Items filtered by date: April 2025

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury to the toe, or genetic predisposition. The big toe is most often affected. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, especially when pressure is applied. The area may also become warm, tender, and even infected, leading to pus and increased swelling. Many describe the sensation as a constant, throbbing ache that worsens when walking or wearing shoes.  Some treatments can help with mild cases, but more persistent or infected ingrown toenails require professional care. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat any infection, and provide guidance to prevent future occurrences. In recurring cases, a minor procedure may be performed to prevent the nail from growing inward again. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often felt as a sharp or stabbing sensation with the first steps in the morning or after rest. It results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Diagnosis begins with a podiatrist reviewing your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam to check for tenderness and tightness along the bottom of the foot. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to rule out other causes. Treatment typically includes rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. In more persistent cases, targeted exercises, night splints, or anti-inflammatory treatments may be recommended. Addressing plantar fasciitis early helps prevent chronic pain or altered walking patterns. If heel pain is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Emil Babayev, 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 offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, changes in foot structure and walking style can lead to common toe problems. Seniors with flat feet, or pes planus, may be more likely to develop hammertoes and overlapping toes due to the way pressure is distributed when walking. In contrast, high arches, called cavus foot posture, do not appear to be linked to these specific concerns. Older adults who have a pronated foot function, meaning their feet roll inward while walking, may face a higher risk of developing bunions and overlapping toes. Those with supinated feet, which roll outward, may be less likely to develop bunions and big toe stiffness. Since foot posture often changes with age, it is important for seniors to have their foot health checked regularly. Early recognition of abnormal patterns can help reduce discomfort and prevent future complications. If you are a senior experiencing foot or toe problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Toe pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable, whether you are walking, running, or simply wearing shoes. Common causes include bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and arthritis. Repetitive stress from wearing tight shoes, high-impact activities, or foot deformities can also lead to inflammation and pain in the toes. If your toes are sore, swollen, or stiff, rest may provide temporary relief. Wearing shoes with a roomy toe box and good arch support can ease pressure on the joints. Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. Persistent toe pain may signal a more serious problem, such as a stress fracture or nerve issue. If the pain does not improve or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose the cause and recommend the right treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is more than just a bump on the side of your foot. It is a misalignment of the big toe joint that causes the bone to shift outward. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. Over time, as the big toe leans further toward the lesser toes,  bunions can worsen, and additional foot problems like hammertoes or calluses can arise. Conservative treatments can help manage symptoms. Wearing supportive shoes with a wide toe box, using orthotics, and employing techniques to reduce inflammation are common strategies. For persistent pain or significant deformity, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be recommended to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. Ignoring a bunion will not make it go away, and early intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment options for it, as well as overall foot health.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.