the heel and supports the arch. Plantar fasciitis is generally thought to be a repetitive use injury that causes tiny tears in the tissue that then become inflamed, and ultimately painful. It is common in runners, athletes, and people who are obese. Teachers, restaurant servers, or anyone who spends a long time standing are often at risk. In addition, athletes who repeatedly run or walk on hard surfaces often develop plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include extreme pain upon arising in the morning, which gradually wears off as activity increases, only to re-emerge at the end of the day. A number of stretches and exercises, along with better cushioning in footwear, often reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. For more information on treatment opportunities, please consult a podiatrist.

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 Footcare Now. 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 our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Broken toes are common. They can happen to anyone at any time, from those who participate in sports to those whose toes get hit by a heavy object. Serious toe injuries typically happen to the big toe. Other toe breaks can be handled by taping the afflicted toe to the toe next to it to immobilize it. Whether serious or not, breaking a toe can be quite painful and make it difficult to walk. When a toe breaks, there will often be swelling, stiffness, and bruising. A serious fracture can cause the toe to look deformed. It takes approximately six weeks for a broken toe to heal. If healing is not progressing it might be due to incorrect use of crutches, the bone may have atrophied from non-use, or an infection is present. To avoid broken toes in the future, wear proper fitting protective shoes, use care when participating in sports, and include foods rich in vitamins C and D in your diet to strengthen bones. If you have broken your toe, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of the break and offer treatment options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The three most common kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic, despite the fact that there are more than 100 various types. When arthritis affects the feet, there are methods that can be implemented which may help to diminish the pain that is associated with it. The muscles in the feet can become stronger when elastic resistance bands are used, and this may help to support the joints. Additionally, practicing aerobic exercises several times per week can add to the endurance and improve overall fitness. Research has indicated the joints may become flexible when consistent yoga stretches and pilates movements are practiced. Balance may be increased by partaking in tai chi, which may possibly help to strengthen the joints in the feet. Arthritis in the feet can be uncomfortable, and it is suggested that these types of exercises are performed that may help to obtain mild relief. For more information on arthritic pain, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.  

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A blister can cause annoyance and discomfort to people who enjoy running. Blisters are defined as a small area of skin that resembles a bubble. It is filled with a fluid that protects the damaged skin as new skin forms underneath it. It is considered to be the body’s natural defense mechanism as the skin heals. A blister generally develops as a result of friction that can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Blisters can be painful and may become infected, if not treated properly. There are some patients who notice blisters have formed from having an allergic reaction, or from medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis. There are specific things that can be done to protect the blister. These include refraining from bursting or peeling the blister away from the skin and wearing shoes that do not rub against the blister. If you have a blister that won’t heal or becomes infected, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you methods on how to avoid getting blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.