Items filtered by date: February 2025

Ankle pain during cycling can result from various factors that affect the biomechanics of pedaling. One common cause is an improper ankle angle, which occurs when the foot position during pedaling is too high or low, leading to unnecessary strain on the ankle joint. Another contributor is a saddle set too high, which forces the rider to overextend their legs, putting added pressure on the ankles. Incorrect lateral placement of the cleats can also cause ankle pain, as this misalignment disrupts the natural pedaling motion, leading to excessive stress on the foot and ankle. Ensuring the correct saddle height, optimal ankle angle, and proper cleat placement can significantly reduce the risk of ankle pain while cycling, If you enjoy cycling and have developed ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on additional methods to protect your ankles while biking.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Step by Step Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

For restaurant workers, wearing the right shoes is essential for comfort, safety, and overall well-being. These workers often spend long hours on their feet, which can lead to foot pain, fatigue, and even long-term health issues if the shoes worn do not provide adequate support. Proper footwear with cushioning helps absorb shock, reducing the impact on the feet, knees, and lower back. Non-slip shoes are especially important in restaurants to prevent accidents from spills and slippery floors. Additionally, shoes that offer proper arch support and a good fit can prevent conditions like blisters, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes during the workday, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on the proper shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Step by Step Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, affects the nail bed, leading to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes or public spaces, such as locker rooms. Symptoms typically include yellow, white, or brown staining, thickened nails, crumbling edges, and an unpleasant odor. As the infection progresses, it can cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or wearing shoes. Treatment options often include topical or oral antifungal medications, which work to eliminate the infection. For more severe cases, a podiatrist might suggest laser therapy or even nail removal to achieve better results. Maintaining clean, dry feet is essential to prevent reinfection. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan to address your specific needs. If you are experiencing toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Step by Step Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their feet, with one of the most noticeable being an increase in foot size. This occurs due to a combination of factors related to hormonal changes, weight gain, and the growing baby. Increased levels of the hormone relaxin play a significant role by loosening ligaments and joints in the body to accommodate childbirth. This relaxation of ligaments can lead to the feet becoming wider and longer. Additionally, the weight gained during pregnancy puts added pressure on the feet, causing the arches to flatten and the feet to spread. Fluid retention is another contributing factor, as the body retains more fluids during pregnancy, which can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. As a result, many women find that their shoe size increases during pregnancy, and some may experience permanent changes even after childbirth. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective relief tips. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Step by Step Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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