A foot stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse rather than a sudden injury. Common causes include high-impact activities, wearing improper footwear, or a sudden increase in physical activity. Symptoms may involve pain that worsens with movement, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Risk factors include weak bones, poor conditioning, and inadequate rest. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture through imaging tests and a physical examination, then create a personalized treatment plan to promote healing and prevent further injury. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

External fixators play a vital role in treating ankle and foot injuries by providing stability from a biomechanical perspective. External fixators are special devices that help treat serious ankle and foot injuries. They work like an outside frame, using pins and rods to keep broken bones steady and in the right position. By holding the bones still, the fixator takes pressure off the injured area, prevents harmful movement, and gives the foot a better chance to heal. This support also helps keep the joints balanced so patients can move more normally once recovery begins. A podiatrist carefully places the fixator and monitors the healing process. They guide rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of problems. With this expert care, patients can safely return to daily activities with more confidence. If you are dealing with an ankle or foot injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to find out if external fixation is the right treatment for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

There are various reasons why patients can develop an ingrown toenail. These can include incorrectly trimming the toenails, genetic predisposition, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Many patients have symptoms such as redness and tenderness surrounding the ingrown toenail, and an infected toe may cause pus to drain from it. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and it may help to wear larger shoes. The feet can feel better when they are clean and dry, and it may help to apply an antibacterial ointment. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Much like adults, children can experience various foot problems caused by ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or unsupportive shoes. These foot problems can be avoided by finding the right pair of shoes for your child. A child’s foot can grow up to two sizes within six months. This means that they will generally need new shoes more often than an adult would. When shoe shopping, look for shoes that leave about a finger’s width of room from the end of the shoe to the tip of your child’s big toe to ensure a proper fit. Shoes often wear out over time, and wearing worn out shoes can increase the risk of developing heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, and fractures. Shoes that are too tight can cause calluses corns and blisters. Inspect your child’s shoes regularly to make sure that they have proper cushioning and support. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested to buy them shoes with a wide toe box, maximum arch support, and shock absorption. For more information on finding the right shoes for your child, speak with a podiatrist today.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

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 office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.