The bottoms and sides of walking shoes often show clear signs of how the feet move and bear weight. Uneven wear along the outer edge may suggest that weight rolls outward during each step, while heavy wear on the inner sole can point to inward rolling. Excessive breakdown at the heel may indicate hard heel striking, which can increase stress on the lower legs. Wear concentrated under the ball of the foot may reflect increased forefoot pressure or toe driven push off. The upper part of the shoe can also offer clues. Stretching, creasing, or breakdown in certain areas may signal toe crowding or joint stiffness. Over time, these patterns can contribute to discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or back. When shoes wear unevenly or pain develops during walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, in addition to evaluating your gait and foot mechanics.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Foot exercises support strength, flexibility, and coordination in the feet, toes, and ankles after pain or injury. Controlled movement encourages circulation, helps tissues recover, and improves joint motion needed for walking and balance. Gentle strengthening of the toes and arch muscles can improve stability at the ankle and reduce stress on joints during daily activity. Stretching motions can improve range of motion and support smoother foot mechanics over the long-term. Progress should be gradual, with attention to discomfort so movement stays within a tolerable range as the foot adapts. Consistent practice can make movements easier over time and help restore confidence with standing and walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics and safely guide appropriate exercise selection. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in bone caused by repeated impact and overuse rather than a single injury. Runners are especially prone to them because of repetitive loading during training and limited recovery time. Poor training habits, such as rapid mileage increases or lack of rest, can overload the bones. Stress fractures commonly affect the metatarsals, or long foot bones in the forefoot, and may also involve the tibia or shin bone in the lower leg. Female runners may face added risk due to low bone mineral density, which can be influenced by hormonal factors and a low-fat diet that limits bone support. Pain often starts gradually and worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, guide rest and protection, address training errors, and recommend footwear or orthotics. If running pain persists or intensifies, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, helping you to run safely.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. 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 office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain caused by sinus tarsi syndrome develops when the small tunnel between the talus and calcaneus becomes irritated or strained. This area helps guide ankle movement, and it can be injured after an ankle sprain, long-term standing, or from feet that roll inward, which increases pressure on the tunnel. Symptoms include pain on the outer front part of the ankle, along with a sense of weakness or wobbling while walking on uneven ground. The ligaments surrounding the tunnel can become irritated, leading to swelling and discomfort with each step. A podiatrist can check foot alignment, look for instability in the ankle, and recommend supportive inserts, bracing, or surgery, if other options do not help. Restoring ankle stability reduces pressure on the sinus tarsi and improves comfort. If you have symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

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

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

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

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment

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

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