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Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is known for causing intense heel pain. Those affected by this condition often relay feeling discomfort when first getting out of bed in the morning. There are a few stretches you can perform to help ease the pain linked to plantar fasciitis. One of these types of stretches is known as towel scrunches. You can start by sitting and scrunching a towel with both feet. Then, stand and scrunch the towel with your feet. Another exercise you can try involves standing and trying to place a cotton ball into a cup using your toes. For more advice on what stretches and exercises you can practice to help with plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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 Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop is a condition in which the foot drags or has difficulty lifting while walking, often caused by weakness in the muscles that raise the front of the foot and toes. This weakness can develop from problems in the muscles themselves, nerve damage that interrupts signals to the foot and ankle, or structural issues that affect movement. People with foot drop often change their walking style to avoid tripping, sometimes lifting the knee higher than normal to clear the toes from the ground. Over time, this can create additional strain on the joints of the foot and ankle. Causes include direct injury to the dorsiflexor muscles, nerve compression, diabetic neuropathy, or stroke-related changes. A podiatrist can identify the underlying reason for the problem and recommend supportive devices to improve mobility. If you have problems lifting your feet while walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Strong and flexible feet are essential for daily movement and overall mobility. Simple foot stretches can keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of injury. A calf stretch is done by standing with your hands against a wall, one leg behind the other, and leaning forward to gently stretch the back calf muscle. An ankle stretch helps by rotating the ankle slowly in circles to improve flexibility and strength. Additionally, a foot arch stretch can be done by sitting, placing one foot over the opposite knee, and gently pulling back the toes to stretch the arch. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on specific foot strengthening stretches. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Cracked heels are more than a cosmetic concern and may signal underlying health issues, including vitamin deficiencies. Lack of vitamin E can reduce skin elasticity, vitamin B3 deficiency may cause dryness and inflammation, and low vitamin C can impair healing and collagen production. Other causes of cracked heels include skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, or frequently walking barefoot which increases pressure on the skin. A podiatrist can assess the root cause, provide treatments to soften and heal the skin, and recommend lifestyle changes or supplements, if needed. Cracked heels can be painful, and may interfere with completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment remedies.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled sac located between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This bursa helps reduce friction, but when it becomes inflamed, every step can feel uncomfortable. The pain is usually felt at the back of the heel, especially when walking, running, or wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the area. Swelling, tenderness, and stiffness surrounding the heel are also common signs. The condition often develops from overuse, repetitive stress, or footwear that irritates the heel. Athletes and individuals who spend long hours on their feet may be more prone to bursitis. Treatment may involve rest,  heel lifts, or changes in footwear to reduce pressure on the tendon and bursa. If pain persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide custom orthotics, targeted exercise, or other advanced treatments to restore comfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Midtown, Manhattan New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.