Items filtered by date: May 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in runners. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This condition often results from overuse, wearing improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. The heel may feel stiff, sore, or even swollen. Runners can reduce symptoms by wearing supportive running shoes with good arch support and cushioning, warming up properly, and doing regular calf and plantar fascia stretches. Cross-training with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness while reducing stress on the foot. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and offer treatment, such as custom orthotics, targeted exercises, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and advanced therapies, if needed. If plantar fasciitis is affecting your running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM  from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and may result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. When conservative treatments like warm soaks or antibiotic ointments fail to relieve symptoms, ingrown toenail surgery may become necessary. The procedure involves removing part or all of the nail to prevent further discomfort and infection. It is a simple outpatient treatment that provides lasting relief for those who experience frequent or severe ingrown toenails. Recovery time is usually brief, with most individuals returning to normal activities within a few days. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer treatment options and assess the need for  surgery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the correct shoe size is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing a range of painful conditions. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to serious problems over time. Wearing ill-fitting footwear may contribute to peripheral neuropathy by adding pressure to nerves, especially in individuals with existing health concerns. Corns can form as the skin thickens to protect against friction, while hammertoe may develop when the toes are forced into unnatural positions. Ingrown toenails are another common result, often caused by shoes that squeeze the toes together. Each of these issues can interfere with walking, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of infection. Selecting properly fitted shoes supports comfort, alignment, and long-term foot function. Regular sizing checks are also important as feet can change over time. If you have foot pain from wearing incorrectly sized shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide further guidance on how to buy shoes that fit properly.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

A broken toe can result from a direct injury, such as dropping something on the foot or stubbing it against a hard surface. While symptoms may include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking, not all fractures are immediately obvious. A careful exam and imaging, such as an X-ray, are often needed to determine the extent and location of the break. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve buddy taping the injured toe to a neighboring one, using a stiff-soled shoe, or temporarily limiting activity. In more complex cases, especially if the fracture is displaced or involves a joint, further intervention may be required. Healing can take several weeks, and early care helps prevent long-term stiffness or deformity. If your toe is painful, swollen, or looks misshapen after an injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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