The FootForward Report
Volume 1 | Issue 4 | Summer 2026
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Summer Edition
Insights in Modern Foot & Ankle Care from Manhattan Podiatry Associated PC
| | Helping You Stay Active, Comfortable, and Pain-Free All Summer | |
Summer brings longer days, vacations, outdoor activities, sandals, and more time on your feet. Unfortunately, it can also bring an increase in heel pain, tendon injuries, blisters, swelling, and foot fatigue.
A few simple precautions can help keep foot problems from interfering with your summer plans.
| | Quick Tip: Do Not Ignore a Summer Foot Injury | |
A blister, cut, puncture wound, or burned sole may appear minor but can become infected. This is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a weakened immune system.
Inspect your feet after walking barefoot and avoid treating suspicious wounds with harsh chemicals or attempting to remove deeply embedded objects yourself.
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Treatment Spotlight: Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can help support the foot, improve pressure distribution, and reduce excessive strain on painful areas.
They may be helpful for plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, bunions, arthritis, abnormal foot mechanics and recurrent foot fatigue.
Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are designed specifically for the structure and function of your feet.
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Technology Spotlight: Diagnostic Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to examine many soft-tissue structures of the foot and ankle in real time.
It can help identify problems involving the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, other tendons, ligaments, fluid collections, and certain soft-tissue masses. Ultrasound may also be used to improve accuracy when guiding selected injections or regenerative procedures
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When Summer Foot Pain Does Not Improve
Rest, supportive shoes, activity modification, stretching, and ice may help a mild irritation. However, persistent or recurring pain may indicate an underlying condition that requires a more specific treatment plan.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- MLS laser therapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy
- Ultrasound-guided treatment
- Immobilization or bracing
- Surgical treatment when appropriate
Early treatment is often easier than waiting until pain limits your ability to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy your vacation.
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Did You Know?
Not all sandals are created equal.
Thin, completely flat sandals and flip-flops offer very little support. To keep them from slipping off, your toes may repeatedly grip the sandal while walking. This can contribute to arch fatigue, heel pain, tendon irritation, and discomfort in the toes or ball of the foot.
For regular walking, look for sandals with:
- A supportive, contoured footbed
- Adequate cushioning
- A firm sole that does not twist easily
- An adjustable strap around the heel
- Enough room for the toes
Flip-flops are best reserved for short trips to the pool, beach, locker room, or shower—not for an entire day of walking.
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Enjoy the Summer—But Listen to Your Feet
Pain is your body’s warning signal. Do not assume that persistent heel, arch, ankle, or forefoot pain is simply the price of being active.
- A proper diagnosis can help identify the cause of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment.
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Doctor’s Tip
Long car rides and flights can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. Sitting for extended periods slows circulation and allows fluid to collect in the lower legs.
During travel:
- Move your ankles and toes regularly
- Stand and walk when possible
- Avoid shoes that are tight before the trip begins
- Stay adequately hydrated
- Consider compression socks when recommended by your physician
Sudden swelling in one leg—especially when accompanied by pain, warmth, redness, chest pain, or shortness of breath—requires immediate medical attention.
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About Our Practice
For over 40 years, Manhattan Podiatry Associates, PC has provided advanced, patient-centered foot and ankle care in Manhattan.
Services include conservative care, prescription orthotics, regenerative therapies, diagnostic imaging, and surgical treatment in our Joint Commission Accredited Office-Based Surgical Facility (OBS).
Midtown East | Financial District
Appointments available weekdays, with Friday procedural scheduling.
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Keeping Manhattan Moving- With Experience, Precision, and Compassion
Manhattan Podiatry Associates, P.C.
Manhattan | Foot & Ankle Specialists
📞212-759-9090
🌐www.manhattanpodiatry.com
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