A New Yorker’s Guide to Healthy Feet (Without Surgery!)

In Manhattan, our feet are our primary mode of transportation. It makes sense, then, that many New Yorkers fear that foot and ankle issues might lead to surgery, with its associated downtime and risks.

At the practice of Dr. Lionel G. Hausman, the goal is always to explore every effective non-surgical treatment first. The guide below covers practical tips you can implement in your day-to-day life to manage pain, prevent injury, and walk worry-free.

Are Your Shoes the Real Problem?

The first place to start with almost any foot pain is your footwear. For a New Yorker, this often means having a smart shoe strategy for your commute and workday.

• Walking miles in unsupportive flats or wearing narrow dress shoes all day can be a primary cause of issues like plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and bunion pain.
• Consider a “commuter shoe”—a supportive, cushioned sneaker for your walk to the office, changing into your dress shoes once you arrive.
• Investing in quality footwear with a firm sole and good arch support is an investment in your health.

What Stretches Can I Do at Home for Foot Pain?

Simple, consistent stretching can make a world of difference for common foot ailments.

• The Wall Calf Stretch (For Heel Pain): Face a wall and step one foot back, keeping the leg straight and heel on the floor.
  • Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides. Tight calf muscles are a major contributor to plantar fasciitis.
• The Towel Stretch (For Arch & Heel): While seated, loop a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pull it towards you, keeping your leg straight.
  • Hold for 30 seconds. This provides a great stretch for both the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon.

What Daily Habits Should I Avoid?

• “Pushing Through the Pain”: Pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. Ignoring it can turn a minor issue into a chronic one.
• Going Barefoot on Hard Surfaces: Walking barefoot on hardwood or tile floors for long periods offers no support and can exacerbate heel and arch pain.
• “Bathroom Surgery”: Never try to cut out a deep corn, callus, or ingrown toenail yourself. This can lead to serious infections and worsen the problem.

The Power of Conservative Care

A cornerstone of conservative care is the use of custom-molded orthotics.

• Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed from a precise mold of your feet.
• They can correct your specific biomechanical issues and relieve pressure on painful spots, too.
• Custom orthotics also provide the foundational support needed to stop the progression of conditions like bunions and flat feet.

Do any of the problems or solutions above look familiar? We’re always here to answer questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate; get in touch today!

If you have a foot problem you’d like to address, you’ll want to visit Gramercy Park for an appointment with Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, heel pain, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hausman can expertly treat numerous foot and ankle conditions. If you’re in need of help, get in touch with us today!