What our Bronx, NY, podiatrists can do for you

The pain you are feeling may be caused by the inflammation of a connective tissue, known as plantar fasciitis. This connective tissue isn't just in your heel though; it extends past the arch of your foot, reaching your toes. Your Bronx, NY, podiatrist, Dr. Barry Finkelstein, has the expertise to provide you and others with the necessary information to cope and treat heel pain.

More About Heel Pain

A very common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, though heel pain may also be a result of a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, or nerve irritation.

Pain manifests itself in different parts of the foot worsening over months. The causes of pain vary from one person to another, however, some common factors include:

• Wearing improperly fitted or worn down footwear
• Being overweight
• Problems with foot arches (overly flat feet or high-arched feet)
• Injuries incurred during light or intense activities such as walking, running, excessive jumping, or jumping on hard surfaces

Treatment Options

There are several methods of treatment, some more conservative than others:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Shoe modifications
• Stretching exercises
• An avoidance of going barefoot
• Limiting strenuous activities

If you still have pain after trying the above approaches, see your Bronx, NY, foot and ankle surgeon, who may take one of the following approaches:

• Padding and strapping, which is pads that softens the impact of walking when inserted in the shoe.
• Orthotic devices, which are custom devices that correct structural abnormalities.
• Injection therapy, which are corticosteroid injections that help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Night splint, which helps extend and stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping.
• Physical therapy, which exercises help provide relief.
• Radiofrequency: This minimally invasive treatment sends a radiofrequency current to the affected area, helping to relieve pain.

Consultation

If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your Bronx, NY, podiatrist, Dr. Finkelstein by calling (718) 881-7990 today!

If you are having trouble getting your bunion pain under control we are here to help.

A bunion is a common foot deformity that often affects the joint at the base of the large toe. As a result of this deformity, this can cause the joint to stick out, which can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and even painful. Over time, the bunion can also cause the big toe to lean toward the smaller toes. Bunions can be progressive, so it’s up to you to turn to our Bronx, NY, podiatrist Dr. Barry Finkelstein right away if you notice any changes to the shape of your foot.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Bunions

While surgery is the only way to correct the deformity, patients may not have to get surgery if they maintain good foot care. Common methods for treating or preventing bunion pain and swelling include,

Bunion padding: A bunion that rubs against your shoes can lead to a callus. To prevent this from happening, apply a bunion pad to the area prior to putting on shoes. This will also take pressure off the area so you are less likely to experience pain or discomfort when wearing shoes.

Splinting: More and more people are turning to splints or toe spacers to help realign the foot to take pressure off the deformed joint. While splinting or using toe spacers will not correct the deformity, it can be a great method for preventing pain and discomfort.

Proper footwear: The types of shoes you wear can also affect your bunion. If you are wearing shoes that are too tight, bunch up toes or have a high heel, then chances are good that you are putting too much pressure on the bunion. Opt for shoes that provide ample support and shock absorption. Do the wiggle test before purchasing your shoes. This means that you should be able to wiggle and move your toes around freely within the toe box. If toes are bunched together this could spell disaster for your bunion.

If you suspect that you might have a bunion or if you are having trouble managing your bunion symptoms then it’s time to turn to NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates. Located in Bronx, NY, we provide comprehensive foot care to patients living in New York and New Jersey. Call us today.

You could benefit from foot surgery if have developed a painful foot condition, such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or hammer toes. Several other foot and ankle conditions can be treated through foot surgery, as well. In general, foot surgery can correct certain foot conditions and problems, while also providing long-term relief from foot or ankle pain and discomfort. A podiatrist can determine if foot surgery is an option for you. At NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates, Dr. Barry Finkelstein is your podiatrist for foot surgery in Bronx, NY.

How Foot Surgery Can Help

Some signs you might need foot surgery include persistent pain or discomfort in the foot or ankle associated with an injury or a specific condition. Another indication you might need foot surgery is limited mobility. Foot surgery can correct certain foot and ankle conditions, increase mobility, and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a variety of foot and ankle problems. Some of the foot and ankle problems and/or conditions that can be treated surgically include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis of the ankle
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Tibias posterior dysfunction

Depending on the specific procedure being performed, foot surgery can take as little as one hour. For example, foot surgery for correcting bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis is typically a one-hour procedure. More complicated surgical procedures, such as those for treating arthritis of the ankle or correcting metatarsal problems, can require several hours to complete.

Regardless of the type of foot surgery, most patients are able to return home on the same day following foot surgery. Although, some procedures do necessitate a longer period of recovery in the hospital prior to going home. For all foot surgeries, recovery usually takes several weeks, during which time patients should stay off their feet as much as possible.

Some signs you might need foot surgery include limited mobility and persistent foot pain or discomfort. Foot surgery can help by correcting specific problems in the foot or ankle, which can improve mobility and alleviate pain or discomfort. For more information about foot surgery in Bronx, NY schedule an appointment with Dr. Finkelstein by calling NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates at (718) 881-7990.

Have you been wondering if it's time for hammertoe surgery? Surgery can relieve your pain and allow you to enjoy your normal activities once again. Hammertoe surgery is one of the treatments that Bronx, NY, foot doctor Dr. Barry Finkelstein at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates offers to his patients.

Is it the right time for surgery?

Your Bronx podiatrist may recommend hammertoe surgery in these situations:

• Your pain hasn't improved after conservative treatment: Surgery may be the best treatment if nothing you try relieves your pain. Although pads, exercises, roomier shoes, orthotics and foot exercises can help reduce pain, these measures aren't always helpful. There's no need to live in pain indefinitely when surgery can ease your symptoms.
• You can't do the things you want to do: Has your life changed since you developed your foot condition? When your toe hurts, any activity that involves walking becomes much more difficult. Even walking from your car to your office can aggravate your condition and increase pain. When walking becomes unpleasant, you may decide to forego your usual exercise routine. Unfortunately, skipping exercise can lead to weight gain, which may put increased pressure on your toe. When hammertoe pain brings unwanted changes to your usual routine, surgery can help you get back to normal.
• You have trouble finding shoes that fit: Finding shoes that offer plenty of room in the toes isn't always easy when you have hammertoe. Although sandals can be a good choice in the summer, eventually the weather turns cooler, limiting your footwear choices. If you must resort to wearing shoes that don't fit well, your hammertoe pain may increase. After surgery, shoe shopping won't be such a frustrating experience.

What types of surgery are used to treat hammertoe?

The type of surgery your podiatrist recommends will depend on whether your hammertoe is flexible or fixed. Moving tendons from the bottom to the top of your toe can straighten your toe if it's still flexible. If your hammertoe has become rigid, you may need a joint resection. In some cases, fusion surgery may be the best option.

Could surgery help relieve your hammertoe pain? Call your Bronx, NY, foot doctor Dr. Barry Finkelstein at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates at (718) 881-7990 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Barry Finkelstein at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates has experience when dealing with bunions and the pain affiliated with them, which is why he provides his patients with state-of-the-art care at their Bronx, NY, office.

Bunions

They are the deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. This deformity occurs due to the big toe moving out of place and the pain accompanied with it increases as the enlarged joint constant rubs against your footwear. As time goes by, the toe starts bending towards the rest of the toes, sometimes causing hallux valgus, or a bunion. When this occurs, the pressure and friction placed on and against the toe cause discomfort, irritation, and inflammation. Unfortunately, if bunions are not treated they can cause other problems, such as:

• Hallus Abducto Valgus (the big toe moves towards the second toe)
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Corns and Calluses
• Hammertoes
• The skin over the big toe becomes thicker and more tender

Bunions manifest in mostly women who wear narrow-heeled shoes. That's not the only reason though. Here are a few reasons as to why they do occur:

• flat feet
• foot injuries
• neuromuscular problems
• faulty foot structure

Your Bronx podiatrist can help relieve your bunion pain using several techniques and methods:

• Orthotic devices, which can be over-the-counter or custom made, help support the joint and position the foot so walking and standing are done with more ease.
• There are certain exercises which may help prevent stiffness or arthritis.
• Splints are worn at night, predominantly by adolescence, to help the proper alignment of the toe and joint.
• If the previous non-invasive methods don't work, your podiatrist may advise surgical treatment, called bunionectomy.
• Your podiatrist may opt to remove any corns and calluses developed.
• A good idea would be to wear shoes designed to accommodate the bunion.

Find out how your Bronx, NY, podiatrist can help you with your bunion by calling today!