Items filtered by date: March 2024

Bunions, technically known as hallux valgus, are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe joint. They are caused by a structural problem within the foot bones, often the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. This causes the big toe to angle toward the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. While genetics play a role in the development of bunions, factors like overpronation, foot injuries, arthritis, and nerve or muscle conditions can contribute to bunion development. Symptoms include pain, inflammation, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Conservative treatment, like supportive footwear and pain-relieving medication, are initial options. Cortisone injections may be used for swelling and pain. However, when conservative measures fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the joint and relieve pain. Bunion surgery is typically reserved for severe cases where pain and deformity persist despite other treatments. If you're experiencing bunion pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide personalized treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 care needs.

Heel pain can significantly diminish one's quality of life, affecting daily activities and mobility. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs can cause persistent discomfort, making it challenging to walk, stand, or exercise without pain. Beyond the physical discomfort, heel pain can also lead to emotional stress, impacting mood and overall well-being. Education plays an important role in understanding the underlying causes of heel pain and implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and managing heel pain, offering tailored treatment plans to address individual needs. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for comprehensive care to improve your overall quality of life.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Foot and ankle injuries require rehabilitation exercises overseen by a podiatrist to restore strength, flexibility, and stability. These foot and ankle exercises include ankle pump-ups, targeting improved ankle dorsiflexion and lower leg muscle strengthening. Ankle pump-downs enhance ankle plantarflexion and strengthen calf muscles. Bent-knee wall stretches are specifically focused on the soleus muscle for recovery from disuse muscle atrophy. Straight-knee wall stretches are employed for comprehensive calf muscle stretching. Toe pick-ups are aimed at strengthening toe muscles and enhancing flexibility. Heel raises are performed to fortify toes, feet, and calves. It's imperative to execute these exercises under the guidance of a podiatrist to ensure correct technique and to prevent further injury. If you encounter severe discomfort or pain while performing rehab exercises, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Foot pain is a common experience during the aging process. Common causes of foot pain in older people include changes in foot structure, decreased cushioning in the soles of the feet, and a natural reduction in skin elasticity. Conditions like arthritis, which become more prevalent with age, can contribute to joint pain and inflammation in the feet. Older people often experience lowered circulation and slower healing processes, which can make foot problems worse. Chronic conditions such as diabetes can also lead to neuropathy, causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet. It is important to choose the right footwear and practice good foot hygiene to prevent any additional pain. If you are experiencing foot pain as an older adult, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can offer a diagnosis for foot pain and management techniques. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.