Items filtered by date: July 2025

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition involving two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These sesamoid bones are embedded within a tendon that helps flex the big toe and absorb weight-bearing pressure. When repetitive stress or trauma affects this area, the surrounding tendon can become inflamed, causing pain beneath the ball of the foot. High-impact sports, foot injuries, poor foot mechanics, or shoes that lack adequate support can increase the risk of sesamoiditis. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and sharp pain when bearing weight or bending the big toe. This often builds gradually and may make walking or running difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis by examining the foot, checking for tenderness, and ordering imaging tests to rule out fractures or other problems. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove or repair the affected bone. If you have this type of pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our doctors of Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy often develops gradually, due to repeated strain on the tendon, especially in people who run or participate in sports that involve jumping. Overuse, poor training habits, and exercising on hard or sloped surfaces can increase the risk of tendon damage. Rapidly increasing workout intensity or wearing shoes that lack proper support may also place extra stress on the Achilles tendon. People with flat feet or limited ankle flexibility may be more vulnerable. Achilles tendinopathy tends to worsen with activity and can limit daily movement, especially after rest periods. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of the pain and assess the extent of tendon damage. If you are experiencing pain in the Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

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 offices located in Brooklyn, New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the feet is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack joint tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It often affects the small joints in the toes and midfoot, making walking painful and limiting mobility. Causes are linked to genetic and environmental factors that trigger inflammation. Symptoms include joint tenderness, warmth, deformities, and a reduced range of motion. Risk factors include a family history of autoimmune conditions, smoking, and age. A podiatrist can help by identifying early changes, providing supportive care with custom orthotics, and footwear advice. If you notice persistent joint pain or swelling in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist for an early diagnosis and effective pain management.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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 contagious skin infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. It typically affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Risk factors include walking barefoot in communal areas, excessive sweating, and wearing damp socks or tight shoes. Common symptoms are itching, burning, peeling, and cracked skin. If untreated, it can spread or lead to more serious infections. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide advice on proper foot hygiene. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Selecting the right walking or running shoe begins with understanding your arch and gait type. People with flat feet often need stability shoes, while those with high arches may benefit from extra cushioning. A gait analysis helps determine how your foot strikes the ground, which affects shoe choice. Walking shoes usually have more cushion in the heel and less in the forefoot because the heel absorbs the most impact during walking. Running shoes distribute support differently due to varied stride patterns. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and gait, then recommend the best footwear or custom inserts. For optimal comfort and injury prevention, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure your shoes meet your unique foot needs.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.