Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can be congenital, meaning some individuals are born with flat feet, or it can develop over time due to factors like aging, injury, or certain medical conditions. It can also be caused by overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals who stand for long periods of time. To test for flat feet, one simple method is the wet test, where a person steps on a wet surface and then onto a dry one, leaving an imprint of their foot. If the arch is absent or very small, it may indicate flat feet. Effective exercises for flat feet focus on strengthening the foot muscles and improving flexibility. These may include toe curls, arch lifts, and calf stretches. Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotics can also help manage the condition. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 care needs.

Foot pain caused by bruises, such as contusions and hematomas, can be both uncomfortable and concerning. These injuries occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, typically from a direct impact or trauma, like dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe. Contusions result in pain, swelling, and discoloration, while a hematoma occurs when blood collects in a confined area, creating larger, more painful swelling. The primary symptoms of bruises on the foot include pain, swelling, and a visible darkening or redness of the skin. If the pain persists or if there is significant swelling, a podiatrist can assess the injury and ensure there are no underlying fractures. This type of doctor can also recommend appropriate treatments for faster healing. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Skateboarding places a significant amount of stress on the feet, which can lead to pain and discomfort. The most vulnerable areas include the heels, arches, and toes. The repetitive impact from jumping, landing, and pushing can cause bruising and strain, especially if the feet are not properly supported. The constant shifting of weight and pressure on different parts of the foot, combined with high-impact landings, can lead to stress fractures, sprains, or overuse injuries. When skateboarding, the feet move in various ways, including flexing, extending, and twisting, as skateboarders perform tricks and maneuvers. This dynamic movement puts pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the feet, increasing the risk of injury. If you have sustained a foot injury while skateboarding, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of factors that place stress on the structures of the foot, particularly the heel bone, muscles, and ligaments. Some common causes of heel pain include abnormal walking patterns, obesity, wearing ill-fitting footwear, and prolonged standing or activities on hard surfaces. Physically active people, middle-aged adults, pregnant women, and those with arthritis or diabetes are at greater risk. Heel pain may also result from injuries like stress fractures, inflammation of soft tissues such as bursitis, or nerve issues like neuromas. Complications can include plantar fasciitis, where the connective tissue along the sole becomes inflamed, and heel spurs, which are calcified growths linked to chronic strain. A podiatrist can determine the cause of heel pain, identify contributing factors like gait abnormalities, and recommend treatment, such as custom orthotics or adjustments to footwear. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.