Turf toe occurs when the joint at the base of the big toe gets sprained as a result of a vigorous upward bend of the affected toe. It commonly occurs while playing sports such as football. When players are on artificial turf, the foot grips the ground, but the body goes forward and causes the toe to bend beyond its normal range. Signs you may have turf toe can include pain and swelling at the base of the big toe, pain and tenderness when stretching the ligament, and tenderness in the ball of the foot when pressing on it. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery from turf toe can take approximately 3-4 weeks. Athletes who believe that they have turf toe should consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Approximately, 9 out of 10 infants are born with flat feet. For most children, the foot will develop an arch over time as their baby fat disappears and their foot muscles grow and strengthen from walking. A smaller subset of children will not develop an arch. Most of them will continue to have flexible flat feet where an arch is present only when the feet are not bearing weight. Some of these children may have a short Achilles tendon, which can limit ankle mobility. Other children might have rigid flat feet, which do not have an arch regardless of whether or not the feet are bearing weight. In most cases, flat feet in children are asymptomatic. However, if your child complains of foot pain, appears to have difficulty walking, or has a dysfunctional walking pattern, please take them to see a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This is typically caused by tiny, repetitive trauma to the area during walking, running, standing for prolonged periods of time, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. The heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps in the morning or after a long period of rest. This is thought to be because of the plantar fascia being slightly contracted while in bed or at rest. When you take your first few steps the ligament is stretched, which can bring about heel pain. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis it is suggested that you seek the care of 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 Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Broken ankles in children usually involve an injury from a sporting activity, fall, or other sudden movement or force that breaks, or fractures, any of the bones in the ankle: the two tall bones in the leg (tibia and fibula) and the foot (talus). Sometimes, fractures involve the soft cartilage (growth plate) at the end of the tibia and fibula. A child with a broken ankle may feel pain or warmth in the ankle, or may have a hard time moving their ankle. In some cases, a visible deformity may be visible. A podiatrist can examine and perform testing to ascertain the location, severity, and pattern of the fracture to determine the best course of treatment to ensure correct healing.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Children who enjoy participating in running and jumping activities may be more prone to developing a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. Young athletes can suffer from this painful foot condition that affects the heel. Sever's disease occurs as a result of an inflammation that affects the growth plate in the heel, and typically targets children between the ages of nine and twelve. Additionally, it may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which can put stress on the heel. Children often limp when this condition is present, and physical activity may have to stop as the healing process occurs. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to diminish existing pain and discomfort, in addition to possibly accelerating healing. If you notice your child is limping due to heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever's disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

People who enjoy running are often aware of the stress uneven surfaces, such as trails with dirt, rocks, and roots, may have on the feet. There are several types of foot injuries that can occur as a result of running on these types of surfaces. The pain and discomfort is often felt in the mid foot from Lisfranc foot injuries, which can happen while stepping into a hole, or from twisting the foot. A Jones fracture occurs when there is excess pressure put on the fifth metatarsal, and surgery may be required for permanent relief. Morton’s neuroma affects the nerves between the third and fourth toe, and it may help to wear custom made orthotics for pain relief. If you have foot pain of any type, please consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible to get your foot pain diagnosed and begin the right treatment for you. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. 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 offices located in Bronx, NY Yonkers, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who are active may experience blisters on the feet. Foot blisters can be painful when they develop, and a common cause can be excess friction. This often comes from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from increasing mileage and time spent running frequently. Patients have found that many types of blisters can be avoided when the right socks are worn. These can include wearing socks that are specifically designed to keep the seams away from the feet. Thick socks may contribute to developing blisters on the feet, and this can be a result of inadequate room for the feet to move freely in. Some people find it is beneficial to use a powder on their feet, and this can be helpful in keeping excess moisture away from the feet. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to avoid developing blisters.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Baseball can take a toll on the feet and ankles, and there are a variety of injuries that can occur.  Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur while running, sliding or stepping on bases. Overuse or overtraining can result in heel injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. Baseball cleats can lead to a number of issues as well. Cleats that don’t fit properly can lead to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, neuromas and aggravate the sesamoid bones. Ingrown toenails are another common issue amongst baseball players. Toenails that are cut too short or at an angle can cause the nail to dig into the skin and become infected. Baseball players who are dealing with pain in their feet or ankles should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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