The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. When this tendon becomes overused or strained, it can lead to Achilles tendinitis, which causes swelling and pain at the back of the ankle. A podiatrist may recommend rehabilitation exercises to promote healing and restore strength. One key movement is the eccentric heel drop, which involves rising up on both feet and then slowly lowering the body down using only the injured leg. This helps lengthen and strengthen the tendon under controlled tension, improving resilience without excessive strain. Other useful exercises include towel stretches to loosen the calf and plantar fascia, step-ups to rebuild balance, and toe raises to improve foot control. These exercises should be performed gradually and with care to avoid further Achilles tendon damage. A podiatrist can track your recovery, recommend modifications, and determine if further treatment is needed. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Nerve pain in the foot can result from several conditions, including a pinched nerve, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy. A pinched nerve can occur from foot structure issues or injury, causing sharp or shooting pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist and involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, involves nerve damage and can affect both feet. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, numbness, or a stabbing sensation. The foot may feel weak, sensitive to touch, or asleep. These symptoms can interfere with walking or even standing. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging, or nerve testing. Treatment options include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, in severe cases. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes is also critical. If you have symptoms of foot nerve pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly on the big toe. This condition can be caused by improper nail trimming,  wearing tight shoes, injury, or a genetic tendency for curved nails. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the nail edge. In more severe cases, the area may become infected, leading to pus, warmth, and increased discomfort. Walking or wearing shoes can become painful, especially if the condition worsens. A podiatrist can effectively treat ingrown toenails by carefully removing the ingrown portion and relieving pressure. For recurring cases, a minor in-office procedure may be done to permanently remove part of the nail and prevent future problems. They may also provide guidance on proper nail care, footwear, and hygiene to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens, often due to irritation or excessive pressure. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain, tingling, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. Symptoms may worsen with walking or wearing tight shoes. Morton’s neuroma can be diagnosed through a physical examination, during which a doctor may feel for a lump or listen for a clicking sound when squeezing the toes. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans can help confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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