Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed, symptoms such as foot and ankle pain, burning, tingling, and numbness can arise. This condition is typically treated through conservative methods. These include resting and icing the affected foot, taking over-the-counter pain medications, wearing orthotics, immobilizing the foot, physical therapy, and steroid injections. In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, decompression surgery may be needed. To learn more about tarsal tunnel syndrome, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors 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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The large tendon located at the back of the ankle, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle, is known as the Achilles tendon. It is the largest tendon in the body, allows you to stand on tiptoe and bears a lot of stress. Activities such as running, jumping, or standing for a long period of time can cause the Achilles tendon to swell, stiffen and become painful. This condition is known as Achilles tendinopathy. Factors such as older age, being overweight, tightness in the calf muscles, poor limb alignment, and stiff joints in the foot can contribute to Achilles tendinopathy. Because of the severity of an Achilles injury, patients who are struggling with pain or tenderness in this tendon would be wise to visit a podiatrist for an evaluation.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors 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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many diabetics are at risk of developing foot ulcers that are typically found under the big toe and the ball of the foot. If an ulcer goes undetected, it can lead to a deterioration of the skin, right down to the bone. And if infected, it can become life threatening. About a quarter of all diabetics develop ulcers, but there are ways to keep them from forming in the first place. It’s important to check your feet daily, looking for skin tears, calluses, blisters or any open cut, sore or wound. Keep your feet clean by washing them in warm soapy water and thoroughly drying them, especially between the toes. Apply lotion to keep the feet from drying out and cracking. Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks. Some other tips include, wearing shoes that fit properly, taking prescribed medications, checking sugar levels and exercising regularly. If calluses or corns have formed on your feet, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can safely remove them and check your feet for any other skin problems.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

While severe ankle pain is most typically caused by fractures and sprains, it may also be the result of a ruptured Achilles tendon. An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the three bones of the ankle. Along with intense and immediate pain, a severe ankle fracture may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight or walking, and an obvious deformity. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligament that supports the ankle becomes overly stretched, or partially/fully torn. When you severely sprain your ankle, you may experience many of the same symptoms as an ankle fracture, and you may even hear a popping sound at the moment of injury. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when this large tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone tears partially or is fully torn away from the heel bone. This condition typically causes severe pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, bruising, tenderness and an inability to stand your toes. If you have suffered one of these injuries or are experiencing any pain in your ankle, it is suggested that you seek immediate treatment from a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

The bones in the ankle are connected by a variety of ligaments. Ankle sprains occur when these ligaments become either overstretched or torn, usually because the ankle is twisted. Mild ankle sprains mean that the ankle is tender and swollen, but more severe ankle sprains can make the ankle unstable and unable to support any weight. Patients who believe they may have sprained an ankle would be wise to consult with a podiatrist, because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to those of a broken ankle, and an x-ray may be necessary. Recurring or severe sprains can also cause long-term weakness and joint pain. Upon the diagnosis of an ankle sprain (or fracture), a podiatrist will be able to provide a treatment plan for the injury.   

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Plantar fasciitis is often associated with certain factors that can cause the band of tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) to become stressed, damaged, or even torn. These factors include engaging in physical activities that stretch the plantar fascia, such as running, tennis, step aerobics, and volleyball. Other factors include being obese or pregnant, wearing footwear with poor support in the arch and heel, or having flat feet, high arches or other structural issues of the feet. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain and stiffness, which is often more intense in the morning or after periods of rest. A podiatrist can often diagnose plantar fasciitis—and distinguish it from other conditions that cause heel pain—by considering the patient’s symptoms and history, performing a physical examination, and analyzing X-rays and other imaging tests. If you feel pain in your heel, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to get your issue properly diagnosed and treated.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

You can help your teenage daughter strike a healthy balance between foot health and fashion. Encourage them to wear more supportive footwear (which can still be cute) on a daily basis, while reserving high heels for special occasions. Explain that wearing high heels regularly can damage their muscles and even change their gait. Go over modifications that can help mitigate any damage caused by high heels while still satisfying their desire to be fashionable. For instance, 1 or 2 inch heels can cause fewer foot issues than 4 inch heels. Wider high heels help distribute body weight much more evenly than stilettos, and wider toe boxes avoid toes being squished from pointy or narrow-toed shoes that place excessive pressure on the bones of the foot. When you take them shoe shopping, help them choose footwear that fits well and is comfortable right then and there, rather than buying tighter shoes with the hope of stretching them out at home. Most flip flops do not provide adequate support either and should only be worn getting to and from the beach, in public places that are wet (around pools, in locker rooms and public showers, etc.) and for short periods of time. For more tips on proper footwear and foot care for your teenager, contact a podiatrist.

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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Shoes made for walking are usually different from those designed for runners because the mechanics of each activity are different and require shoes that meet those needs. The main difference between walking and running is that when you run, there is a moment when both feet are off the ground. When you walk, one foot is always on the ground. The shift from one foot to the other is gradual, and your weight is transferred from heel to toe much more slowly. Here are some things to look for when searching for a running shoe that you can walk in. It might be a good idea to choose a shoe with a beveled, or angled heel to help with smoother landings. The outsole should have as much ground contact as possible and because the foot bends more in walking, look for a shoe with a flexible forefoot area. Also, try to find a shoe with ample cushioning in the forefoot, but guard against too much cushioning which can tire the feet more easily when walking. If you are unsure of what shoe is best for your feet, please contact a podiatrist for recommendations.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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