Heel pain in children is often linked to Sever’s disease, a growth plate inflammation that appears during growth spurts, especially in active kids. But it is not the only reason young heels may hurt. Overuse injuries from sports, wearing poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or high arches can also strain the heel. Plantar fasciitis, although more common in adults, can occur in athletic children. Bruises from impact, minor fractures, or tendonitis may cause similar discomfort. Even certain infections or inflammatory conditions can lead to heel pain. Symptoms can include limping, swelling, or pain that worsens after activity. Early evaluation helps identify the true cause and guide treatment, which may involve rest, stretching, wearing better footwear, or orthotics. If your child has ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can come from various conditions, including athlete’s foot, bunions, and ingrown toenails, each with its own causes and symptoms. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection often caused by sweaty feet and exposure to damp environments, like locker rooms. Athlete’s foot can lead to itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics, poor footwear, or arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, often from improper trimming or tight shoes. This may lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Any of these conditions can make walking painful and reduce your quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the problem through a physical exam, lab tests, or imaging. Treatments include antifungal medications, orthotics, nail care, or minor procedures to relieve discomfort and correct the issue. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. 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 contact our office located in Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wounds on the feet or ankles that heal slowly often result from underlying medical conditions that affect blood flow, nerve function, or immune response. Poor circulation, including peripheral artery disease or venous insufficiency, limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to foot tissues, making it harder for wounds to close. Diabetes is another leading cause of slow-healing wounds, as prolonged high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing both pain sensation and healing ability. Mechanical pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged immobility can also lead to sores that are slow to heal. A weakened immune system along with advancing age may further increase the risk. Chronic wounds can become infected and lead to complications, including the possibility of limb loss, if untreated. If you notice a foot or lower leg wound that is not healing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common problem usually affects the big toe and can result from trimming toenails too short or rounding the corners, which encourages the nail to curve inward as it grows. Wearing tight shoes or socks that crowd the toes can also increase the risk. To help prevent ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges. Keep nails at a moderate length, as nails that are too short are more likely to dig into the skin. Choose shoes that provide enough room in the toe area to avoid unnecessary pressure on your nails. Keeping your feet clean and dry may also help reduce risk. If you experience ongoing discomfort or signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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