October 2022

A tiny hairline crack in a bone is known as a stress fracture. It is caused by repetitive stress in the metatarsals, or long bones of the feet. It is common for athletes who do a lot of pounding on their feet, such as runners, basketball players, and tennis players. Among the causes or contributing factors to the development of stress fractures are shoes that do not provide ample cushioning, running or pounding on hard surfaces, tight muscles or tendons, and increasing the time or intensity of the particular activity. Stress fractures often go unnoticed at first, because the pain usually dissipates after stopping the activity.  Also, stress fractures are difficult to detect, as they may not always show up on X-rays. The number one way to treat a stress fracture is to stop the activity. If you have further questions about stress fractures, please consult a podiatrist who can perform imaging tests to examine your feet and provide further treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. 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 Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various reasons why patients can develop heel pain. These can include uncomfortable foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or an Achilles tendon injury. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing heel pain, and bursitis may cause this pain to become worse. Mild relief may be found from heel pain by frequently elevating the affected foot, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and performing gentle exercises and stretches. Many patients choose to wear soft insoles in their shoes, in addition to wrapping an elastic bandage around the ankle which may provide extra support. Heel pain is often indicative of an existing medical condition, and it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can accurately determine the cause and provide effective treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who have endured an Achilles tendon injury are often not mistaken about it. A common sign is an immediate pain and discomfort, and it can be extremely difficult to walk. It can happen as a result of increasing running speed and mileage too quickly, and this type of injury can fall into two categories. Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis affects the middle of the tendon, and younger people are prone to developing this type of injury. The lower part of the tendon is affected where it attaches to the heel bone during insertional Achilles tendinitis and can affect people of all ages. Additional symptoms can include heel and calf pain, and there can be a limited range of motion. Some people develop Achilles tendon injuries from not warming up or cooling down properly, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit properly. This is an injury that needs prompt medical attention for a complete recovery so it is suggested that a podiatrist be contacted who can guide you toward the best treatment techniques. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. 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 Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is considered to be a fungal skin infection. It is generally found between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin and may develop into a chronic infection. This type of fungus lives in warm and moist environments and is contagious. Some of the places where appropriate shoes are urged to be worn are public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. There are methods that can be implemented to help prevent the spread of athlete's foot. These include keeping the toenails trimmed and airing shoes out while alternating them every other day. It is beneficial to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, which helps to keep the feet clean and dry. Athlete’s foot generally does not heal on its own, and a podiatrist is often consulted who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer correct treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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