Find Heel, Foot or Ankle Pain Relief With Our Manhattan Pain Specialists
Expert Care for Plantar Fasciitis & Other Heel-Related Problems
At Park Avenue Podiatry Associates, our Foot Doctors treat a lot of heel pain or plantar fasciitis. Many of the symptoms include pain when you first get up in the morning, burning, numbness and increased symptoms by the end of the day. The pain is usually caused by tightening of the plantar fascia ligament located on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament supports the arch. When you're resting, the ligament contracts. As you start to walk, the ligament pulls and may tear slightly causing pain. Heel pain can also be brought on by trauma, over exertion, ill- fitting shoes or poor foot alignment.
Our Podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis conservatively with:
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Plantar Fascia Exercises
Cortisone Injections
Proper foot support is one of the most important treatments we recommend. The purpose of foot support is to stop the ligament from tearing, thereby, getting at the cause of the problem. Our Foot Doctors often prescribe custom orthotics for the best possible foot support. Custom molded orthotics are inserts that fit into your shoes, which are custom molded specifically to your foot, to correct the faulty foot alignment and bring your foot into a more correct position. We find that most of our patients respond to conservative treatment with favorable outcomes. For those patients that require additional treatment surgery may be necessary.
So, if you're suffering with heel pain, don't wait for it to become a chronic problem. Book an appointment and we'll get you back, to the activities you love, in no-time.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a medical condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. This happens when the Achilles tendon is constantly abused. This condition is common among athletes and middle age people who are actively engaged in sport activities.
TREATMENT FOR ACHILLES TENDINITIS
Generally, tendons such as the Achilles tendon do not heal rapidly or completely. A lifestyle change is sometimes needed to prevent the recurrence of Achilles tendinitis. The aim in treating Achilles tendinitis is to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Initial treatment of the symptoms includes:
Resting the Leg
Cold Compression Therapy
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication
Physical Therapy
Heel Lift
Brace or Cast
In the most severe cases, surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Contact Park Avenue Podiatry Associates to provide the best diagnosis and treatment for optimal recovery.
ANKLE SPRAIN
Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury. They involve possible joint damage resulting in swelling, instability and pain, to more severe damage, such as torn ligaments, bruised cartilage and broken bones. Immediate treatment includes rest, ice, compression and anti-inflammatories.
Unfortunately, as many as 80% of untreated sprained ankles result in prolonged symptoms. These can include chronic pain or ankle instability, that makes a person prone to repetitive injury later in life and arthritic changes.
Park Avenue Podiatry Associates utilizes the latest technology to determine if there is a fracture, dislocation or torn ligaments. If you've sprained your ankle or have a history of ankle sprains, early evaluation and aggressive treatment is the best way to avoid chronic pain, instability and arthritis of the involved joints.
Schedule an appointment immediately to be evaluated and to learn more about all of your treatment options.
Stress Fractures and Broken Bones
A broken bone is also known as a fracture. There is a common misconception that a broken bone is worse than a fracture. In reality they are the same. There are many different types of fractures or breaks.
A bone can be broken and the fragments can be out of position. We call this a displaced fracture. Conversely, if they are in good alignment it's called a non-displaced fracture. If a bone is broken and you can barely see it on an x-ray, it is a hairline fracture. Finally, if a bone is broken and one of the fragments has punctured the skin, we call this an open or compound fracture. Since open fractures can easily become infected immediate surgical management is required.
Broken bones are usually splinted initially to prevent bone movement and further damage to the soft tissues that surround them. If the fracture is displaced it may need to be set. In certain fractures, setting them can be difficult. In these types of fractures, surgery is also indicated. This will provide the best opportunity for healing.
Even though all of this sounds very scary, most fractures can be managed in a cast without going to the OR. Even simple fractures of the toes respond very well to this treatment. And yes, we do put casts on toes. Not the plaster or fiberglass most people think of. Instead, we use a mesh tape which holds the toe in place.
If you, or someone you know has sustained an injury to the foot or ankle please book an appointment immediately, we will make every attempt to see you ASAP, usually the day you call.