Items filtered by date: May 2025

Heel pain may be a sign of bursitis, which occurs when one of the fluid-filled sacs in the back of the heel becomes inflamed. These sacs reduce friction between the heel bone, skin, and Achilles tendon. Bursitis can develop from repeated pressure, poorly fitting shoes, or underlying issues like arthritis or heel bone abnormalities. The pain is often located at the back of the heel and may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness. In some cases, redness and warmth are present. A podiatrist can determine whether bursitis is the cause of heel pain by performing an exam and using imaging studies, if needed. Medical treatment may include anti-inflammatory measures, fluid drainage, custom orthotics, or protective padding. When bursitis does not respond to initial care, surgery may be required to remove the inflamed bursa or correct structural problems in the heel. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in active individuals. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or strain. Common causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, high-impact activities, or an abnormal gait. Symptoms typically include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. The pain may subside during the day, but can return after standing or walking for long periods. A podiatrist can diagnose chronic plantar fasciitis through physical exams and imaging tests. Treatment options include custom orthotics to support the arch, targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot, and anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, injections or even surgery may be necessary. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, 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 Dr. Rouder  from S.I. Podiatry. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma are common foot disorders that cause pain and difficulty walking. A bunion occurs when the big toe deviates from  the smaller toes, creating a bony bump at the base of the joint. A podiatrist can recommend modifying footwear, using orthotic devices, or, in persistent cases, performing surgery to correct the deformity. Plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causes heel pain, especially after periods of rest. Treatment includes stretching, wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or surgery, if symptoms remain after more conservative care. Morton’s neuroma involves thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often leading to burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist may suggest shoe modifications, metatarsal pads, or carefully considered injections. If necessary, surgery may be needed to remove the affected nerve. If you regularly experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break, often caused by a fall, twisting injury, or sports-related impact. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the ankle. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the fracture. For mild cases, rest, elevation, and immobilization with a cast or splint may be enough. More serious fractures, especially those involving misaligned bones, often require surgery using pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the joint and promote healing. After initial treatment, guided exercises may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Follow-up care is essential to monitor healing and avoid long-term issues like joint stiffness or instability. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and a recovery plan. If you think you may have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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