Items filtered by date: July 2021

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bones to the toes, becomes inflamed. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom and inside of the heel, although you may also experience swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth, as well as arch pain. The symptoms are usually at their worst when you take your first few steps after resting for a long period of time, such as when you first get out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis, affecting about 10% of the population. A podiatrist can easily diagnose plantar fasciitis by taking a medical history and examining your foot. Imaging studies are rarely needed, but may be ordered if the doctor suspects a different underlying cause to your heel pain. If you are suffering from heel pain, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mital Patel, DPM  from South Shore Podiatry. 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 office located in Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your big toe is made up of two bones, and each of your little toes is made up of three. Like any other bones in the body, the bones in the toes can break or fracture due to injury. If you have broken your toe, you will likely notice pain and swelling in the toe. You may also have a discolored toenail due to blood trapped beneath the surface of the nail. In a severe, open fracture of the toe, you may see your broken toe bone poking through your skin. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical examination. X-rays may sometimes be used to confirm a diagnosis or determine the extent of the injury. In terms of treatment, your doctor may tape the broken toe to the toe directly next to it to protect, support, and realign the broken toe. You will likely need to rest the affected foot and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. If there is blood trapped underneath your toenail, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and ease pain. If you have broken your toe, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 and ankle needs.