Items filtered by date: August 2024

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect anyone but is more prevalent in men. It results from the buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of sharp crystals within the joints. The big toe is often the first joint to be affected, but gout inflammation can also flare up in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. Symptoms of gout usually come on suddenly, often at night, and can include excruciating pain, redness, swelling, and extreme tenderness in the affected joint. The pain can be so severe that even the touch of a bedsheet may feel unbearable. Without treatment, these painful episodes can last for days, and over time, the frequency and intensity of attacks may increase. A podiatrist can provide a thorough diagnosis and recommend effective treatments to manage this condition and prevent further joint damage. If you are experiencing flares of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe, foot, and ankle pain can stem from various conditions, each requiring specific attention. Achilles tendinitis, characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often results in heel and calf pain from overuse or strain. Bruises occur when blood vessels under the skin are damaged, causing localized pain and discoloration. Puncture wounds, typically from sharp objects, can lead to infection and persistent discomfort. Stress fractures, small cracks in the bones from repetitive stress, are common in athletes and cause gradual pain that worsens with activity. Additionally, plantar fasciitis, involving inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes, leads to sharp heel pain, especially noticeable in the morning. If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. 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 our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running frequently leads to foot injuries, including skin and toenail damage, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and peroneal tendonitis. Skin conditions like blisters and calluses often arise from friction and improper footwear. Toenail damage, including bruised or ingrown nails, can occur from repetitive impact and tight shoes. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by heel pain and inflammation of the foot's connective tissue, is common among runners. Metatarsalgia causes pain in the ball of the foot due to overuse or poor arch support. Peroneal tendonitis results in pain along the outer side of the ankle from excessive strain. To manage these conditions, rest and appropriate treatment are essential. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes, using orthotic inserts, and incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent and relieve these common running-related injuries. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat your foot condition.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammer toes, claw toes, or mallet toes are all results of the toes getting bent into odd positions. They usually look odd and can be painful and often affect the smaller toes. When the toe is bent downward and the middle joint raises up, it is known as a hammertoe. Hammertoes normally happen when bunions occur, and they most often affect the second toe.  Claw toes occur when the toes curl up because the middle joints are bent down, and they often affect the four smaller toes at the same time. When the joint closest to the tip of the toe bends downward, it forms a mallet toe. Wearing shoes that are too tight is the most common cause of these conditions, but they can also be linked to diabetes or arthritis. These toe conditions are usually painful and can cause other foot problems, like calluses. If you are struggling with one of these deformities, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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