Every running stride places force on the feet and ankles. When that force exceeds what the tissues tolerate, pain and injury develop. A sudden increase in distance or speed raises this risk, especially when the body has little time to adjust. Uneven surfaces also contribute to ankle injuries. Foot structure and the way a runner moves influence where pressure builds. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or fit poorly add stress to vulnerable areas. Running injuries affect beginners and experienced athletes alike. A podiatrist evaluates these factors to identify the source of symptoms and guide treatment toward a safer return to activity.

Heel pain frequently comes from plantar fasciitis, which affects the thick band of tissue that supports the arch. Pain typically feels worse with the first steps after sleep or sitting. Achilles tendon injuries cause discomfort at the back of the ankle, where the tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. Stiffness sometimes accompanies the pain. Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repeated loading. These injuries often produce pain in a specific spot that worsens with activity. Ankle sprains occur when a twist stretches or tears the strong bands that support the joint. Swelling and bruising typically follow.

A podiatrist begins by asking when symptoms started and how running habits have changed. The examination includes checking tender areas, joint movement, and foot alignment. Watching a patient walk reveals movement patterns that place extra strain on injured tissues. The podiatrist also assesses shoe fit and wear patterns. X-rays help identify fractures and other bone problems. However, early stress fractures do not always appear on X-rays. An MRI scan provides a closer look when the examination suggests an injury that initial imaging does not reveal. An accurate diagnosis helps distinguish problems that cause similar pain but require different treatment approaches.

Treatment depends on the injured structure and the severity of damage. A podiatrist might prescribe a walking boot to protect a stress fracture or a brace to support an injured ankle. Custom orthotics redistribute pressure and support foot function when abnormal movement contributes to pain. For significant tendon tears or unstable fractures, surgery sometimes becomes necessary. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to assess healing and determine when the foot tolerates increased activity. Guidance about training demands helps reduce the risk of another injury. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors of Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Children’s foot health is important for young athletes because foot pain can develop in almost any sport. Activities that involve running can place repeated stress on the feet, but injuries may also happen suddenly. Acute foot injuries include fractures, sprains, and bruises, which can cause immediate pain and loss of normal function. Other problems develop gradually. Stress fractures and tendonitis may begin as nagging discomfort that becomes worse without one obvious injury. Since a child’s foot contains bones, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues, several structures can be responsible for pain.

Some signs of a foot injury deserve prompt medical evaluation. A suspected fracture should be examined immediately, especially after a severe injury. Changes in movement, sensation, or blood flow beyond the injured area also require medical attention. When foot pain does not improve and a child develops swelling, limping, or difficulty with normal activities, an evaluation can help rule out a more serious injury. Diagnosing the problem usually involves questions about when the pain began and where it hurts. A podiatrist may examine the foot and use X-rays when needed. Other imaging tests can sometimes provide additional information.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain in children to identify the injured area. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis because different foot injuries require different approaches. This foot doctor can assess how the injury affects movement and determine whether imaging or further care is needed. Returning to sports should be based on comfortable movement rather than pain alone. Properly fitting athletic shoes can also play an important role in supporting children’s foot health during activity. Ongoing pain can interfere with sports and everyday movement, so persistent symptoms require professional attention. If your child has foot pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after activity or an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our doctors of Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the joints and tissues around the feet. Foot pain from lupus may develop when inflammation affects the joints, tendons, or other structures that help support movement. Symptoms come and go, and their intensity may change over time. Understanding how lupus affects the feet helps you recognize changes and seek appropriate care before discomfort begins interfering with daily activities.

Foot symptoms include aching, tenderness, and swelling surrounding the joints. Some people experience numbness or tingling when inflammation or related nerve problems affect sensation. Feet may also feel unusually cold or chilly, particularly when circulation is affected. Joint discomfort makes walking or standing for long periods of time more difficult. Lupus may affect both feet, although symptoms are not always identical. Paying attention to changes in pain, temperature, or swelling provides helpful information for your podiatrist.

Lupus itself develops from an abnormal immune response, but the exact cause is not fully understood. Genetics, hormones, and environmental factors contribute to its development. Having a family history of autoimmune disease increases the risk. Other factors include certain medications, sun exposure, and smoking. People with lupus may also have related conditions that affect circulation or nerves, which contribute to foot discomfort. Because several problems cause similar symptoms, an evaluation is important when new or persistent foot pain develops.

A podiatrist examines your feet and ankles for swelling, tenderness, and circulation concerns. The exam includes a medical history and physical examination, with imaging tests or other testing ordered when appropriate. Treatment options include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and strategies for protecting painful areas. If you have foot pain from lupus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brooklyn, New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that can affect anyone, not just athletes. The fungus grows well in warm, damp places and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, locker-room floors, and pool areas can increase exposure. Feet that remain sweaty inside tight shoes can also create conditions that allow the fungus to grow. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop burning or stinging, while others notice cracks between the toes. The infection can also cause blisters or thick, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet.

Because athlete’s foot spreads easily, an infection can pass to other people or reach other areas of the body. Scratching an infected foot and then touching another area can transfer the fungus. A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether the problem is athlete’s foot or another condition with similar symptoms. When the diagnosis is uncertain, the podiatrist can take a small skin scraping for testing. This can help confirm whether fungus is present. A podiatric evaluation is especially important when the skin is badly cracked, painful, or showing signs of another infection.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Treatment can help clear the fungus, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and lower the chance of spreading it. The podiatrist can also check the toenails because fungal infections can sometimes affect both the skin and nails. Patients can receive guidance on keeping the feet dry and reducing future exposure to fungus. This includes choosing breathable shoes, changing damp socks, and protecting the feet in shared wet areas. Follow-up care can help determine whether the infection has cleared or requires a different treatment approach. If you have developed an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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