Items filtered by date: March 2025

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. This condition develops gradually as the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, causing inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. High heels do not directly cause bunions, but they can contribute to their development by placing excessive pressure on the front of the foot. Shoes with a narrow toe box force the toes into an unnatural position, increasing strain on the joint. People with a genetic predisposition or preexisting foot conditions are more likely to develop bunions when wearing high heels frequently. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions, and guide you on what type of shoes to wear to prevent bunions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and for athletes, it can be a game-changer. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed from overuse, excessive impact, or improper biomechanics. Runners, basketball players, and dancers are especially prone due to repetitive foot stress. Sharp, stabbing pain is often worse in the morning or after long periods of activity. Ignoring it can lead to chronic discomfort and even compensatory injuries in the knees or hips. Treatment includes rest, stretching, wearing proper footwear, and sometimes custom orthotics to provide arch support. If you are an athlete eager to stay in the game, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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 care needs.

Foot stress fractures are tiny hairline cracks in bones caused by repeated stress, especially common in the metatarsal bones of the feet. They are caused by activities involving frequent running, jumping, or dancing. Stress fractures, which are considered to be an overuse injury, lead to pain during physical activity, swelling, bruising, and tenderness when touched. Because stress fractures in the metatarsal bones are not easily detected through standard X-rays, a podiatrist may order advanced imaging, like a bone scan, for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment generally involves resting the affected area, using supportive devices like casts or protective footwear, or possibly surgery to ensure proper bone healing. Preventing metatarsal stress fractures includes gradually increasing activity levels and avoiding pushing through pain, which can result in further injury or prolonged recovery. If you suspect you have sustained a metatarsal foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops in the arch of the foot, specifically in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition results in the formation of nodules or lumps, which may be felt as hard, firm areas beneath the skin. The primary cause of plantar fibroma is not well understood, but genetic factors, trauma, or abnormal foot mechanics may contribute to its development. Symptoms typically include localized pain or discomfort, especially when standing or walking, and the presence of a visible lump or thickening in the foot. Over time, the fibroma may become larger, making it more difficult to wear certain shoes or engage in physical activities. If you have a lump on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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