If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

(718) 891-2706

2616 Ave U | Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 278-8020

4105 31st Ave | Astoria, NY 11103
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter
Review us on google

January 2025

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Why Gout Affects the Big Toe First

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. The big toe is often the first joint affected by gout due to its cooler temperature compared to other parts of the body. Uric acid tends to crystallize more easily in cooler areas, making the big toe, particularly the joint known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, a prime target. Additionally, the big toe bears significant weight and stress while walking, which can further exacerbate the condition. When uric acid levels become elevated, the crystals accumulate in the joint, triggering inflammation and severe pain. Although gout can affect other joints over time, the big toe remains the most common initial site of attack. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Symptoms and Relief for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in pain at the bottom of the foot, typically near the heel and arch. This pain often feels like a stabbing or bruising sensation, and may be most intense during the first steps in the morning. For some patients, the discomfort can also occur after standing for long periods of time, or when standing up after sitting for an extended time. Pain from plantar fasciitis may vary in intensity, with severe cases causing significant discomfort during daily activities. Risk factors include having flat feet, high arches, wearing unsupportive footwear, and standing for prolonged periods. Age, specific occupations, and certain pre-existing foot conditions can also contribute to the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, identify the underlying causes, and provide effective treatment, such as custom orthotics or other methods to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and alleviate pain. If you have heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Blisters are a common issue for hikers, often caused by pressure, direct friction, and moisture. When shoes rub against the skin repeatedly during a hike, the friction creates heat, which can cause the skin layers to separate and form a blister. This is especially true if the shoes are too tight or not broken in properly. Moisture from sweat or wet conditions also plays a significant role, softening the skin and making it more prone to damage from friction. To prevent blisters, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes that provide enough room in the toe box and good arch support. Choosing moisture-wicking socks and changing them regularly can help keep feet dry. Additionally, applying blister prevention tape or lubricants to hot spots can reduce friction, keeping feet comfortable and blister-free during hikes. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, causing patients to temporarily cease hiking. They may also become infected, needing prompt medical attention. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat foot blisters, and guide you on additional prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
Friday, 10 January 2025 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Heel Spurs and Their Causes

A plantar calcaneal spur, commonly known as a heel spur, is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone. A heel spur typically develops as a result of repetitive stress and strain on the foot, often linked to activities that involve high-impact movements like running or jumping. Prolonged standing, obesity, poor footwear, or abnormalities in foot structure such as flat feet or high arches can also lead to heel spurs. Over time, this pressure can cause the tissues on the bottom of the foot, particularly the plantar fascia, to pull away from the heel bone. This strain triggers bone formation as the body attempts to repair the area, leading to the growth of a spur. While the spur itself may not always cause pain, it can irritate surrounding tissues, resulting in discomfort or inflammation. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Heel Spurs
Connect With Us

Podiatrists Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM on Facebook Podiatrists Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM on Twitter Brooklyn and Astoria NY Podiatry Blog
 
Latest NY Podiatry News