Pain in the ball of the foot occurs when too much pressure is placed on metatarsal heads, the long bones just behind the toes. This condition, termed metatarsalgia, can occur from running, jumping, or standing for long periods. Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can push weight forward and strain the front of the foot. Foot shapes like high arches or flat feet can also cause uneven pressure. Bunions, hammertoes, or nerve irritation can add to the pain. Sometimes, small stress fractures or joint inflammation are the cause. The pain can feel sharp, burning, or like walking on a pebble. A podiatrist can check the structure of the foot, look at how you walk, and use imaging to determine the cause. Proper footwear, orthotics, or surgery may be suggested to relieve pressure. If you experience pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. 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 Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or hereditary factors. Symptoms often include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness along the side of the toenail. In more severe cases, there may be drainage or signs of infection, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Visually, the affected area may appear swollen and inflamed, with skin that is red and irritated. A podiatrist can diagnose ingrown toenails through a physical examination and patient history. Treatment options range from conservative care such as soaking, proper nail trimming techniques, and footwear advice, to minor surgical procedures that remove part of the nail to relieve pressure. Early intervention can prevent complications and relieve pain. For a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, manifests through various subtle yet significant symptoms that warrant attention. Excessive thirst, a hallmark sign, results from the body's attempt to flush out excess sugar through increased urine production. Frequent urination, often accompanied by an unquenchable thirst, signifies that the kidneys are working overtime to eliminate surplus glucose. Persistent fatigue, even when there is adequate rest, can be attributed to the body's struggle to utilize glucose efficiently for energy. Unexplained weight loss may occur as the cells starve due to insufficient glucose absorption. Elevated hunger levels, paradoxically, can coexist with weight loss, as the body craves more energy in the absence of efficient glucose utilization. The skin on the feet may become dry as a result of having diabetes, and foot wounds that heal slowly may be indicative of compromised immune function, also associated with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can perform routine foot exams and offer effective treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Athlete’s foot is more than an itch. It is a stubborn skin infection that thrives in warm, damp places like shoes, showers, and gyms. It often begins between the toes as peeling or redness, but can spread to the soles and nails, if ignored. Beyond discomfort, untreated athlete’s foot can lead to cracked skin that allows bacteria to enter, causing deeper infections. Modern treatments target both the surface fungus and the environment it loves, using topical or oral medications and moisture-control strategies to prevent recurrence. Clean, dry socks and breathable shoes make a real difference in keeping feet healthy. If your feet continue to itch, flake, or burn despite over-the-counter care, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a tailored treatment plan and relief that lasts.

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 Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC.  Our doctor 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 office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe stretches help keep feet flexible, improve circulation, and ease tension from long periods of standing or wearing cramped shoes. Here are three effective examples that can make a difference when done regularly. For the toe extension stretch, sit with one leg crossed over the other, gently pull your toes back toward your shin, and hold for 10 seconds. This loosens tight muscles and relieves strain on the arch. In the toe splay exercise, spread your toes apart as wide as possible, hold briefly, and then relax. Repeat several times to strengthen the small muscles that support balance and stability. For the towel scrunch, place a towel on the floor and use your toes to grab and pull it toward you. This strengthens the muscles in the feet and helps improve coordination. If foot stiffness or pain persists despite stretching, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and tailored treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.