Items filtered by date: April 2025

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing the toe to lean inward. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. For mild cases, simple changes like wearing wider shoes and using padding or toe spacers can provide relief. Custom orthotics may also help by reducing pressure on the joint and slowing the bunion’s progression. When symptoms worsen or interfere with daily life, surgery may be considered to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. Each case is different, and treatment depends on the severity of the bunion, activity level, and how much pain it causes. Waiting and watching may work for some, while others benefit from early support or surgical correction. If you have a bunion that is becoming painful or limiting your mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Some athletes continue to feel ankle pain long after a sprain has healed. This ongoing discomfort can be caused by hidden damage inside the joint, like scar tissue or small tears. When rest, targeted exercises, and other treatments do not bring relief, a procedure called arthroscopic surgery may be helpful. It uses tiny tools and a camera to look inside the ankle and fix the problem without large cuts. This kind of surgery can reduce pain and help athletes get back to their sport more safely and comfortably. If you are still having ankle pain after a past injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to explore the best options for healing, which may include arthroscopic surgery.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing sudden foot pain while walking can be alarming and may result from several conditions. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause, involving inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch, leading to sharp pain in the heel or sole. Calluses, which develop from friction and pressure, can create discomfort with each step. Metatarsalgia, a condition affecting the ball of the foot, causes aching or burning pain due to excessive stress on the metatarsal bones. Morton's neuroma, a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, can result in a sharp, tingling sensation. Wearing supportive footwear, using cushioned insoles, and avoiding excessive pressure can help manage symptoms. If you have persistent or worsening pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden, intense pain, often affecting the big toe joint. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals in the joints. A gout flare can come on quickly, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness, sometimes so severe that even the weight of a bedsheet feels unbearable. While gout attacks can be short-lived, the condition may return and worsen over time if left untreated. Management typically includes medications to reduce inflammation during a flare-up and long-term strategies to lower uric acid levels. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and reducing intake of purine-rich foods, like red meat and seafood, can help to prevent future attacks. If you are experiencing joint pain or think you might have gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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