Injuries to the Achilles tendon can happen at different ages, but the cause often depends on how a child or teen is moving. In younger children, this tendon is more often harmed during a sudden accident, such as a fall or direct hit. In teens, the pattern shifts. The injury is more likely to occur during powerful movement, such as pushing off to jump or sprint, when the muscle force places high stress on the tendon. Care is based on the type and severity of the damage, and many cases require a structured plan that may include a procedure followed by adherence to proper healing and targeted exercises. Recovery takes time, especially for those eager to return to sports and activity. A gradual and guided approach helps restore strength and function while lowering the chance of repeat problems. If your child or teen has pain or weakness in the back of their ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

The foot and ankle are made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that must work together for smooth movement and balance. When any of these structures are strained, injured, or not aligned properly, pain and limited mobility can follow. Common concerns include tendon irritation, joint stiffness, ligament sprains, and structural changes that develop over time. A careful evaluation helps identify where the problem is coming from, and how it affects the way you walk or stand. This may include examining movement patterns, checking strength and flexibility, and reviewing your activity level and footwear. Treatment depends on the specific cause and may involve rest, supportive devices, targeted exercises, or other non-surgical options. In more advanced cases, additional procedures may be considered to restore function and reduce discomfort. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors 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 Whitestone, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swelling in the feet or ankles may be more than a discomfort and may signal an underlying health concern. This condition, known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the body’s tissues. It causes the skin to appear puffy, tight, or shiny. Swelling can develop after injuries, such as ankle sprains, fractures, or muscle strains, because the body sends fluid to protect and repair damaged structures. Long periods of standing, pregnancy, and poor circulation can also contribute to fluid buildup in the lower limbs. Swollen feet also may be linked to conditions involving the heart, kidneys, or liver that affect how the body manages fluids. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, reduced ankle movement, or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can assess the cause of swelling by examining foot structure, joint motion, and circulation. Treatment options include supportive devices, footwear changes, or further testing. If you notice unusual or painful swelling in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape that may cause discomfort and difficulty with footwear. When conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, hammertoe surgery may be recommended to restore proper toe alignment. The procedure typically involves correcting the affected joint, releasing tight tendons, or removing small portions of bone to allow the toe to return to a more natural position. Benefits of hammertoe surgery include reduced pain, improved foot function, and greater comfort while walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed this condition, and it is interfering with completing daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Whitestone Podiatry PC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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