Ankle pain is common among people who are physically active or have sustained injuries. Incorporating specific ankle stretches into your daily routine can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion. Simple exercises like ankle circles, Achilles stretches, and calf stretches are easy to perform. They target the muscles and tendons around the ankle and promote better mobility. Using props like towels or elastic bands can deepen the stretch, providing added relief. However, while stretching can be beneficial, it is just as important to monitor your body’s response to avoid worsening any underlying conditions. A podiatrist can provide a thorough examination to determine the cause of your ankle pain and suggest appropriate stretches as well as other treatment options. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This healthcare professional addresses a wide range of issues, including common conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. They also manage injuries like fractures and sprains, as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes-related foot problems and arthritis. Podiatrists are skilled in prescribing orthotics and providing treatments to alleviate pain and restore function. Some of them also perform surgeries. They play a vital role in preventive care, offering guidance on proper footwear and foot hygiene. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause, and offer an effective treatment plan.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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 and ankle needs.

A tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. Unlike a regular bunion, which occurs on the inner side of the big toe, a tailor's bunion develops from pressure and misalignment of the little toe. The condition often results from wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels that squeeze the toes, leading to the protrusion. Tailor's bunions can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty finding well-fitting footwear. The pain may be aggravated by friction or pressure from shoes. Treatment for a tailor's bunion involves wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, using padding to reduce pressure, and potentially wearing orthotics to correct foot alignment. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony bump. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities or conditions present at birth that affect the structure and function of the feet. Common congenital foot issues include clubfoot, flat feet, and toe deformities such as overlapping or webbed toes. These conditions can range from mild to severe, impacting a child's ability to walk, balance, and engage in physical activities. Early detection is critical for effective management. Conservative treatments often begin with gentle manipulation and stretching exercises to improve foot alignment. For more structured support, custom orthotics or braces may be used to guide the foot into a more natural position as the child grows. Targeted exercises play a significant role in strengthening the muscles and improving mobility. In some cases, casting or splinting is recommended to gradually correct the deformity. While surgery is an option for more severe cases, many congenital foot problems can be managed conservatively, allowing children to develop healthy, functional feet as they grow. If your child is born with a foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to get treatment underway.

Congenital foot problems require 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.