January 2021

Foot pain can impact your everyday life and may come in a variety of forms. Heel pain can be debilitating and is often a sign of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Pain in the ball of the foot can indicate metatarsalgia, inflammation of the ball of the foot, as well as Morton’s neuroma, which is the thickening of tissue around the nerves. Sesamoiditis, which develops from injuries to the sesamoid bones, can also cause pain in the ball of your foot. Patients who are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot may be suffering from flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by a variety of issues including gout, bunions, hammertoes, turf toe, toe sprains or toe fractures.  If you are suffering from foot pain, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hairline fracture is another name for a stress fracture. When it occurs in the foot, it can be accompanied by subtle pain and discomfort, and your walking may be affected as well. It is considered to be a common injury in active children, and may worsen when pressure is exerted on the affected area. Stress fractures can happen as a result of repetitive stress that is endured by the feet from participating in running and jumping activities. Children who have fragile bones or vitamin deficiencies may be prone to developing stress fractures. Common symptoms may include bones in the feet that are painful to touch, and swelling. If your child has pain in their feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Stretching the feet can be beneficial in maintaining good foot health. Frequent stretches can make the feet stronger, which helps to maintain balance. Additionally, falling episodes may be limited when the feet are properly stretched. An effective foot stretch can be performed by rolling your foot on a tennis ball for several seconds, followed by repeating on the other foot. The toes can become stronger when toe curls and toe stretches are practiced. This can aid in maintaining good posture while walking. A simple stretch for toe curls can be completed by sitting in a chair and placing a towel under the feet, then scrunch the towel with your toes. A stretch for the Achilles tendon may consist of standing on a step, and gently lowering one heel and a time. If you would like more information about the effectiveness of foot stretches and how to perform them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

A common symptom of pregnancy is swollen feet. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including an increase in blood circulation, the weight of the unborn baby, or from sitting for extended periods of time. Additionally, eating foods that contain large amounts of sodium may contribute to swollen feet and ankles. It is beneficial to perform gentle stretches daily, and mild relief may be found when exercise is performed on a regular basis. Drinking approximately eight glasses of water during the day may also help to alleviate swollen feet. If you would like more information about your foot concerns during pregnancy, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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