A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot caused by repeated pressure or impact over time. Common causes include overuse, repetitive high impact movements such as running or jumping, sudden changes in activity levels, or abnormal foot structure that places extra stress on certain bones. Risk factors include low levels of vitamin D and calcium, a history of previous stress fractures, and participating in sports or activities that strain the feet. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a stress fracture using imaging, provide treatment plans to allow proper healing, recommend protective footwear or orthotics, and guide safe return to activity. If you have signs of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and recovery guidance.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes. It often develops from repeated pressure on the forefoot and is linked to wearing tight shoes, having flat feet, bunions, or high foot arches. This pressure irritates the nerve and leads to symptoms such as toe cramping, burning sensations, or sharp pain between the third and fourth toes. Many people describe the feeling as walking on a pebble. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide custom padding or orthotics, recommend better footwear, and offer treatments that reduce inflammation and discomfort. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joints of the foot, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints, causing swelling and deformity. Additionally, post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury or fracture, while gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint, causing sudden and severe pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of arthritis, recommend treatments such as custom orthotics or medication, and provide guidance to improve mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When your toes start to curl downward instead of lying flat, it may signal more than a minor irritation. Conditions such as hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe develop when imbalances in the muscles and tendons cause the toe joints to bend in unnatural ways. Hammertoe typically affects the middle joint, mallet toe the tip, and claw toe causes all joints to curl, often digging into the sole of the foot. These deformities can begin as mild stiffness or shoe discomfort, but may progress to painful, rigid joints if untreated. Wearing tight footwear, past injuries, or inherited foot shapes often contribute. A podiatrist can recommend wider shoes, stretching, pads, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure and improve alignment. For more advanced cases, minor surgery may be needed to straighten the toes. Early treatment keeps your steps comfortable and your toes flexible. It is suggested that you pay attention to early signs of crooked toes, and if problems arise, seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.