An Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury. It can happen from falling or increasing mileage and distance too quickly while running. Many people hear a disturbing sound, such as popping or cracking, at the time of the injury, and it can be accompanied by extreme pain. Prompt medical attention is often sought for relief, and an X-ray can be performed to rule out a fracture. This can lead to having the Thompson test performed, which is done by squeezing the calf. This is successful in determining the plantarflexion at the foot and ankle. A positive test may conclude that an Achilles tendon injury has occurred. Effective treatment methods can consist of frequently elevating and resting the foot, and a supportive boot may be worn for stability as the healing process occurs. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity. It develops during pregnancy and can be a result of a short Achilles tendon causing the foot to turn inward. Treatment is often started immediately after birth. There are three classifications of clubfoot. If the cause is unknown, it can be categorized as idiopathic. An underlying syndrome can be called syndromic clubfoot and a nervous system condition leading to clubfoot is called neurogenic. The chances of being born with clubfoot may increase in babies whose mothers smoke or if a parent or sibling has this condition. An effective treatment method is known as Ponseti serial casting and bracing. This begins with stretching the foot and keeping it stable by using a cast. Approximately every ten days, the cast is changed and a procedure is performed during the fourth or fifth visit that can lengthen the Achilles tendon. Casting can correct the deformity, followed by using braces to maintain the correction. If your child is born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment to help with permanent success.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people begin to develop rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, when they reach their 30s or 40s. This disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system actually attacks the body's own tissues. This can cause pain in the joints, including those of the ankles, feet, and toes. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Pain is generally worse when you first get up in the morning. Swelling in the lining of the joints causes pain and redness, and in most cases, affects both feet. Going up and down stairs becomes more difficult, and RA can interfere with carrying out daily activities. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, nodules or hardened bumps may form in the joints. Eventually, the nearby bones and cartilage are affected, causing more visible deformities. In some cases, RA can harden the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart-related problems. For help with issues of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot is a foot condition that can develop in individuals when they experience some degree of difficulty in lifting the front of their foot. Drop foot often occurs due to nerve damage or after a stroke. There are many different exercises that you may consider practicing if you are someone that is currently struggling with drop foot. For example, a patient could potentially benefit from calf stretches because calf muscles may tighten due to drop foot. Additionally, a patient could combat their drop foot by performing balance-enhancing exercises. If you are living with drop foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you address any foot concerns you may be having.

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 Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain is very uncomfortable and can happen for a variety of reasons, including the arthritic condition that is known as gout, or medical reasons such as bunions and hammertoes. Many people can experience toe pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if the toe is stubbed against a piece of furniture. The latter reason may result in a broken toe, and it is often difficult to walk. Despite the reason for toe pain, mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and weight is kept off it. Treatment can vary, and this depends on the reason for the toe pain. If the toe is broken, the buddy taping method may be effective in keeping the injured toe stable by taping it to the toe next to it. The majority of people that have toe pain choose to wear shoes that may be a bit larger, and this may help to accommodate the injured toe. If you have toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you correct treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.