Signs of a Heel Spur

Heel spurs are bony growths that protrude from underneath the heel bone. While heel spurs often form alongside plantar fasciitis, they can also form on their own. Either way, heel spurs do have similar symptoms to plantar fasciitis. These symptoms include pain and tenderness under the heel (particularly while bearing weight), pain that is worse in the mornings, and worsening symptoms while running or walking. Heel spurs are generally only discovered through X-rays. They can be very painful, but they also may not be noticed at all. As the fat pad under the heel wears out, heel spurs tend to become more painful. Patients who are struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis of their pain.

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 Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in New York, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve located at the back of the ankle becomes compressed. This leads to symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the sole and heel of the foot. In about 40-50% of cases, the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is unknown, and it appears to arise spontaneously. In other cases, tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur due to a ganglion cyst, bone deformity, twisted and enlarged veins, tenosynovitis, and flat feet, among other causes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed through ultrasound and MRI and usually responds well to conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics. To learn more about this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Peripheral Neuropathy and Daily Foot Checks

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage in the feet and ankles. When associated with diabetes it is also known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can lead to numbness or a loss of sensation in the feet and ankles. If you are unable to feel what is happening to your feet and ankles, you are less likely to detect potential foot problems when they occur. When even seemingly minor foot traumas occur like cuts and scrapes, and they are left undetected and untreated, they can progressively worsen over time and become wounds and ulcers. This is especially true for diabetics, whose wounds tend to heal slowly and poorly. To combat foot wounds and ulcers as well as the potential complications that they can bring, it is important for people with peripheral neuropathy to inspect their feet daily for any abnormalities or changes. If you notice a new cut, scrape, sore, wound, discoloration, or strange sensation, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Visiting a Podiatrist for Pain on the Top of the Foot

Because the foot supports the body and is made up of a complex network of bones, ligaments and tendons, foot pain can be debilitating and needs medical care. Different conditions can lead to issues in different locations on the foot. Common issues that cause pain on the top of the foot include extensor tendonitis, a Lisfranc injury, a midtarsal joint sprain, a navicular stress fracture, or a Morton’s neuroma. While these injuries are all different and complex, there are a few indications that a podiatrist should examine your condition. These indications include severe pain and swelling, an inability to complete normal daily tasks or to put weight on the foot, a change in sensation of the foot (such as numbness), and pain and weakness in the area that lasts more than two weeks.    

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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