Tuesday, 22 April 2025 00:00

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often felt as a sharp or stabbing sensation with the first steps in the morning or after rest. It results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Diagnosis begins with a podiatrist reviewing your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam to check for tenderness and tightness along the bottom of the foot. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to rule out other causes. Treatment typically includes rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. In more persistent cases, targeted exercises, night splints, or anti-inflammatory treatments may be recommended. Addressing plantar fasciitis early helps prevent chronic pain or altered walking patterns. If heel pain is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Emil Babayev, DPM  from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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Wednesday, 16 April 2025 00:00

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 15 April 2025 00:00

As people age, changes in foot structure and walking style can lead to common toe problems. Seniors with flat feet, or pes planus, may be more likely to develop hammertoes and overlapping toes due to the way pressure is distributed when walking. In contrast, high arches, called cavus foot posture, do not appear to be linked to these specific concerns. Older adults who have a pronated foot function, meaning their feet roll inward while walking, may face a higher risk of developing bunions and overlapping toes. Those with supinated feet, which roll outward, may be less likely to develop bunions and big toe stiffness. Since foot posture often changes with age, it is important for seniors to have their foot health checked regularly. Early recognition of abnormal patterns can help reduce discomfort and prevent future complications. If you are a senior experiencing foot or toe problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Tuesday, 08 April 2025 00:00

Toe pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable, whether you are walking, running, or simply wearing shoes. Common causes include bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and arthritis. Repetitive stress from wearing tight shoes, high-impact activities, or foot deformities can also lead to inflammation and pain in the toes. If your toes are sore, swollen, or stiff, rest may provide temporary relief. Wearing shoes with a roomy toe box and good arch support can ease pressure on the joints. Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. Persistent toe pain may signal a more serious problem, such as a stress fracture or nerve issue. If the pain does not improve or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose the cause and recommend the right treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain

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