Pedicures can feel relaxing and leave feet looking well cared for, but they also carry a risk of infection, if proper hygiene is not followed. Small nicks in the skin, aggressive cuticle trimming, or the use of non-sterile tools can allow bacteria or fungi to enter. This may lead to redness, swelling, pain, or changes in the nails, including thickening or discoloration. Shared foot baths that are not thoroughly cleaned between clients can also harbor microorganisms that increase the chance of skin or nail problems. Even minor irritation can become more serious if left untreated, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying health conditions. Choosing a salon that follows strict cleaning protocols and avoiding shaving before a pedicure can help reduce risk. Paying attention to any changes after a visit is important. If you notice signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those involved in sports or frequent activity. It occurs when the growth plate in their heel becomes irritated from repetitive stress and pulling of the Achilles tendon. Children may complain of pain at the back or bottom of the heel that worsens with running or jumping and improves with rest. The area may look slightly swollen and feel tender to the touch, and some children may begin to limp or avoid activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease through a physical exam and by reviewing activity levels and growth patterns. Treatment includes supportive footwear, heel cushions, activity modification, and targeted exercises to reduce strain on the heel. Most cases improve as the growth plate matures. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. 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 Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure rather than a single injury. They often occur in sports that involve running and jumping, where continuous impact places strain on the feet. Repetitive stress without enough recovery time can weaken bone structure over time. Risk factors include a sudden increase in exercise intensity, improper footwear, and poor foot support. Symptoms may include pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture through imaging, provide treatment, and recommend prevention strategies. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This bump can become irritated when it rubs against stiff shoes, especially those with rigid backs such as dress shoes, pumps, or skates. People often notice redness, swelling, or a tender bump on the back of the heel. The area may feel sore when walking, wearing certain shoes, or after activity. Some patients also develop inflammation of the nearby bursa, which adds to the discomfort and swelling. Causes include foot structure, tight Achilles tendons, and repeated friction from footwear. A podiatrist can diagnose Haglund’s deformity by examining the heel and reviewing symptoms, sometimes confirming the condition with X-rays. Treatment may begin with shoe changes, heel lifts, protective padding, and targeted exercises to reduce tension on the tendon. In some cases, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, or minor procedures may be recommended. If you think you have Haglund’s deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.