It is undeniable that wearing certain kinds of shoes can negatively impact the health of the feet. For example, flip-flops and high heels are just two kinds of shoes that can potentially harm the health of the feet. Flat shoes with little to no support or cushioning can also cause pain in the feet, especially the heels. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Most importantly, when an individual walks with flat shoes, the heel bone takes the brunt of the force. Therefore, flat shoes may exacerbate heel pain. One can mitigate heel pain and prevent it by wearing supportive shoes instead of completely flat shoes. If you are someone currently struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment and advice. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Elliot T. Udell, 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 office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that often attacks the feet and ankles first. This type of arthritis comes from the immune system attacking joint linings and weakening ligaments. It can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity, and it can impact balance and mobility making it hard to stand or walk safely.  Nodules or lumps on the feet can rub against shoes when walking and hammertoes or bunions can develop. This type of arthritis is three times more apt to affect women than men. As the disease progresses, the joint damage can become so severe that there is a complete loss of joint function and joint-replacement surgery is necessary. If you are suffering from the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for suggestions on how to live life more comfortably.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Clubfoot is a common birth defect that can be detected before birth or at birth. It is when an infant’s foot points inward instead of forward. The heel will appear to be on the outside of the foot while the toes point toward the other foot. While this condition typically involves one foot, it can involve both feet. It is more apt to affect boys than girls. A child with clubfoot will wobble when they walk and often walk on the outside of their foot to maintain their balance. While it looks uncomfortable, it generally does not cause pain in childhood. However, a child with this ailment can experience pain later in life if the affected leg is shorter and has a smaller calf due to the clubfoot. The reason for this anomaly is unknown. Some experts believe clubfoot is a genetic condition and that mothers who smoke or drink during pregnancy are more likely to bear children with clubfoot. It may also occur as a skeletal abnormality during birth. Clubfoot may be corrected with stretching and bracing the foot, but in some severe cases, surgery might be required. If you have a child born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for recommended treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

A condition known as Sever’s disease is common among physically active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Luckily it is not really a disease and generally corrects itself as the child ages. However, in the meantime, the child may experience pain in the heel, but not the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease results from inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. This is because the muscles of the calf and the heel bone grow at different rates. Excessive running or jumping, particular to certain sports played by children, can aggravate the condition. Pain is worse during activity and generally lets up after rest. Another factor of Sever’s disease is wearing shoes that do not offer ample heel cushioning or arch support. By late adolescence, the child’s growth plates will have hardened and the pain abates. For more information, it is suggested that your child see a podiatrist who can examine the heel to properly diagnose the problem and offer options for treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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