Items filtered by date: May 2025
Foot Pain Symptoms and What They Mean

Symptoms of foot pain may include burning, numbness, swelling, or sharp pain in the toes, heel, or arch. These issues may stem from nerve compression, inflammation, poor circulation, or joint damage. Swollen ankles may follow injuries or may be linked to underlying conditions that restrict fluid movement. Tingling or numbness might point to nerve damage caused by repetitive pressure or complications from medical conditions. Stiffness or intense pain in the morning may suggest inflammation of tissue or tendon problems. Runners or people who stand for long periods may experience increased pain from stress on the bones and soft tissue of the feet. Redness, itching, or rashes may indicate infections or allergic responses. Hard or soft lumps may form on different parts of the foot, often due to cysts or joint deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate these foot pain symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend medical treatment or surgery, if needed. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot Exercises to Keep Older Adults Moving

Simple foot exercises can help older adults stay steady, ease pain, and maintain mobility. As we age, feet lose strength and flexibility, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Gentle movements like toe curls, ankle circles, and heel raises can improve circulation, muscle tone, and joint motion. Rolling a small ball under the foot massages sore spots and wakes up tired feet. Stretching the calves and the bottoms of the feet helps relieve stiffness. These exercises can be done seated or standing and take just a few minutes each day. They are especially helpful for those with arthritis, diabetes, or poor circulation. Staying active starts from the ground up. If you have trouble with foot pain or balance, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for treatment and additional exercise tips.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
- Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
- Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
- Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation and Its Effect on Hikers

Poor circulation can cause significant issues for hikers, especially in the feet and ankles where blood flow is already challenged by prolonged standing and walking. Peripheral vascular disease and venous insufficiency can reduce the ability of blood to travel efficiently. This may cause cold feet, numbness, tingling, swelling, and muscle fatigue during or after a hike. These symptoms can make hiking uncomfortable and may increase the risk of injury or delayed healing. Poor circulation also increases vulnerability to cold-related foot problems, as inadequate blood flow prevents proper warmth from reaching the extremities. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation problems in the feet and ankles and recommend appropriate medical treatment to manage symptoms and help improve blood flow. Paying attention to persistent numbness, swelling, or pain is important when hiking. If you are experiencing foot, toe, or ankle problems from hiking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
- Pain
- Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Managing Painful Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects the joints in the feet, especially the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Gout can result from genetics, diet, especially foods high in purines like red meat and seafood, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include intense joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, especially at night. Many describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, or crushing, making walking or even the touch of a bedsheet unbearable. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and imaging, and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications to lower uric acid levels, or anti-inflammatory treatments. In some cases, custom orthotics or joint care strategies may also help relieve pressure and prevent future flare-ups. If you have painful gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
- Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
- Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
- Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
- Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
- Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
- Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
- Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
- Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
- Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
- Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.