People who have heel spurs often experience pain and discomfort. A heel spur is defined as a small bony growth that develops on the back of the heel which can cause difficulty when walking. Some patients have found that performing specific stretches for heel spurs may help to restore strength and balance to the foot and ankle. This may also help the body to heal more efficiently, in addition to possibly alleviating the pain. An effective stretch for the heel is by performing heel raises. This is accomplished by standing on a step while lowering the heel until a gentle stretch is felt. Many people have succeeded in performing towel scrunches. This is done by sitting in a chair with a towel close by at the feet. As the towel is picked up with the feet, the arch can become stronger, which may provide relief to the heel. If you have developed a heel spur, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment methods.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Foot corns are common. They resemble calluses but they are smaller, harder, and often more painful. The discomfort and irritation caused by corns is a result of the body’s response to friction or pressure from repetitive actions or ill-fitting shoes that cause friction. There are three types of corns. A hard corn is the most common type of corn and is a small, concentrated area of hard skin, usually found within a wider area of thickened skin. A soft corn is white or gray in color and has a rubbery texture. Hard and soft corns usually show up between toes. A seed corn is often found on the bottom of the foot and is smaller. Corns can be safely treated, and it is possible to prevent future corns. First, stop movements that cause repetitive pressure on your feet and wear well-fitting shoes that do not rub against the feet and cause pain. If the corn does not go away, see a podiatrist who can provide additional and successful treatment of corns.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Many neophytes in the field of podiatry are already familiar with what a blister is because this foot condition is one of the most common afflictions of the feet. Blisters are essentially defined as what can form on the foot when fluid gathers beneath the upper layer of skin on the feet. Typically, a blister may develop on the feet in response to some kind of concentrated friction or pressure. Interestingly, blisters can develop on many different areas of the feet, including on the toes. For example, a toe blister may form on the outside of the big toe or pinky toe. Toe blisters can develop for many different reasons. Commonly, the blisters form when an individual wears shoes or hosiery that simply do not fit correctly. Often when shoes or hosiery do not fit correctly, they will rub up against the feet in a way that damages the skin and might cause a blister to form. One can decrease the extent to which shoes or hosiery cause blisters to develop by making sure that they fit correctly and do not cause friction with the toes. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

The number of people who are over 65 years old that fall is staggering. Research has shown this occurs in approximately one out of three people across the nation, and can be a leading cause of injury. Older people who have fallen may develop a fear of falling, and this may hinder their desire to complete daily activities. Most falling episodes can be prevented when effective strategies are implemented. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing clutter, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Many people find it helpful to have grab bars installed in the toilet and shower area, in addition to having routine physical and eye examinations. Having these performed is crucial in updating prescription medicine and eyeglasses, which may help to maintain a sense of balance. Additionally, the number of falls may be reduced as the body becomes stronger when a regular stretching and exercise regime is performed. Falling can affect the feet and compromise daily living. If you would like to learn about additional fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The foot bears the weight of the entire body with every step taken. Most foot sprains occur in two main areas, the midfoot, which includes the arch, and the 1st metatarsal joint, which is the base of the big toe. Midfoot sprains are generally the result of a sports-related fall or collision. Another cause of a midfoot sprain is the twisting of the area common among snowboarders, windsurfers, and divers. Ballet dancers and horseback riders are also at a higher risk for midfoot sprains. The joint at the base of the big toe, known as the MPJ or metatarsophalangeal joint, is the site of a sprain often called turf toe. It is the result of the repetitive action and sudden burst of energy that causes the ligaments in this joint to become overstretched. This type of MPJ sprain is common among football players and ballet dancers. Symptoms of a foot sprain are pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some bruising may also take place, and with serious sprains, bearing weight becomes difficult. For guidance on how to deal with sprains in the foot, please consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown the majority of women enjoy buying shoes but are unhappy with the way their feet look. Obesity may be a reason for this, and the feet may change shape as a result of the extra weight they endure. Additionally, the feet may become bigger, and many people have not purchased larger shoes to accommodate their feet. This can cause various foot problems to develop, including corns, bunions, and hammertoes. There are several warning signs the feet and legs may give which may indicate there is excess weight. These can consist of calf pain, possibly leading to Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition among obese patients, and severe heel pain may accompany this condition. Gout is an ailment that affects the toes and can cause debilitating pain. This is known to be common among people who are overweight and may be connected to kidney disease. If you have foot conditions from being overweight and would like to know about effective treatment and prevention methods, please confer with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a numbing and tingling sensation in the legs and feet. It is defined as nerve damage and it affects approximately half of diabetic patients. The nerves can become impaired as a result of elevated glucose and triglyceride levels that are found in the blood, which can lead to the small blood vessels that help to nourish the nerves being compromised. Common symptoms that are associated with neuropathy can include a burning, numbing, or tingling sensation in the feet and it is often difficult to walk. There may be a natural change in gait, or walking style, to compensate for these sensations. Balance may also be affected and the feet can appear swollen. It is helpful to learn about neuropathy prevention techniques, which can include monitoring glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. If you are afflicted with neuropathy, please consult with a podiatrist who can confirm this condition and guide you toward the correct treatment methods

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can happen to anyone. There are specific groups of people who may be prone to developing this type of injury. These can include runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly, or people who have tight or weak calf muscles. Additionally, patients who have feet that naturally roll inward while walking and running may develop an Achilles tendon injury more easily than others. Decreased blood supply in people who are over 30 years old may cause this type of injury to happen, and patients may develop a temporary risk of enduring this condition who frequently take certain antibiotics. If you have pain in the calf that radiates to the heel, you may have this affliction, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.