Heel Pain Causes and Treatment Options

If those first few painful steps you take after waking are the most memorable part of every morning it may be time to get in touch with your podiatrist. Heel pain should not go untreated, or at least examined by your doctor. To find out more, contact Dr. Barry Finkelstein of NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY.

Plantar Fasciitis

A very common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis as it's a condition that affects the foot's plantar fascia. Which is a ligament that stretches from your heel to the front of your foot. It helps you get around on your feet, acting as a shock absorber, and supporting your arches.

Thus, people who have problems with their arches are at higher risk of the condition.

Work that involves walking for long periods of time is also a known cause. Especially if it is on hard flat surfaces and without supportive footwear.

Carrying around excess weight can furthermore put a lot of pressure on your feet.

For minor pain, there are home treatments that you can try on your own. But plantar fasciitis is not the only possible reason for your pain, so it is still imperative to seek the opinion of your doctor.

Treatment Options

Pain from plantar fasciitis is more noticeable in the morning and after trying to get back on your feet after sitting for some time.

If you are suffering from inflammation you can apply ice for a few minutes throughout the day to help lower it, taking care not to contact the ice directly to the skin. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help with the inflammation as well as the pain.

But most importantly, you should rest.

If the pain persists it's time to contact your doctor, if you haven't already. They can help you with a variety of treatments.

With a removable walking cast to help you rest as you heal, injection therapy to help with the inflammation, and physical therapy to provide relief.

They can prescribe custom orthotic devices or padding to help get you back on your feet by giving you the support you need.

Night splints to help stretch your plantar fascia and help with those morning aches.

Even surgery if your case is severe enough, although the majority of patients recover without it.

Heel Pain Treatment in Bronx, NY

Enjoy your morning walks again, make an appointment today. Call Dr. Finkelstein of NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, by dialing (718) 881-7990.

Treatment Options for Bunions

If you suffer from bunions, you may have difficulty finding comfortable shoes or even walking. Treatment for this condition will depend on how severe the bunions are. The first thing to do is to talk to a podiatrist about your options. Dr. Barry Finkelstein is a podiatrist at the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Center, located in Bronx, NY. He is happy to discuss any problems you are having with your feet, and how to treat your bunions.

Conservative Treatment for Bunions

Dr. Finkelstein offers Bronx residents non-surgical treatments that may help to relieve the pain of bunions. These include:

• Replace your shoes: You should wear shoes that have a roomy toe box and don’t compress your feet.

• Use bunion padding: You may find that over-the-counter cushioning pads can alleviate pressure on your bunions.

• Take pain relievers: Often, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to control bunion pain.

• Try shoe inserts: Padded show inserts may help to distribute the pressure more evenly as you walk or move your feet.

Surgical Treatment for Bunions

If you have tried the more conservative treatment methods without having any relief, you may need surgery. There are several surgical options for bunions, which one your podiatrist recommends will depend upon the severity and symptoms of your condition. They may include:

• Removal of the inflamed tissue surrounding the big toe joint
• Removal of part of the big toe joint to straighten the toe
• Realignment of bone in the forefoot
• Fusion of the affected joint bones

If you have surgery from bunions, you will be able to walk on your foot immediately after the procedure, but full recovery can take up to several months.

If you are suffering from foot discomfort from bunions, and you live in the Bronx, call Dr. Finkelstein today on (718) 881-7990 to schedule an appointment.

Looking for relief from a long-standing foot problem? At NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, your podiatrist, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, helps patients regain foot health, form, and function with innovative foot surgeries. From ingrown toenail removal to ankle replacement, Dr. Finkelstein is an expert in today's podiatric procedures, helping scores of people feel better.

When conservative treatments can't work

That's when you need foot surgery, according to the American Podiatric Medical Assocation (APMA). Shoe changes, splinting, physical therapy, and more help many children, teens, and adults regain podiatric health, without more invasive procedures.

However, sometimes surgery is warranted as revealed by your podiatrist in his Bronx, NY, office by careful visual exam, digital X-rays, MRIs, and computerized gait analysis. Then, less complex interventions support the operated foot and speed healing.

Times you may need foot surgery

There are many situations which require in-office or in-hospital surgery. They include:

• Ingrown toenail removal: This pertains to either the mechanical or chemical removal of a nail that has grown into the skin, relieving pain/infection and keeping the offending nail from growing back.
• Ankle stabilization or replacement: These in-hospital procedures help patients with repeated or severe ankle sprains and/or joint destruction due to arthritis.
• Tendon surgery: To repair, lengthen, or shorten connective tissue to relieve pain and increase function.
• Neuroma removal: This excises small, benign tumors typically between the third and fourth toes (Morton's Neuromas).
• Bunionectomy: To remove a painful, bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. It also re-aligns the toe if needed.
• Hammertoe reconstruction: Wires or implants straighten these claw-like deformities and improve joint mobility.
• Corn and callus removal: These hardened areas of skin frequently appear on the little toe, ball of the foot or other areas of increased pressure or friction (as with bunions). They require excision in extreme cases

Your customized plan

If you need foot surgery, count on the team at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates to personalize your treatment plan for best foot form, function, mobility, and pain relief. Dr. Finkelstein is your go-to podiatrist in the Bronx, NY, area. Contact our office for a consultation on any podiatric issue: (718) 881-7990.

One of the most vital aspects of diabetes management is proper foot care. After all, diabetes elevates your risk of developing bunions, calluses, ulcers, blisters, and all kinds of foot issues. Besides, having high blood sugar levels mean that these seemingly minor injuries can easily open up your body to disabling and extremely severe infections. Fortunately, there are lots of solutions for sensitive, achy feet. Aside from expert recommendations from your foot doctor, Dr. Barry Finkelstein of the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, here are some practical foot care guidelines to help you out.

Examine Your Feet Daily for Sores, Wounds, and Cracks

A common diabetes complication is nerve damage, which can make it difficult for you to feel cracks or sores in your feet. Make it a habit to check daily for changes in your feet’s color, cracked or dry skin, or sores.

Get Your Blood Sugar Levels in Check to Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy

Excessively high blood sugar levels cause neuropathy, so you need to keep your blood sugar levels in check to ensure that your feet will stay healthy. Likewise, keep in mind that if you already suffer from an infection, elevated blood sugar levels could make it tougher for your body to combat it.

Ensure That Your Feet are Always Dry and Moisturized to Lower Your Risk of Developing Infections

The spaces between your toes are airtight, which means that if they’re always moist, bacteria can easily thrive there and cause an infection. Always dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, paying close attention to those spaces between your toes. Additionally, always moisturize your feet after washing to prevent dry and cracked skin, which can also cause infections. Just don’t put any moisturizer between your toes.

Always Go to Your Podiatrist for Feet Concerns

If you notice anything abnormal occurring to your feet, visit your foot doctor in Bronx, NY, rather seeking out a drugstore remedy. Take note that certain products might be too irritating for your feet and could even raise your risk of developing infections.
 

Worried about The State of Your Feet?

Arrange a consultation with our foot doctor, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, here at the NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates in Bronx, NY, by calling (718) 881-7990 today.