Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated, often from repeated strain or limited flexibility in the surrounding muscles. Many people first notice a sharp or pulling sensation near the heel when getting out of bed or after sitting for a while. As the day goes on, the pain may ease, only to return after long periods of standing or increased activity. The condition can appear in anyone, especially those who spend long hours on their feet, have high or low arches, or wear shoes that lack steady support. Addressing the irritation early with stretching, wearing supportive footwear, and activity changes helps prevent the problem from becoming persistent. If heel discomfort continues or begins to interfere with daily movement, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper guidance.

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 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.

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

Foot fractures are broken bones resulting from trauma, falls, sports injuries, or repetitive stress. The feet may look swollen, bruised, or deformed, and in some cases the toes or midfoot may appear misaligned. Symptoms include sharp, intense pain at the time of injury, followed by tenderness, difficulty walking, or an inability to bear weight. Stress fractures, which are small hairline cracks in the bones, are common in athletes and dancers due to repetitive impact and may not be immediately visible on X-rays. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation, including physical examination and imaging such as X-rays or an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the foot fracture. Treatment options include immobilization with casts or splints, protective footwear, activity modification, or in severe cases surgery. Early professional care promotes proper healing, reduces pain, and prevents long-term complications. If you suspect a foot fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

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

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.