Heel pain affects the underside or back of the heel and can interfere with daily activities. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Other causes include heel pad syndrome, which involves thinning or inflammation of the protective fat pad, and Achilles tendinopathy, which produces pain and stiffness at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the exact cause, and provide personalized 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.

Chronic ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains that never fully recover. People may notice frequent rolling of the ankle, weakness, swelling, or a feeling that the joint cannot be trusted. To better understand risk and recovery, podiatrists look at both movement and daily function. Simple balance testing can show how well the ankle controls motion during standing and reaching tasks, which reflects real world stability. Self-reported questionnaires help capture how the ankle feels during normal activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. When poor balance is paired with difficulty performing everyday tasks, the likelihood of long-term instability increases. Using both physical testing and patient feedback provides a clearer picture than either approach alone. This combined information helps guide treatment and reduce repeat injury. If ankle weakness or repeated sprains continue, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Pain or burning along the Achilles tendon is a common concern that often develops gradually, especially in active individuals or those who spend long hours on their feet. This strong tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. When it becomes irritated, symptoms include persistent soreness, stiffness after rest, and a warm or burning sensation during movement. Visible signs include swelling, thickening, and redness. The area may look inflamed and feel tender to the touch, with discomfort that worsens during walking or exercise. Causes often involve overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet. A podiatrist begins care with a detailed history, physical examination, and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out tears. Treatment may start with activity modification, stretching, and supportive devices, then progress to targeted exercises, medications, or advanced interventions if pain persists. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

During the winter months, many people turn to treadmill running, but this sudden change can place added stress on the feet. Treadmills increase repetition, meaning the same movement is performed thousands of times in a short period. This can strain foot structures and aggravate existing issues. Incline settings may further increase tension through the heel and arch, raising the risk of heel pain, Achilles discomfort, or nerve irritation in the forefoot. Symptoms may include soreness along the bottom of the heel, stiffness when taking the first steps of the day, or burning or tingling between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, assess treadmill habits, and identify contributing factors like tight calf muscles or altered gait patterns. If you have foot pain after treadmill running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.