April 2025

An Achilles tendon rupture is a significant injury that often occurs during sports or sudden movement, usually felt as a sharp pain or a popping sensation in the back of the ankle. Walking becomes difficult, and pushing off the foot may feel impossible. Management depends on the severity of the tear and the patient’s overall health and activity level. Non-surgical treatment includes immobilization with a cast or walking boot, followed by specific exercises to restore strength and flexibility. Surgical repair may be recommended for younger or more active individuals to reduce the risk of re-rupture and support a quicker return to activity. Both approaches require a period of rest, followed by a carefully guided rehabilitation program. Prompt diagnosis is key to determining the most effective treatment. If you experience sudden pain or loss of function in your lower leg, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the bottom of the foot, especially sharp pain or a burning sensation, can be caused by several conditions. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, where the tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often leading to sharp pain near the heel. Another potential cause is neuropathy, a condition where nerve damage causes a burning or tingling sensation. Metatarsalgia or inflammation of the ball of the foot can also lead to discomfort, often described as a feeling of standing on a small stone. Symptoms typically include sharp or burning pain in the foot's arch or heel, especially after standing or walking for long periods. The area may feel tender, swollen, or tight. A podiatrist can help diagnose the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging tests, or nerve function tests. Treatment may include rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotics or anti-inflammatory medications. If you are dealing with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. 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 Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the feet can lead to a range of symptoms that affect daily movement and comfort. This autoimmune condition often targets the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint, along with joints in the toes, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, such joint damage can alter foot structure, causing the arches to collapse and leading to flat feet. The shifting alignment of the toes may also contribute to the development of bunions and hammertoes. As pressure points change, thickened skin such as calluses may form on the soles or sides of the feet. These symptoms can make walking painful and reduce stability. Early recognition of these signs is essential for managing rheumatoid arthritis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious and painful condition.

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 one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In-toeing, often called pigeon toes, is a common condition where the feet turn inward when walking or running. It frequently appears in young children and, in most cases, corrects itself as they grow. The cause can vary from how the bones in the legs or feet develop to tightness in the hips. While many children with in-toeing have no pain or difficulty, some may trip more often or feel discomfort after activity. Most cases improve naturally without intervention, but there are instances where treatment may be necessary. If in-toeing is severe, causing pain, or not improving over time, a podiatrist can evaluate whether corrective measures such as stretching exercises, braces, or specialized footwear are needed. Addressing concerns early can help ensure proper foot alignment and prevent future issues. If you have concerns about your child’s walking pattern, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

An ingrown toenail might seem like a small problem, but it can cause big discomfort. When the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and even infection. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and injuries often make the problem worse. While home remedies may provide temporary relief, persistent or painful ingrown toenails need professional care. A podiatrist can safely remove the problem portion of the nail, easing your pain and helping to prevent future issues. In some cases, they may recommend a simple procedure to stop the nail from growing back improperly. If you have an ingrown toenail that will not heal or keeps coming back, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide the expert care you need.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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