Simple Ankle Stretches for Daily Support

Ankle pain can develop from overuse, strain, or poor movement patterns. It often appears as stiffness, soreness, or reduced range of motion. It may begin after activity or gradually worsen with time. Stretches like a towel stretch, calf raise, and golf ball roll can support flexibility and circulation. A towel stretch is done by sitting with legs extended and pulling a towel around the foot to stretch the calf. Calf raises involve lifting the heels slowly while standing to build strength. Additionally, a golf ball roll under the foot can ease tension in surrounding tissues. While these methods may provide relief, a podiatrist can assess alignment, identify any underlying causes, and create a structured treatment plan. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional ankle exercises. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet

Foot and Ankle Injuries From Tennis

Tennis places heavy stress on the feet and ankles because the game requires quick turns, sudden stops, and fast side-to-side movement. Common injuries include ankle sprains, heel pain, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon injuries. Hard courts place repeated pressure on the joints and bones of the feet, while slippery courts increase the risk of twisting an ankle. Wearing shoes that lack proper support can also lead to pain and instability. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries with a physical exam and imaging tests or X-rays. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce pressure on painful areas. Bracing or wearing a walking boot can help protect injured tendons and bones while they heal. Stretching exercises and strengthening programs can improve balance and ankle stability. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged tissue or fractures. If you have foot or ankle pain after playing tennis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis in the Foot

Psoriatic arthritis in the foot is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis that affects joints and surrounding tissues. It often appears with pain, tenderness, and swelling, especially in the toes and heel. Some people notice sausage like swelling of digits or thickened nails. The condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to joint damage over time. Triggers may include stress, injury, infection, or genetic factors. Symptoms can come and go in flares that vary in intensity. A podiatrist can evaluate joint changes, provide imaging, guide medication plans, and recommend supportive devices to improve function and reduce pain. Early diagnosis helps prevent deformity and long-term mobility problems in daily life. If you have this foot condition, It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot

We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Clubfoot and Early Care for Healthy Development

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which the foot is twisted inward and the toes point downward. It may affect one or both feet and is present at birth. This condition is often linked to genetic factors and differences in muscle and tendon development. Symptoms include a visible inward position of the foot, limited range of motion, and stiffness in the affected area. Early care is important to support proper alignment and function as a child grows. A podiatrist can assess the condition, guide treatment options, and monitor progress to improve mobility and comfort. With timely care, many children achieve strong and functional movement. If your child has been born with symptoms of clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule a visit with a podiatrist to support healthy foot development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 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.

Read more about Congenital Foot Problems

Connect With Us