Here’s a question I get pretty often: why feet? And I answer, because I love feet. And usually I’ll add a comment about how it’s a good thing I’m not a gastroenterologist or a urologist or something along those lines. But the next question I get almost as often, is when...
Ok kids time for a little word association. Tell me the first thing you think of when I say - plantar fasciitis. If it starts with an F no need to articulate the sentiment, but you might want to read on. Here’s an interesting story for you. On a recent Tuesday...
Shocking, yet not surprising, the year is coming to a close and it’s already time to shop bargains on turkey and squash. If you’re reading this it’s highly probable that you’ve made it this far through the year, and at least at the moment my fingers are depressing the keys...
It’s relatively late at night in the city as I write this, and many of my dear Manhattan podiatry patients may be wondering what it is I’m doing at this late hour, other than filling the annals of this most holy and sacred blog with more consecrated verbiage. I’m also concerned...
Summer’s over now kids, although if you’re like me summer is just winter with heat. Still, I do get a little pit in my stomach as Labor Day looms large on the calendar and the waning days of summer transform into the crisp breezes of autumn, and other lines from...
It’s an attention grabbing title isn’t it? Well sorry kids it’s a bit of a misnomer. It’s a common question, but no there actually isn’t a laser procedure for bunion correction- not as far as I know and not in this decade. However, there is a great new old procedure that...
Well kids, summer is finally here. School is over, the weather is hot, fireflies are lighting up, and the feet are exposed. And that means it’s all out there - warts and all. In my NYC podiatry practice I like to think we treat them all pretty well, and now we do...
Yes, it’s April already, despite what your weather dude says. If you are lucky enough to be in NYC, you’ve been enjoying some warmer weather recently. And that means it’s time to get your feet ready for display as open-toe season only comes around once per year - well for...
In honor of Foot Health Awareness Month, we will be offering free foot screenings at our Bronx location on Thursday, April 4th.RSVP to reserve your free consultation at contactus@bronxnypodiatry.com or call (718) 863-3338.
Here’s an interesting dispatch from the annals of presidential chicanery and frivolity to the annals of this very sacred and holy NYC podiatry blog. It seems that a certain former campaign manager was unable to appear in court on his own two feet due to - wait for it - gout! Now this struck your...
Interesting article in the @NYtimes recently. And being the dinosaur I am, I read it on paper (remember, it is called a newspaper kids), and I still listen to a CD once in a while and even have a fax machine. Shocking! Anyway, the article details the tragic and ultimately fascinating story...
My dear NYC podiatry family, I think we will deviate a bit from the normal format and take care of those who take care of us. I had the distinct pleasure and high honor to spend a few moments with some of the boys - and girls - in blue...
Well my dear NYC podiatry patients, it’s time for true confession so let’s keep this one between us. I’m a bit of a Broadway fan, perhaps even approaching full nerd status, which is fairly consistent with the remainder of my personality. And on this night when we came back from...
As long as we are on the topic of nails, and the slings and arrows that they are heir to, let’s discuss, in the hallowed halls of this great and knowledgeable helping friendly blog, a question that is presented to me on average every day. And that is: Why are...
Well my dear NYC podiatry patients, here we are at the dawn of a new year. Full of possibilities, promise, potential and - wait for it - pfungal ptoenails. Yes folks if the soft tissue appended to your most distal extremities looks like a prop from an Ed Wood film, and it...
Well my dear NYC podiatry patients, we’ve done it once again. By the time you read this it will be either the waning last few gasps of 2018, or the infancy of 2019. Either way it’s time to celebrate, reflect, and maybe plan. If I can be so bold, thought we might just...
Well it’s been some time since we’ve connected, and in that time the world is still round as far as I can tell, most of my dear NYC podiatry patients are still bipedal locomotive machines, and 2020 is not even around the corner. But as we are just a few weeks...
Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, a quality podiatry practice with locations in Manhattan and the Bronx, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new website. Our new website includes useful information about our practice, and podiatry conditions and treatments. Additionally, our new site offers user-friendly features, such as...
Ok #Eagles fans. I get it, and I have to say I’m impressed. Those of you who know me know that despite my modicum of against all nerd odds running prowess, I am less than interested in sports, and less than athletic. So despite my #Boston heart and roots, there...
The year is marching on, my dear NYC podiatry patients, and we are surrounded by a rapidly evolving news cycle, cascading world events, a grotesquely entertaining government, all wrapped up in a noisome cover of fake news from all sides. And that is why, my foot friends, you turn to...
Well, not really, it’s just a catchy title. Although it is 2018 already, and I’m still waiting for the flying car that will supplant my morning commute over the rails of the not quite yet reliable Long Island Railroad. And it’s been cold here in NYC, not just cold but...
Well my dear NYC podiatry patients, it’s final. I’m in the #TCSNYCMarathon for 2017. I’ve secured a charity spot running for team @ohelfamily, and looking forward to crossing the finish line with 25,000 friends on November 5, because the only way home is through the finish line. Or in the...
Labor Day is winding down, which means the summer has had its last gasps. That’s bad news for all you kids out there, and great news for your parents! Since Labor Day is a celebration of workers everywhere, we ironically take the day off from work. In any case, to...
And the nose runs. Forgive me, the borscht belt dies hard in my culture. Now that we are well into the dog days of summer and in light of the climate change that has enveloped us all in a haze of oppressive hot air and calamitous storms- and that’s just...
Sensitive little things, those nerves are. Always firing off signals, transmitting messages, and giving orders. For the most part, they are very efficient lines of transmission, communicating signals between our brains and just about every other part of the body, both detectable and undetectable, save for the toenails, which makes...
When I last left you, my poor dear NYC podiatry patients, we were discussing the vicissitudes of pain in the ball of the foot. Since that time the foot still hurts, we are still walking, and it’s just a bit hotter. Time to be a bit proactive and talk about solutions...
Well that day is upon us again, or it passed a few weeks ago, depending on when you’re reading this. It’s time to celebrate a major portion of the British Empire voting to leave a large government and downsize to a smaller leaner independent island. No I’m not talking Brexit...
We are in the throes of Spring here in NYC, on the cusp of Memorial Day and the beginning of summer. The trees are budding, birds are chirping and the kids are getting super hyper and ready to be liberated from the shackles of the bondage we call school for...
For those of you out there in the blogosphere who are reading this, and you know who you are, you may at some point in the recent or distant past have visited your friendly local NYC podiatrist, or maybe even a not so friendly distant podiatrist. And whatever complaint with...
No, not a city that actually gets up and walks, that would be Inception like surreal. I mean a city in which the people walk. That’s our fair town, NYC, and I would like to consider myself your erstwhile tour guide, as it were. Not that there’s much choice here, it’s a...
It’s a light week here in NYC, and time for some light blog-fare. If you have been here, you have slogged through a snowstorm that wasn’t all it was forecasted up to be, and now we are left with a slushy icy mess and one more snow day checked off...
Way back when life was grand and everything simple and nice - a few months ago - we discussed in the annals of this most sacred and hallowed blog a few medical miracles that we may take for granted, namely anesthesia and diagnostic radiology. I avoided naming the third in...
Here we stand once again, my dear NYC podiatry patients, in the post bowl descent back into the mundane. And those of you who know me, which apparently includes the 11.5 people who follow this ancient and sacred blog religiously as would devotees to a silly yet informative and entertaining...
Well it’s a new year. And after a recent trip to a place full of exposed toenails, I have come to a few conclusions. First, the incidence of angulated toes, very flat feet, and colorful toenails in the general population seems to be quite lower than in my NYC podiatry...
Well it just seemed appropriate and a lot cleaner than the John Oliver farewell to 2016. Sure has been an interesting one, a lot of changes on a micro and macro level, and capped off by the tragic demise of Princess Leia. And next year is shaping up to be...
It’s getting to be the winter doldrums here in NYC, cold enough for the toes to hibernate for the season, thus leaving the owner of said toes without a trace of a reminder of the fungus that may lurk deeply within those nails. But whether your nails are as green...
Another year has almost passed us by. Hard to believe that it’s been a year since we had a belly full of turkey - or a reasonable non-animal facsimile - and a mailbox full of boxes with smiley faces on them. Yes, my dear NYC podiatry patients, time to come...
So much to write about here in NYC, and so little time before the country completely collapses, depending on your world view. Of course we had the NYC Marathon this week, always a fun topic full of highs, lows, blisters, stress fractures, nail trauma and a lot of carb loading....
It’s getting cold here in NYC, so cold I had a fleeting thought that Al Gore might be wrong about this whole climate change business, which makes me doubt other so called scientific facts such as time travel, cold fusion, and that gravity nonsense. But let’s not get caught up...
Now that the Nobel Prizes have been announced, and a real musician finally got his due - who needs a Grammy anyway - it’s a good time to continue our discussion of medical miracles with something that happens every day in your NYC podiatry office: the roentgenogram, or as we...
Flu season is upon us, I think. Seems like it’s about now that the flu injection is forced upon us by the paternalistic and domineering medical community in violation of our good American civil liberties. Viva la virus! Of course that’s strictly off the record, because this NYC podiatrist isn’t...
This week, it’s on. Just when you thought this blog couldn’t possibly get any more esoteric or banal, I out-nerd even myself. For this week, dear NYC podiatry patients, we are going to cover the frothy, bubbly topic of - wait for it - hydrogen peroxide. I’ll wait while you...
It’s that time of year once again. Yes kids, it’s time for you to go back to school so your parents’ vacations can start. Ha. We know how that goes. Even for adults and parents alike, Labor Day is always a bit of a drag, being the end of summer...
Hey there sports fans and NYC podiatry patients, unless you’ve been living in a cave in Abbotabad for the past two weeks, you know we just had an Olympic Olympics. Even for the uber-nerdy non-sports fans such as your dear NYC podiatrist, this was most interesting to watch and follow....
Is it 2016 already? Seems like those Olympics really sneak up on us, what with the heat, humidity and hot air that permeates the summer and this particular election season. And with the Olympic feats and feets, comes Olympic size injury, starting with an open tibial fracture suffered by gymnast Samir Ait...
It’s the dog days of summer here in NYC, and maybe time for a bit of light reading, something that can be stuffed in an overstuffed bag, taken to the beach, and then taken out while sitting on a lounge chair, only to be discarded with the detritus of summer...
You’ve probably seen these flipping through Harriet Carter or the Dr. Leonard’s catalog, somewhere between a custom monogramed dog sweater and- ahem- personal massagers. It’s the ubiquitous bunion or hammertoe brace, promising to straighten out the toes, strengthen the foot, realign the joints, and on the way can even do windows. So my dear...
It’s hot here in NYC, and probably where you are too. It’s a great time to run, with a little preparation and a lot of perspiration. While I shvitz here in the dining room I’d like to offer my dear readers and patients a few tips on running in the heat of...
These are weighty times in which we live. The country and world are out of control, the election is a disaster, apparently we did something uncool to the ozone layer, and I think the Stanley Cup finals are over. But this being the beginning of summer, let’s talk about- wait...
Yes, that Prince. A bit of a confession - I’m not much of a fan of the music, and I haven’t listed to any albums since I got Purple Rain on cassette for my Bar Mitzvah, but I give him props for creativity and ingenuity. I was, however, particularly struck that the...
And the livin’s easy, as they say. Or maybe not. Because at your local NYC podiatrist’s office we are just gearing up for the summertime fun, and aches and pains and sprains and strains. Now that Memorial Day has come and gone and the summer has been unofficially kicked off...
Got a burning question here in NYC, one that I’m quite sure keeps many of my NYC podiatry patients up at night. No it’s not You Know Who versus What’s Her Name - that’s an easy one. Just hold your nose and vote for the one who is least annoying...
For those who may not have anything better to read out there in the blogosphere or social media, we have been talking about the flat foot, its causes and treatments. Today, we conclude the series with additional treatments that, while a bit more aggressive, can be life altering in a very...
It’s been busy here for my NYC podiatry patients, but there is always time to save some more lives. And in this case it’s by treating the societal scourge of…flatfoot. And before anyone starts making the obvious law enforcement jokes, let’s have at it with the treatments. As has been...
Well, in a way, perhaps slightly inaccurately. You see, my dear NYC podiatry patients, today we are going to speak about your feet, and specifically your flat feet. And we all know that in case of a draft, this condition may count as an exemption, even if it technically shouldn’t since...
Pay attention here kids, because I’m about to change your lives and save you a bundle of money, and no, you don’t have to switch your car insurance. I’m no Tony Robbins, but I feel like I’ve awoken my own inner giant and want to help others do the same....
It’s not always easy to find inspiration for these most inspired and inspirational blogs, although sometimes the inspiration just surrounds, as it does now, at 36,000 feet. As it’s a common question in our NYC podiatry practice, thought it might be high time - pun intended - we talked a...
It was just another day in my NYC podiatry practice. I walked in the room and there she was. Sitting on the exam chair with her bipedal appendages at the end of a lower extremity artfully propped up on the happy feet towels. As I sat down in my rolling...
Discuss amongst yourselves. Here’s something else for you: Netflix occupies 25% of the total internet bandwidth; which says a lot for the content contained within the other 75%. And buried somewhere in the noise of so much scintillating pulsating internet noise, is a signal of medical information and disinformation. And...
This one’s for you ladies out there, and you know who you are. Of course my hombres can listen too, and you might even learn something about the more feminine gender, well, in most cases anyway (holding back the obvious joke about a certain 70’s Olympian). This is one you...
It’s the New Year. Hope you had a ball. Actually, I can guarantee you had a ball. Two of them, in most cases. And at this point, if you’re like many of my NYC podiatry patients, you may be experiencing pain, numbness or other sensations in that area, which of...
Well kids, it’s that time of year again. Break out the egg nog, ambiguous holiday greetings, and your credit cards, because it’s time to drink, connect, reflect, gift, and gift again, not necessarily in that order. If you didn’t receive the chocolate basket from my office, be patient, it’s on...
Oh it’s just a bit inflamed. Uh huh. Right. Just another platitude doctors feed their patients, right up there with “this won’t hurt a bit” and “of course your insurance covers this.” And it always seems like the inflammation lingers on, appearing perilously close to an infection. So what is...
Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it’s holiday season, which apparently has something for everyone to love and hate in our multicultural society. In between bites and bits of turkey and other assorted colonial delicacies I thought of a few things for which I am thankful, in...
Come a bit closer, my young NYC podiatry patients I want to talk about something slightly embarrassing. It happens at night when we are in bed, trying to sleep that sleep of dreams, although it can also happen during the day. It’s a bit painful and causes the extremities to...
Back in the day, we used to listen to cassettes. Yes kids, those rectangular plastic devices that held up to 90 minutes of toe-tapping hair-raising fun and a whole lot of background noise (Dolby reduction!) on a long, easily tangled reel of magnetic tape. And also back in the day,...
In case you’ve been reading the news about the New York Giants (and as anyone who has read this exciting and thrill packed blog, you know I’m as much of a sports fan as a bookish NYC podiatrist can be), there’s been quite a bit of tension in the Giants...
Maybe it’s on my mind because I just celebrated a birthday- fear not, I’ve demonstrated my continued virility by welcoming a new baby into the world the day before my birthday- but it does seem like there are some cruel cosmic jokes associated with the aging process. We can forsake...
Time to get a bit personal, so it’s a good thing this blog is just between me and my dear NYC podiatry patients. I did something a few weeks ago that I didn’t really expect or want to do. No, it’s not a dental cleaning, although that’s on the above...
Is it September already? Seems just last week it was August. Sorry kids, summer is coming to a close. It was a pretty good one too. Nice and hot here in NYC and a bit relaxing too. So now it’s time for the parents to celebrate a bit, but don’t...
Now where were we? Ah yes, we were talking about Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark whatever his name is and their matching lower extremity injuries and fracture boots. Of course that’s not to mention their matching biceps and flat abs. I mean seriously, that house is probably not the ideal...
It’s a real drag to have to wait in the waiting room of a doctor’s office, even our NYC podiatry office, despite the bright and cheery demeanor of my most excellent staff, free coffee, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. However, as with any cloud, this one too has a silver lining,...
Yes it’s true, my dear NYC podiatry patients, the endless winter has really and officially been vanquished, and now we have a summer that’s hot as blazes to complain about. Ah. If you’re like me, a really hot and sticky summer day makes you think of swollen ankles, and why it...
If you’ve been following the presidential race, and really, what else is there to do, you might also have noticed the abundance of Republican candidates. And here in NYC, we are cringing, horrified- and yet entertained on a visceral level- at our very own, the Donald. I for one find...
I’ve seen them. You’ve seen them too and had the same thought- what are those goofy looking socks that runners are wearing these days, and what does that guy know that I don’t? Maybe you are that guy and can tell us all, in which case I’ll take a break from writing...
Well the short answer is it takes a music file, and removes all the unnecessary information that makes it sound good, and turns it into something short and hissy enough to fit onto your iPhone or Google phone, if that’s your thing. Wait, sorry, wrong blog. Let’s talk about compression...
Once in a while I feel a bit…clairvoyant. Not like the psychic in NYC who recently took someone to the tune of $700,000. (I’m no genius, but when they offer a bridge of gold, it might be time to walk away.) Anyway, it’s more like divining the diagnosis, like when I see...
It’s always so much fun to regale my audience in the blogosphere of the thrills and chills that occur in a daily basis in my NYC podiatry practice. Just a few weeks ago, I was fortunate to place a below-the-knee fiberglass cast on the leg of a patient with an...
It just seems that sometimes there’s no escaping your genes, and by default, your parents. The psychologists can blame it on nature vs nurture, however, I’m not sure who is nurturing the fungal and viral infections of my NYC patients, and I’m not entirely sure it’s natural. I do believe...
You know how this one goes kids. Once upon a time, there was a foot. One day this foot was injured. Or had surgery. Or developed an infection. And many weeks later the brain that was on the other side of the body from this foot was wondering why it’s...
Nice day today in NYC, and especially in Long Island where I had the pleasure of running the #LImarathon once again, specifically the half. If you’re looking for a nice, well-supported half marathon in the greater NYC area - and don’t want to bother with a lottery - look no...
Among the many questions, I am asked in the course of my day as perhaps NYC’s most devilishly handsome and consummately modest podiatrists are: Is this going to hurt? Is it covered by insurance? Are you going to share that cake? And the subject of this week’s blog: Why do my...
Want to talk a bit about pain this week. Not the losing the World Series, or breaking up with your girlfriend or even the world of pain in the Big Lebowski kind of pain. I’m talking about the pain of ankle sprains, metatarsal fractures, and bunion surgery (not as bad...
I don’t really know how much cold the nuclear winter dished out last week; I was on greener pastures in a warmer climate, in a magical place full of kingdoms and castles. It’s a safe bet, however, that the NYC weather was true to form and miserable as usual, which...
Little confession from your NYC podiatrist. I’m not in NYC. Down in the sunshine state, keeping away from all yeast which in this case includes both leavening and fungus. But even during downtime, I know my audience demands another informative and entertaining blog, and it seems the gods of SEO...
It’s bone chillingly cold out here in NYC, we are recovering from yet another snowstorm, and in this endless nuclear winter it’s hard to think about anything but keeping warm. Eventually, though it will warm up (right?) and warmer weather leads to sweaty feet, which brings with it stinky foot...
There are a lot of things I can control in this world and specifically within the confines of our NYC podiatry office such as the coffee flavors, magazines, and TV channels in the waiting room, and other things I cannot, such as how many times we all need to hear...
Continuing our theme of superhuman feats, and feets, that we started on Superbowl Sunday, let’s talk about the ultramarathoners. And specifically the achievements of one ultramarathoner in particular who happens to be a patient of mine, although he may just occupy another universe, after running 100 miles in one race. ...
Confession time here. I’m not a huge sports fan. Sorry, but look at it this way - don’t you want your NYC podiatrist to be an uber-nerd? It’s #Superbowl Sunday and I’m writing this in the last few moments of the game, and the #Patriots are down by 3. And...
That’s one I get a lot. If I had a nickel for every time a NYC podiatry patient asks me that after foot surgery for bunions, hammertoes, heel pain or tendonitis, I’d come home with a few bucks at the end of the week. While I wish I could give a definitive answer, that may...
Now that we know running is probably good for the knees, the question arises: how is it possible that Clark Kent is totally unrecognizable as Superman merely by donning a pair of nerdy glasses and a suit? And where would he change now that phone booths are obsolete? Ok so...
Running can be good for the mind, body, AND the knees. Never thought you’d hear that one coming from your local NYC podiatrist, did you? Well I’m all about dispelling myths and other commonly held beliefs. For example: high heels- not really so bad, sugar- also not so bad in moderation, Affordable...
Well it’s come down to this. After a whole year of saving lives one toe at a time, interacting and hopefully helping many very interesting and engaging patients, and writing this blog almost every week, the year is coming to a close. Hope it’s been a good one for you,...
I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy living in NYC sometimes. It’s crowded, noisy, expensive, full of traffic and worse- Yankees fans (no offense). However, being a runner and podiatrist in NYC does offer some distinct advantages, one of which is the abundance of great running paths. And the mother of all running...
So you got warts. Or fungal nails, or athlete’s foot, or bunions, flat feet, or calluses. And to make it all worse, your parents are blaming your shoe choice. Well at the risk of taking sides against your parents, it’s highly likely that you can place that blame squarely back on your parents. And all...
Can you believe Thanksgiving passed already? It seems like the last Thanksgiving was only one year ago! Don’t know about you, but for me time sure does fly when I’m saving lives, one toe at a time. Anyway, it’s a great time to reflect on the last year, and think...
Lance Armstrong does it. Baseball players do it. Professional lifters do it. That’s right, I’m talking about steroids, baby! What better way to instantly vault to the top of a professional sports field and right into the history books? However, in this case, we are talking about steroids that are...
For those who have been paying attention, (and no, there won’t be a test, and no that line isn’t funny anymore, and yes we can stop using it), we have been discussing various types of arthritis and how they affect the foot and ankle in the past few weeks. This...
The #TCSNYCMarathon is over, and now the fun starts. The post-run parties, celebrations and triumphs, the blisters, loose toenails and impossibly sore muscles (can always spot the marathoners after the race - they’re the ones grunting down stairs). Continuing our most thrilling and exciting discussion about various types of arthritis,...
It’s a big week here in NYC. The World Series is happening, two teams are playing, and one will likely beat the other for the championship. Yes, it is thrilling. Locally, we are getting stoked for the NYC marathon, and the plethora of blisters, stress fractures, tendonitis and nail trauma...
Wednesday is Prince Spaghetti day, at least that’s what Anthony says. But any day is a good day for gout, especially Monday. And even though that may have little to do with anything, I thought that maybe we could spend some time over these next few cool crisp fall weeks...
It’s marathon season in NYC, and no, I’m not talking about binge watching entire seasons of Orange is the New Black or House of Cards on Netflix. It’s time for the big one, the #NYCmarathon, and my current and potential patients are gearing up. Among the big fears New Yorkers harbor about the marathon,...
It’s fall here in NYC, or as Barney would say, autumn. That means the kids are back in school, the weather is cooling, leaves are changing, and the year is winding down. In a few short months we will be talking about a new year, which, in the lunar calendar...
So it’s back to school here in NYC, and even though it’s a short week, and if your kids are like I was back in the day, they will try to avoid gym class by any means necessary. For those of us who were down in the last round draft...
Big news this week out of LA, as Christie Brinkley, the 60 (!) year old supermodel, mom and former Mrs. Joel (now you have Uptown Girl running through your head on continuous loop too- Ha!) injured her foot and posted it to Instagram for the world to see and discuss...
Big news out of the NY Giants camp a few weeks ago. Geoff Schwartz dislocated his big toe during a pre-season game. And across the NYC region, people everywhere are asking the big questions: who knew there was a Jewish football player? And with a brother yet who also plays...
In over 11 years of practicing NYC podiatry, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some, shall we say, interesting feet. Toes that, due to nature or nurture, point to many different directions of the compass and feet that look, well, painful. However, some of these feet are brought in by...
Uhh, do you really think I’m going to say no? I mean this is a NYC podiatry blog, so it’s probably a foregone conclusion that the answer is a resounding yes, but let’s spend a few minutes discussing the science and justifying the cost. In the course of treating runners,...
It started out as a normal Friday in the brightly lit corridors of my NYC podiatry practice. She was sitting in the chair, legs propped up on the footrest, sitting ever so daintily on the happy feet disposable foot towel. The concerned look on her face was enough to almost...
There’s a great movement afoot in this country, with lots of grass roots support to weed out those who oppose the potential referendum. This has led to a paradigm shift in the popular outlook, with minds and laws changing faster than a cloud of smoke fades into the air of...
Anyone who’s watched those OTC orthotic commercials (I’m gellin’!), has been to any running shoe store or read too many health magazines has been exposed to the evils of pronation and how it’s ruining our feet, our children, and society at large. Over-pronators need control with a motion control shoe...
It’s summertime in NYC, and while I don’t condone the idea of men exposing their toenails in public (sorry), I have to face the painful reality that men, and certainly women are walking the mean streets of the five boroughs of NYC with open toes. And with that much exposure,...
There are some real thrills and chills happening these days on the world sport stage. Baseball may be moderately exciting, and football and basketball are in the off season (right?), but the World Cup contest continues, and it seems that at least a full 10% of the USA population is...
It’s a reasonable concern, I suppose, and one that is commonly brought into my NYC podiatry practice. It’s the flat foot, low arch, fallen arch, and pancake foot. Sometimes it is a new discovery, other patients may have noticed it since childhood. The question is - is this a problem? Tune...
Not so fast, NYC Freudians, not that kind of therapy. We are talking about something decidedly different. Something that can relieve pain, improve range of motion, optimize gait, and change your life. No it’s not orthotics, although that works too. This week we are talking about physical therapy. Many patients who...
It’s warm here in NYC. Nice. About bloody time. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and develop some real foot pain. And for heel pain, metatarsalgia, and general aches, as well as back pain, hip pain and knee pain, you might need an orthotic. But, as is often wondered...
Memorial Day has passed, and as it passes, so we transition into the lazy summer months, here in NYC and beyond. Time for warm weather, long days, and…foot wounds. Ah yes, puncture wounds, nail trauma, sprains, strains, fractures, just another relaxed summer day in a NYC podiatry practice. As the hot dogs...
I have a little confession to make: I don’t watch Dancing with the Stars. Sorry. Never seen it. I’ve also never seen American Idol or The Voice. For the record, The Price is Right might be the most entertaining show on TV. Anyway, I came across an article last week in which a contestant on Dancing was accused...
After an ingrown toenail procedure, treatment of a foreign body wound, muscle aches, ankle sprains, swelling, and, it would seem, just about every other foot and ankle ailment, the question is often asked whether or not Epsom salt would help. And my stock answer is “I don’t know, but my mother recommends it,...
Spring has finally arrived here in NYC. I’m happy to report that I have run a half marathon this week, and my quads are recovering nicely, thank you. I’m also happy to report that I treated the first stress fracture of the season in my NYC podiatry office today. What is that...
He’s back. The fastest man ever is back running after a recent unspecified running injury. It’s hard to tell exactly what was injured, but after an injury and treatment in Munich- far away from this NYC podiatrist- Usain is back on track and running again, as reported here. According to...
In this season of emancipation and freedom, I didn’t want to pass over a story I recently read, that is apparently old news to my NYC podiatry patients. It seems that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winning political activist from Myanmar, underwent corrective surgery for her bunions last...
Ok my runners, the long cold lonely winter has finally (probably) passed and spring is here. It’s possible, but not likely that we will have more snow this season, but barring another polar vortex, I think we can look forward to some great outdoor running days for the near term. In your...
It’s not exactly worthy of three boldface capital lines in the New York Times, but it’s news to a lot of people, most of them far south of the legal voting age. And though I may have no bloody idea who this apparently very famous teen idol is, it’s a good...
The calendar has decreed it, so it must be true. The transition has finally been made from the long cold lonely winter to a nice NYC spring. Damn the weather, it’s time to show our toes once again. And while the outside temperature may not quite match the season as...
The time has come, my dear NYC podiatry patients, to talk about that most lowly, yet annoyingly painful foot malady: the dreaded corn. It may be small or thin depending on the location, but don’t underestimate its power to ruin a good day and make an otherwise fashionable pair of shoes...
Let’s try a little word association. If the first thing that comes to mind when you see the title is a character from a classic 1968 film starring Gene Wilder as the curious American CEO of a psychedelic British candy company, then consider yourself pop-cultured. If, however, your first thought...
The Sochi Olympics are in full swing. And it sure is thrilling. Skiing, figure skating, bob sledding, and that great Olympic tradition - curling. Ok so what exactly is that sport? Because I’ve swept a few floors in my day, I might just be qualified. But I digress. The news was...
Well, the Olympics are over. It sure was exciting. All the skiing, and slaloming, and bobsledding, and skating, and all that. No Olympic tobogganing yet - but my kids continue to dream. The USA team did fairly well, maybe not as well as usual. We are number 4 in medal...
Well it’s over. Once again the Superbowl is played out, the halftime show is over, players went home, commercials are uploaded to YouTube, and I think some of my NYC podiatry patients are still making their way from the stadium to Secaucus Junction to catch the New Jersey Path train. ...
If you follow college football the way I follow college football then you will likely have no idea what I’m talking about, because I really don’t follow college football. I do, however, follow college football ball of foot injuries, such as the one suffered by Taylor Martinez of Nebraska. News...
It’s frightening but it occurs with all too much frequency in my NYC podiatry practice and in the surrounding areas. And we’re not talking about feet that are walking in St. Peter’s Square, on the Temple Mount, or in Mecca, or whatever else makes you feel holy, and not necessarily...
No need to worry here, it’s nothing you don’t want dead already. We’re talking toenail fungus here, and believe you me, if you’re one of my NYC podiatry patients you will want these little guys dead. I’m pleased to announce that we are able to safely, and effectively treat those...
Love that Dr. Oz. He has started a real conversation in this country on healthy living, eating, and exercise. He's also a cardiac surgeon, researcher, educator, and TV, radio and book personality, and not a bad looking fella. So I must say I was more than a little disappointed when I...
2013 is winding to a close, and I’m still not convinced that we pronounce it “twenty thirteen” vs “two thousand thirteen”. I’ll figure it out before the millennium is up. Meanwhile, if you are on the mailing list for our NYC podiatry office - and chances are good since you’re...
Kobe Bryant of the L.A. Lakers has returned to play after an Achilles tendon rupture in mid-April. Frankly, that’s a relatively rapid recovery, although it remains to be seen whether Kobe can return to full activity, which can be difficult after such an injury. As we have previously discussed, the...
Don’t take it personally, you’re in good company. Most of us are created, well, somewhat unevenly. And how does this affect my NYC podiatry patients? More often than not, patients present with unilateral pain, that is, pain on one foot only. And almost invariably, the painful foot is the longer...
The leaves are falling here in NYC, the air is cool, it’s just after Thanksgivukkah, the NYC Marathon ran almost one month ago, and the days are short. In other words, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the best running season of the year. It’s really never...
Why yes kids, it is. As many patients in my NYC podiatry practice know, November is National Diabetes Month. It’s the day that we all become more aware of the rapidly growing global health epidemic and it’s important to take a few minutes for some important points. Diabetes is everywhere in in...
Well, you're not alone. Up to 80% of the developed world suffers from low back pain at some point. It's the most common pain complaint as well as the most common musculoskeletal reason for an emergency room visit. A Google search for "low back pain" generates 123,000,000 hits (try it,...
Well, this is awkward. It might be time for Peyton Manning to get his Mezuzas checked or get a new lucky rabbit’s foot after sustaining not one, but two ankle sprains, one on each ankle. The chances are slim, but apparently it is possible. Most patients who present to my NYC...
Remember the easy carefree days of the mid 90’s, when life was simple and all we had to worry about was which plaid shirt to wear, who Arsenio’s next guest was going to be, and when the next Spice Girls tape was coming out? Well, life is not so simple...
It is well documented that many patients I see in my NYC podiatry office have at least one foot, and it is our stated goal to maintain that status for as long as possible. Diabetic patients are especially vulnerable to many complications involving the foot, specifically due to compromised circulation and sensation. ...
Yes, it is possible. In this case, it may be a Tailor’s bunion or a bunionette. It's true, that bump on the outside of the foot may in fact be more than just a bone; it may be a bunion. And just like a bunion in the big toe joint, there...
In the last exciting and fun-filled blog we were talking about corticosteroids, and their use on a daily basis in my NYC podiatry practice. The use of injectable and oral corticosteroids has revolutionized medicine, and practically gave birth to the field of rheumatology. The treatment of inflammation, heel pain, and arthritis of...
The winds of change are blowing through the mean streets of NYC, and I’m not just talking about the mayoral race set for this November. Of course I’m not talking about the mayoral race because my mother told me never to talk politics or religion in the office. I would...
As my loyal NYC podiatry readers may recall, a few weeks back we talked about Victor Cruz, and his heel injury. And while the New York Giants are not quite “cruising” toward “Victor-y,” our hero has returned to playing. It turns out that the injury was just a contusion, which...
Apparently, an ingrown toenail can be quite complicated, especially when an NFL contract is involved. Lawrence Tynes, a placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who knew Tampa had a team?) underwent an ingrown toenail procedure in July and developed an infection a few days later. After the initial antibiotics failed to cure...
A few blogs back, we talked about the horror, the horror, of the painful big toe joint, or Hallux Rigidus. There are those who stagger into my NYC podiatry office with a painful bunion, and the deformity is obvious, while there are those who limp in with a deformity that is, shall we say,...
Honestly, I have no idea what any of that means. But in my NYC podiatry practice there are many football fans, including those who root for the New York Giants (cue applause, if that’s your thing). And for those fans, the reports of Victor Cruz’s heel injury in preseason practice...
In my NYC podiatry office, many patients with pain in the big toe joint similar to, yet unlike a typical bunion that’s more crooked than a congressional delegation, the big toe is straight, painful and has limited motion. So what’s going on here, and what are the treatment options? Another exciting...
You may have heard it by now, if you're as celebrity obsessed as I am. I just can't even get through the supermarket checkout aisle without knowing exactly what's happening with Kim, Brangelina, the Teen Moms, and of course, Jennifer Aniston. And this week, the news is huge. Justin Theroux...
It’s a nice day in NYC, the bunion, hammertoe, heel spur, or other foot and ankle surgery is done, and the dressings have been removed, and surprise- your gender has been reassigned! This probably has not happened within the walls of my NYC podiatry office, but what has happened is patients’ surprise at the...
The weather is hot, hot, hot here in NYC, and my NYC podiatry patients are thinking about… their bunions. And specifically, they are thinking that now is the time to consider bunion surgery to remove that which Grandma or Mom so lovingly passed on through the old family genetic tree. Yes kids, it’s...
I ran two miles this morning. Not so exciting, right? Well like anything else, that depends on your perspective. For my meshugeneh ultramarathoners who may come limping into my NYC podiatry office, that distance is almost literally a walk in the park. Then again, for some other patients who may only...
At the risk of sounding like a tag line for a women’s magazine (not that there’s anything wrong with that, my wife has a few subscriptions), it’s a new year, and if the patients of my NYC podiatry practice haven’t done so already, it’s time to set some goals and...
If only we could order up scar-less, painless, bloodless bunion surgery. Well not quite yet, Captain Kirk. Scarring after bunion surgery, hammertoe surgery, heel pain surgery, or any other type of foot or ankle surgery is a common and a quite valid concern that I often hear as a NYC foot surgeon and podiatrist. And...
Or sister, as it were. This is an equal opportunity blog. It’s just that for some undoubtedly Mendelian reason, I seem to see more male feet with blisters in my NYC podiatry practice than female. Who knows, perhaps it’s a Y chromosome linked trait. And let’s not even talk about...
That title is way funnier in an English accent, and not just any accent, it has to be working class London ala Eliza Doolitle before she became a Fair Lady. The topic, however is not so funny: the so called subungual hematoma, or bruised toenail, commonly seen in runners, athletes,...
Well, Memorial Day has passed here in NYC and everywhere else. And despite the forecast that would indicate otherwise, summer has officially begun. And that means it’s time to start thinking about exposing those toes once again, with all its ramifications. Before digging the sandals out of the closet, here...
I’m no fan of all this reality TV, and save the gossip news for the magazines in the checkout counter and (ahem) the racks in the exam room of my NYC podiatry practice. However a recent picture of a very pregnant, and might I say fashionable Kim Kardashian recently emerged...
If you’re like my other NYC podiatry patients, and are considering bunion surgery, then it is quite conceivable that you’ll prefer a screw to assist in holding the position of the bones while recovering from surgery. Let’s spend a few moments discussing the history and benefits of screw fixation for...
Look no further than your own toenails, or perhaps your loved one or roommate. And if not them, pay your grandparents a visit, because it’s more than likely that the veritable talons perched at the end of their toes have been thoroughly digested and processed by a petri dish of...
It’s the universal cry for help. And in this case, it’s also a blog topic written in the beginning of May, when we in NYC may hope for an end to “the long cold lonely winter”, as George Harrison so eloquently phrased it. And just as the rest of our...
To paraphrase Colonel Kilgore: someday, this winter’s gonna end. And when it does, many of the patients of my NYC podiatry practice will expose their feet and toes, and by default, their toenails. And at that time, some will notice a nagging pain, some redness, and maybe even some oozing...
Is it April already? It must be, because as you’ve probably heard, this is National Foot Health Awareness Month, the month in which we become aware of our foot health. And what exactly does that mean? I’m not entirely sure. I do know, through years of treating patients in the...
Devastating. Gruesome. Catastrophic. Grotesque. Just a few of the words used to describe the injury sustained by University of Louisville guard Kevin Ware on the night of March 31st. Most of us have seen the footage by now - Ware coming down from a jump onto his right leg and...
So you woke up this morning with an annoying pain along the inside or outside of the ankle. Or you were running, playing basketball, power walking, or bouncing on the power stick and there was this sharp pain behind one of the ankle bones. It doesn’t feel like Achilles tendonitis,...
I had the opportunity to work the medical tent at the finish line of the NYC half marathon last Sunday. For those of you who are unfamiliar, it's a 13.1 mile run through the island of Manhattan, starting in Central Park, travelling south through Times Square, and along the West...
Here’s an interesting story about one Sarah Jessica Parker. You remember all those billboards featuring the star of Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Honeymoon in Vegas and that TV show that my wife watched obsessively with her exposed toes in high-heeled shoes. All that time we wondered what exactly...
This is big news. Utah Jazz forward Marvin Williams (#2) will undergo Achilles surgery to repair a sore Achilles tendon. His tattoos, reportedly, will still remain intact. Marvin is not a patient of my NYC podiatry practice, and I am not his tattoo artist, but I have a few things...
In Part 1 we discussed pain in the ball of the foot, and boy was it thrilling! This week it gets even better, because now we are moving from metatarsalgia, a common condition afflicting my NYC podiatry patients, and onto Morton’s neuroma! It’s even better than an episode of that...
Delivering bad news - it’s the part of this job that I hate the most. And today it’s bad news for Camp Rock 4. Our favorite Disney and X Factor teen star, Demi Lovato, has sustained an injury to her right fibula. The celebrity gossip mills are characteristically reticent on...
Well, the season is over. In NYC, the season was over some time ago anyway. Not much of a sports fan, however for all my NYC podiatry patients who hail from the Chesapeake, I’m genuinely happy for you, as if my Patriots won. But this blog isn’t about that kind...
Well, Superbowl Sunday is upon us once again, the culmination of a season of Sundays spent enjoying one of the top American pastimes, punctuated by a few exciting moments of thrill fueled by screaming, jumping, and fist pumping. And it’s the big day, in which my NYC podiatry patients and...
It's really cold here in NYC, and most people are keeping their toes thoroughly bundled up. The boots do come off at some point, and that's when my NYC podiatry patients notice the corns, bends and bumps in their toes. And those tight fitting shoes may exacerbate one of the...
Oh, Lance. I hate to do it, but I just have to speak my mind about our national hero/punching bad, the cyclist and erstwhile marathon runner Lance Armstrong. Finally, after years of speculation and denial, Lance (sort of) laid it out on the table for Oprah Winfrey. Don't worry, it's...
I had a great run yesterday - full of hills, valleys, mountains, rocks, and all set over a three thousand year old backdrop. The hills were majestic, the valleys expansive, and although I had to dodge a few unprepared locals, it was a phycially and spiritually refreshing moment. Not my...
It’s been 12 years since this millennium started, and I have to tell you I am still left with some very important questions. First of all, what do we call the last decade, is it the 2000’s? That just doesn’t sound right, and it would require us to call this...
Interesting story circulating about one Mr. Tom Cruise, who it seems, sustained a rather unique injury to his foot while filming his latest movie Jack Reacher. I haven’t actually seen the movie, and apparently neither have too many other people, but the story, as told to Jimmy Fallon, is that...
There was an expression, back in the day, that went something along the lines of, “No pain, no gain”. Many of you might remember this one. The idea is that it’s not worth the sweat unless it hurts a little. Based on that, many of the patients limping into my...
If not for the fact that global warming has officially taken hold, I would be dedicating this blog to running in winter weather - tips, quips and prevention. With the temperature getting colder here in NYC, it seems reasonable to review the basics. Get Out! Yes, that means you. I...
November has been declared National Diabetes Month by the American Diabetes Association, which makes this a great time to talk about facts, care and prevention of complications, and how it relates to the patients in my NYC podiatry practice. Without a doubt, diabetes is an epidemic that is getting worse -...
Don't feel like reading through a bunch of text? No worries! Click on the link below and check out our YouTube Channel which has tons of videos on several topics regarding the foot and ankle. Learn more about various topics including running, heel pain, ankle sprains, bunion surgery and much...
We are busy digging out here in NYC, as the news footage can well attest. It was indeed quite a storm, and for a time everything slowed down, including NYC podiatry and even blogging about NYC podiatry. Now that we are moving forward again, it’s time to put pen to...
The winds of hurricane Sandy have stopped blowing here in NYC but we now anticipate the winds of change that will surely rain down upon us on Election Day. I'm not going to choose the side of either Obama or Romney, especially since this election seems to be more about...
Time for a personal confession. Being the prototypical nerd, I read a story yesterday and thought that the creator of Spiderman had injured his toe. Luckily I didn't bring it up at any comic book conventions. As it turns out, Sean Lee, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys sustained a...
It's playoff season here in NYC, and although my feelings for the Yankees have not been disguised in this forum, once in a while it's nice to root root root for the home team, especially since my Red Sox have once again disappointed. Sigh. No sympathy for me, please, we...
There are many bunions out there in NYC and in the country at large, and perhaps as many treatments available for a bunion deformity. These treatments can generally be divided into two categories - surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical treatments may be effective at relieving pain on a day to day...
Word is out this week that Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees' star third baseman missed Wednesday's game due to a bruise sustained after fouling a ball off his foot. Unless, of course, that is all a cover for A-rod's secret desire to observe Yom Kippur. No, on second thought,...
It has been well documented within this blog that I am not a big fan of a certain New York baseball team and still harbor allegiances toward a certain Boston team that shall remain nameless. However, word is out that Derek Jeter played on despite a "bone bruise" in his...
Well it’s that time of year again - the second bookend of summer signifying the end of the warm days, easy nights, and rest and relaxation. The days are getting shorter and it’s time to get the kids back to school and think about getting serious about work again. Of...
I remember the patient vividly. A very pleasant elderly gentleman, a navy veteran of World War II, a retired mover, who came to the ER with his daughter because he couldn't take the pain anymore. Years of tobacco use had taken its toll on the circulation in his legs, and...
t's the high school nerd in me that is not very well concealed. The news is out today that the filming of Iron Man 3 had to be halted to due Robert Downey Jr.'s ankle injury. Unclear at this time what happened, but it seems from early reports that he...
Well, the London Olympics have come to a close. It's been quite a romp, and though I didn't really follow it too closely, I have to say I am proud as an American to see that we had quite a showing - 104 medals, vs. 87 for China, the number...
Last night I was witness to an inspiring event. Nearly 100,000 people gathered in a large sports arena to witness feats of talent, hard work, and accomplishment. The spectators were riveted, and emerged with stories for the generations. No, I didn't fly to London for the 2012 summer games, although...
Big news out there in celebrity vacation-land. While on vacation, Rihanna dropped a bottle on her foot while bartending, resulting in a broken toe and making for an interesting tweet. While some thought Chris Brown was headed to her rescue, don’t worry, those were all rumors. This being summer, it's...
My poor beloved Red Sox. Don't tell anyone, but my Boston roots once again betray me and I must confess my true baseball allegiance as a member of the Red Sox nation. By this time, I’m more than accustomed to disappointment, and yes, I will continue to forever live in...
The news is out, and I'm sorry to say that the diva is going down. Yes, Cher is postponing her tour to recover from foot surgery. Surgery involving the foot, in most cases, heals very well with few complications. Procedures to remove a bunion, correct a hammertoe, and release a painful...
Ah, the life of a Hollywood starlet. Dashing off to Pilates, Starbucks in hand, goes the bombshell. Perfect in every way, except perhaps for that one big toe with the bandage on it. The nature of Mila Kunis’injury is unclear – ingrown toenail, fracture, laceration, sprain or any other toe...
ig news in baseball, especially here in NYC. NY Yankees' star pitcher, Andy Pettitte, was hit in the leg by an errant ball and sustained a left ankle fracture. He’s out for six weeks and there is panic in the Bronx. So what does that mean for us? Well, a lot...
Your feet that is. And how is that done? Well of course there is reconstructive surgery, but that may be a little extreme for certain conditions. There are binding shoes, but that is painful and ineffective. There is another way, one that is non-invasive and can be life changing. And...
Let's talk. About exercise that is. I've heard all the excuses: No time for exercise, no money to join a gym, too hard, too many people. Blah blah blah. Yes it's tough out there and life is tougher. But there is one form of exercise which everyone has the ability...
We are going Gaga for those crazy meshugena heels! They are cool, I guess, and sort of painful looking, but are they bad? In my NYC podiatry practice, I see all kinds of foot ailments. Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, arch pain, and then of course the assorted lumps and bumps,...
I read an interesting article on WebMD last week. Yet another article about the perils of wearing flip flops. Of course much ink has been spilled on this topic, and it usually involves small, sound bites from NYC podiatrists discussing what can happen from wearing something as innocent as a...
Gretchen Reynolds, Phys Ed editor for The New York Times, explains in her new book, The First Twenty Minutes, many truths and myths of running and exercise. I haven't personally read the book, but I did enjoy thearticle and interview. What I gleaned from the article so far is that...
The news is out that Kristen Stewart sustained a foot injury on the set of the latest Twilight Saga movie. I can't say I'm really a fan of the series, although that Taylor Lautner certainly is in shape. Apparently Kristen suffered a puncture wound to her foot, though we’re not...
Well it’s over. My first marathon is behind me, and I am now a runner. All that training, motivation and hard work paid off in the form of a beautiful Sunday morning run through the streets and parkways of Long Island, and in the end I was left with a...
For the past few months, I have been chronicling my journey to the Long Island Marathon, or at least Tweeting my training runs. It's now the final stretch, two days to go, and this Sunday I’ll hopefully have one more check on my “bucket list”. Of course everybody has their...
An interesting picture of Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, has been circulating recently. Said picture shows his toes going west, young man, with a surprising degree of overlap, and toenail polish. Dude looks like a lady, indeed. Apparently the deformities have been attributed to a Morton’s Neuroma and the...
A rather interesting photo surfaced in the British newspapers, featuring Chelsea Clinton, whom you all remember as the daughter of the former President and current Secretary of State Bill Clinton, wandering about the streets of Manhattan in a fracture boot. The nature of her injury is unclear, although it may...
There’s been a lot of buzz lately around Maria Menounos’ recent performance on Dancing with the Stars despite apparent injuries to both feet. I must admit I’m not a big fan of the show, although I give major props to anyone who can pull off those moves in front of...
Just when I thought I was in pretty good shape, running regularly, eating right, training for the Long Island Marathon, along comes Kathy Martin to tear me down. In case you didn’t see the NY Times article, Ms. Martin is a 60 year old marathon runner who discovered her natural talent...
According to a tweet on March 12th, @EvaLongoria injured her foot dancing on the set of Desperate Housewives and posted a photo of her foot on ice. Which brings us to a question that is frequently asked in my NYC podiatry practice - ice or heat? As in, should I...
Perusing the NY Times Magazine last week, I was startled to discover one of the icons of my formative years, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, sporting a CAM walker boot. This type of boot is generally used to protect the foot and ankle after an injury or...
Ah, the pitter-patter of little feet. We all look forward to hearing it, and it is a great source of joy. Although sometimes, those feet can bring us a little anxiety if our child's gait just doesn't seem right. There are manyconditions that we, as parents may see in our kids'...
Intoeing: What is it? What many of us know as ‘pigeon-toe walking’ is actually a common condition seen in many toddlers called “Intoeing.” Intoeing, as the name would imply, is a condition in which the feet and toes point inward. This, as well as other conditions pertaining to children’s feet,...
It’s still annoyingly cold here in NYC, although who’s to complain about the relatively balmy winter we’ve had, especially compared to the winter wonderland of last year. At some point we are going to emerge from hibernation in New York City and other regions, and get ourselves moving again. A...
No matter what sport you play, the type of shoe you wear while playing your favorite game is one of your most important pieces of equipment. Choosing the most appropriate, supportive athletic shoes for your specific sport and foot structure can make a huge difference in keeping your feet healthy...
The feet bear a lot of stress from day to day. That’s why podiatrists recommend stretching as a great way to revitalize and strengthen the feet. Simple stretches can be performed at home as a part of your morning routine or even at work while you’re sitting at your desk....
Stress fractures are notoriously misdiagnosed and under treated. In many cases, symptoms may persist for an extended period of time before the diagnosis of a stress fracture is even made. That’s because stress fractures don’t typically occur from an unforeseen trauma, as with a sprain, but rather from repetitive stress....
The feet of children grow and change rapidly during their first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. Many changes in children’s feet are a natural part of development while others require attention and treatment from a professional. That’s why it’s important for parents to pay close attention to...
Whether you’re training for your very first marathon or preparing for your tenth, it’s important to begin your training program on the right foot. A lack of experience coupled with the repetitive impact placed on the feet and ankles during a long run can produce enough stress to cause hairline...
The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This lower leg tendon enables you to walk, jump, stand on your toes and climb stairs. You rely on it virtually every time you move your foot. When the tendon is stretched...
How to Maximize Your Game with Good Foot Health When it comes to exercise, your feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, enduring tremendous strain and stress during a hard workout. It's no surprise that an athlete's foot and ankle are prime candidates for injuries. According...
Treating an array of problems of the foot and ankle at Ernest L. Isaacson DPM, PC, we put the best of technology to work in diagnosing many biomechanical injuries and abnormalities that cause pain and discomfort when walking or running. After extensive research and new advances in podiatric technology, there...
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body, supporting you when you stand, walk and run. But when your feet are functioning poorly, signs and symptoms of altered biomechanics usually result in pain, instability, and poor performance. The good news is that a custom-made orthotic from Ernest L. Isaacson DPM, PC...
When your feet hurt, your entire body hurts, especially when you're suffering from painful neuromas or heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Generally, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or orthotics can effectively treat the pain. But when these conservative treatments aren't enough, chronic heel pain may require surgical treatment. At...
With age, it’s not uncommon to experience pain and stiffness in your feet and ankles. Carefully monitoring your pain is important, however, as this noticeable discomfort could be an early indication of a more serious condition known as arthritis. Arthritis is a group of conditions that typically involves pain and...
An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries to the ankle, resulting from a fall or a sudden twist that forces the ligaments out of their normal position. It’s no wonder so many athletes suffer from ankle sprains every year. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on...
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, located in the back of the lower leg and connecting the heel bone to the calf muscle. This tendon is crucial as it facilitates walking and running by helping to raise the heel off of the ground. While...
It's not uncommon to experience foot pain after a long day of work or a vigorous sport activity, especially as we age. A long day of shopping or yard work can leave feet tired, heavy, swollen and achy- a problem we can all relate to at one time or another....
A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half of their adult foot size. This is why podiatrists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. Proper care at a young age is essential for healthy development. Since many adult...
With our feet bearing the weight of our entire body, it’s no surprise that carrying excess weight may increase the chance of developing foot problems. In fact, recent studies have shown that overweight people experience more heel pain, tendonitis, arthritis, ball-of-foot pain, fractures and sprains in their feet and ankles...
Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment. When the fissures in your heel become so dry and cracked that bleeding or pain when walking occurs, it may be time to seek professional care from your podiatrist at Ernest L....
With age, many people experience changes in their feet. This may include a change in their shape; a loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet; thinner, drier skin and brittle nails; and even arthritis. As the feet change, they also naturally develop more problems. But...
Summer time, and the running is easy Finally, some warm weather!It finally seems that the doldrums of winter have blown out of Manhattan and the greater New York City area. People are emerging from their protective bubble of outerwear and rain gear to become more active in sports, running, walking,...
While high heel shoes may look stylish or complement your favorite outfit, they are rarely the best option for a woman's feet. According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 39 percent of women wear high heels every day; of the women who wear heels daily, three out...
Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus can be painful, irritating and embarrassing. When there is trauma to the nail, the nail bed is lifted allowing fungus to penetrate and invade the nail bed. Without treatment, the fungus can grow and spread in dark, warm, moist environments, such as socks and...
Maybe you've heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in the wrist that occurs when swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel squeezes and irritates the median nerve. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome is tarsal tunnel syndrome, an ankle condition that occurs from the...
Although a shin splint is commonly used to describe various pains between the ankle and the knee, it actually refers to a specific inflammatory condition of the tibia -- a condition called medial tibial stress syndrome. A type of "overuse injury" to the legs, the most common causes of shin...
Looking fabulous in your favorite pair of heels does have a price. In fact, poor fitting shoes are a frequent cause of foot problems and discomfort, including calluses, corns, bunions and blisters, just to name a few. All footwear eventually shows signs of wear and tear. Inspect the condition of...
During pregnancy, it's not uncommon for women to experience an array of aches and pains all over the body. Among these complaints are tired, swollen, achy feet- a common and painful symptom experienced by mothers-to-be during their nine months of pregnancy. One of the most common foot problems that occur...
Plantar warts are benign growths that develop on the bottom of your feet caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV) -- the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body. Some people are more susceptible than others to HPV, and not everyone will develop...
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the long, dense band of connective tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. Repeated strain on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the ligament. As tension and tearing...
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of your body. In the foot, the most common occurring neuroma develops at the base of the third and fourth toes. This condition is referred to as Morton's neuroma. There are typically no physical signs of Morton's neuroma,...
Metatarsalgia denotes a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the joints and bones of the ball of the foot - the area just before the toes, also called the metatarsal region. Symptoms of metatarsalgia can develop suddenly, especially after an increase in exercise or high-impact activities, but...
Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, can be embarrassing, annoying and painful. This common condition occurs when the surrounding skin on one or both sides of the nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself penetrates the skin. As the nail digs into the skin,...
A hammertoe is one of the most common toe conditions, usually stemming from muscle imbalance in which the joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toe are bent into a contracted, claw-like position. In the early stages, hammertoes are flexible and can be corrected with simple conservative measures, but if left...
If your child has ever complained of not being able to sleep at night due to leg pain, he or she may be experiencing what many people refer to as growing pains -- a common occurrence seen in kids during their growth and development years. Growing pains are often characterized...
It's a quiet Sunday morning in the NYC Isaacson house, no heel pain, bunions, podiatry or foot pain to think about, just me, the kids and a long run to enjoy. While perusing the New York Times an interesting article caught my eye about Dathan Ritzenhein, an elite runner and favorite to...
The feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body, which means they have the ability to sweat profusely. With your feet encased in your shoes all day and the sweat unable to evaporate, bacteria will begin to grow rapidly. The presence of certain bacteria begins to...
If you're a runner, it goes without saying that your feet take the brunt of the punishment. In fact, for runners the feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body. Luckily, both long-distance runners and casual joggers can improve their performance by paying extra attention...
The arch structure of our feet determines how we walk, which means our arches need to be both sturdy and flexible in order to adjust to different walking surfaces. For most people, their feet have a curve or an arch at the bottom that provides flexibility and shock absorption. But...
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems, often developing from a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage. Damage to the nerves in the legs and feet diminishes skin sensation, making it difficult to detect or notice pain or temperature changes. A minor sore or scrape on your foot may...
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to your body's natural defense to repeated pressure or friction. While neither condition presents a long-term or serious health risk, they can be painful, irritating and unattractive. Identifying a Corn or Callus Corns and calluses are similar...
A bunion is an abnormal, bony prominence that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. As the big toe joint becomes enlarged, it forces the toe to crowd against your other toes, and the pressure exerted on your big toe joint results in inflammation and pain....
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can occur anywhere in the skeletal system, and the feet are no exception. Bone spurs are simply overgrowths of bone that can develop on any normal bone, but most commonly form where two bones come together. Normally bone spurs in the feet are painless,...
Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is frequently seen in our Manhattan office. Whether you've had it or not, it's important to understand how you can avoid and treat this highly contagious infection if you do contract it. The fungus that causes...
Looking for a safe, easy and inexpensive way to stay healthy, increase your energy level and improve your figure? Start walking. Walking is one of the easiest and most popular forms of exercise, and when done properly, can significantly improve your health. The basic kind of walking -- often called...
The summertime is a great time to show off your new sandals and allow your feet to breathe. But since the warmer months can be rough on your feet, it's important to give your feet a little extra care to keep them looking great and feeling healthy. Here are a...
Characterized by thick, unsightly, discolored nails, fungus-infected toenails can be irritating, embarrassing and painful. For years, the only treatments available for toenail fungus were topical and oral medications or removal of the nail. Typically, the medications were largely ineffective and removal of the nail plate was painful and debilitating. Fast,...
If you are one of the millions of Americans that suffer from chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, then you know just how unpleasant this very common foot condition can be. Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain, and it occurs when the long, flat ligament...