Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a rare condition that affects the nerves in the foot and ankle. It can cause foot pain or tingly sensations and may weaken some foot muscles. This syndrome is usually caused by things like wearing shoes that do not fit well, or by a tight cast. Sometimes, injuries like sprains or fractures can also lead to this condition. Rarely, it could be caused by lumps, cysts, or infections. It can be hard to diagnose, but podiatrists rely on a clinical assessment and can use special tests like electromyography, EMG, or electroneurography, ENG. These diagnostic tools show which muscles are having problems because of nerve damage. If it is found that the issue is in the tarsal tunnel area of your foot, the next step is to find out what is causing the nerve to be pinched or squeezed. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation, precise treatment, and management strategies for symptom relief.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing a sudden, sharp pain in your big toe can be agonizing and concerning. This discomfort can stem from various underlying causes, each demanding attention and care. One common culprit is gout, a form of arthritis where the excess buildup of uric acid crystals triggers sharp, intense pain in the big toe joint. Nerve entrapment or compression, as seen in conditions like Morton's neuroma, may also cause sharp, shooting pains. Overuse and strain from physical activities can lead to conditions such as turf toe, characterized by ligament damage and sharp pain at the base of the big toe. Ingrown toenails can induce stabbing pain if left untreated. Furthermore, acute injuries or fractures in the big toe can result in sudden, sharp pain. If you are experiencing any pain in your toes, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat toe pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Excessive foot sweating, known as focal hyperhidrosis, is a common but distressing condition. It involves uncontrollable sweating of the feet even when not hot or physically active. Treatments can help manage its impact. Normal sweating occurs when you are hot, exercising, anxious, or nervous, as the nervous system triggers sweat glands to cool the body. Medical conditions, including diabetes, menopause, thyroid problems, and nervous system disorders, can cause excessive sweating of the feet. Some medications may contribute to this as well. While excessive sweating itself does not harm health, it can significantly affect quality of life, causing emotional distress, skin conditions, and discomfort. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes. Treatment options can include medications, therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Moderate relief can consist of keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics, and seeking emotional support if needed. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone, but it is more common in men and those with a family history of the condition. Furthermore, the risk of gout increases with age. Gout typically presents with sudden and severe joint pain, most commonly in the big toe, but it can affect the ankles and other joints. The affected joint becomes red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Gout occurs due to excess uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp urate crystals in the joints. This build-up can be due to genetics, dietary choices, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or medical conditions such as kidney disease. Managing gout involves both lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Lifestyle modifications can include adopting a low-purine diet, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and urate-lowering drugs, can help control pain and prevent future flare-ups. If you suspect you have gout in the big toe or ankle, seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is suggested. This type of doctor can effectively manage gout and help you to lead a more pain-free life.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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