Conditions Treated

Achilles Tendon Located behind your ankle, the Achilles tendon can often be injured in sports and other activities. Also, people who have flat arches can experience Achilles tendon disorders. Dr. Mechanik will prescribe treatment after assessing the tendon’s condition and range of motion.

Ankle Fractures Breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint (tibia, fibula, or talus). They usually result from twisting injuries, falls, or direct impact. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to ensure proper healing; untreated or poorly managed ankle fractures can lead to long-term pain, instability, arthritis, or deformity. Treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or brace, or surgery in more severe cases.

Ankle Instability (weak ankles)  A condition where the ankle frequently gives way, especially during movement, due to weakened or stretched ligaments.

Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, often resulting in one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle to be stretched or torn. If not properly treated, ankle sprains could develop into long-term problems. Read More...

Arthritis Foot & Ankle Care focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing joint inflammation.

Athletes Foot (foot fungus) A chronic infection caused by various types of fungus, Athlete's foot is often spread in places where people go barefoot such as public showers or swimming pools. Read More..

Big Toe Joint Arthritis characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling at the base of the big toe, making walking difficult.

Bunions Bunions are misaligned big toe joints or 5th toe (Tailor’s Bunion) that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Read More...

Bursitis Inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles; it causes pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Cartilage Injuries/Osteochondral Defects Localized area of damage to the cartilage and underlying bone in a joint, often causing pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies) Inherited nerve disorders that cause progressive weakness and loss of sensation, mostly in the legs and feet, due to damage to the peripheral nerves.

Children’s Podiatrist Ensures early detection and specialized care for children’s foot and ankle problems, supporting healthy growth and preventing future complications.

Child & Adolescent Sport Injuries Common injuries that can affect bones, muscles, or joints; early care and proper management help prevent long-term issues and support healthy development.

Growing pains Growing pains are common and typically occur at night.  Come see Dr. Mechanik if pain is severe, persistent, affects walking or is accompanied by swelling or redness.

Sever's Disease And More This is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, caused by inflammation at the growth plate of the heel bone, often triggered by increased physical activity.

Chondromalacia Refers to the softening and breakdown of cartilage, usually under the kneecap or in a joint, which leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint.

Crush Injuries These injuries can lead to severe pain, swelling, wounds, fractures, and possible complications like infection or long-term disability, and require urgent medical attention.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers These are open sores that develop on the feet of people with diabetes, often due to poor circulation and nerve damage, and can lead to serious infections if not properly managed.

Discolored Toenails Can result from injury, fungal infection, or underlying health conditions, and may require medical evaluation if persistent or associated with pain.

Drop Foot A condition where you have difficulty lifting the front of your foot, leading to tripping or dragging while walking. Seeing Dr. Mechanik is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, and to prevent further complications.

Flat Feet | Pes Planus When the arches of the feet are low or absent, which can lead to pain, swelling, and complications such as strained muscles, tendon problems, knee or back pain, and increased risk of injury.

Fat pad loss | Ball of foot pain Leads to less cushioning, causing pain, tenderness, and discomfort during walking. This condition—called fat pad atrophy—can be caused by aging, repeated trauma, or certain medical conditions. **Recent reports suggest that rapid weight loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) may contribute to fat pad loss by accelerating overall body fat reduction, including the protective pads of the foot. Dr. Mechanik offers dermal fillers as a treatment option for fat pad atrophy.

Foot Fractures Breaks in the bones of the foot, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Delaying treatment can lead to poor healing, chronic pain, deformity, and long-term loss of function. Prompt diagnosis and care are crucial for optimal recovery.

Fungus Toenails Causing thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails or surrounding skin, leading to athlete’s foot or more widespread skin infections.

Golf Injuries Typically occur from repetitive motions, poor swing mechanics, or walking uneven terrain. Common injuries include ankle sprains, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. Let Dr. Mechanik help keep you on the course.

Gout  A type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness—often in the big toe. Excess uric acid in the body forms sharp crystals that trigger joint inflammation and can damage tissues over time if untreated. Talk with Dr. Mechanik about long term management.

Haglund Deformities/Heel Bump A bony bump on the back of the heel, often causing pain and irritation where the Achilles tendon attaches. It can lead to swelling, redness, and discomfort, especially with tight shoes.

Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Left untreated, hammertoes can become inflexible and require surgery. Read More...

Heel Spurs | Heel Pain Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.  Read More...

High Ankle Sprains Injury to the ligaments connecting the two lower leg bones above the ankle. They cause pain and swelling above the ankle, often leading to longer recovery than typical ankle sprains. Dr. Mechanik is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery.

Hyperhydrosis Excessive sweating of the soles, often leading to dampness, odor, and increased risk of fungal infections or skin breakdown. Botox injections can help.

Hyperpronation Excessive inward rolling of the foot while walking or running, which can lead to foot, ankle, or leg pain and increase the risk of injuries. Proper footwear and custom orthotics can help manage symptoms. Come see us.

Ingrown Toenails Untreated, it can lead to increased pain, swelling, and redness. Over time, the area can become infected, causing pus, drainage, and potentially spreading the infection to surrounding skin or even to the bone (a serious condition called osteomyelitis).

Ligament Injuries  Occur when the ligaments that stabilize the joints are stretched or torn, usually from twisting or sudden impact. These injuries—such as sprains—cause pain, swelling, and instability, and may require rest, rehabilitation, or sometimes surgery for proper healing.

Lisfranc’s Injuries Involve damage to the midfoot joints or ligaments, often from twisting or heavy impact. They cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight, and require early treatment to prevent chronic foot problems.

Nerve Compressions & Injuries Cause pain, numbness, or weakness due to pressure or damage to nerves, as seen in conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome or Morton’s neuroma. Prompt treatment is important. Call our office.

Nerve Entrapments When nerves are compressed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Common types include tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton’s neuroma. Early treatment helps prevent lasting nerve damage. 

Neuromas A painful condition caused by thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes (usually the third and fourth toes). It leads to sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot, often worsened by walking or wearing tight shoes.

Non-Healing Wounds Possible causes include poor circulation, diabetes, or infection. These wounds increase the risk of serious complications, such as infection or amputation, and require prompt medical evaluation and specialized care.

Peripheral Neuropathy  Nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, causing numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness—often in the feet.  Can result from diabetes, alcohol, injury, or other conditions.

Pickle Ball Injuries Becoming more common as this sport gains in popularity.  Injuries such as sprains, Achilles tendon strains, and plantar fasciitis due to sudden movements and quick direction changes; proper footwear and warm-up help reduce risk.

Plantar Fasciitis Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It causes heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. Early treatment—including rest, stretching, and supportive footwear—can help relieve symptoms and prevent chronic pain.

Plantar Plate Injuries Tears or sprains of the thick ligament-like structure beneath the ball of the foot, most often under the second toe. They cause pain, swelling, and sometimes toe instability or drifting. See Dr. Mechanik to prevent progression and deformity.

Radiculopathy Often from herniated disc or spinal stenosis.  When it involves nerves supplying the foot and ankle, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in these areas. This may impact balance, walking, and overall foot function

Rheumatoid Arthritis Often affects the foot and ankle joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities. This can make walking and standing difficult, increase the risk of falls, and cause long-term joint damage if not properly managed.

Running Injuries Commonly affect the feet, ankles, knees, and hips, often caused by overuse, improper footwear, or poor training techniques. Typical injuries include shin splints, stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and muscle strains. Early treatment and proper running habits help prevent chronic issues and support safe, pain-free exercise.

Sciatica The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back, passes through the buttocks, and runs down the back of each leg, eventually branching into smaller nerves that reach the feet and toes. Sciatica can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the foot and ankle. This may make it difficult to walk, stand, or move the foot normally. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated.

Scuba & Snorkel Injuries  Common injuries include cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, and sometimes fractures. Prompt cleaning and care are important to prevent infection and ensure proper healing in the moist, aquatic environment.

Sesamoiditis & Sesamoid Injuries  Inflammation of the sesamoid bones—small bones under the big toe—causing pain and swelling, especially when walking or running. Sesamoid Injuries can include fractures or bruising of these bones and are often caused by repetitive pressure or trauma. Early treatment helps prevent chronic pain and supports healing. 

Ski & Snow Board Injuries  Often include sprains, fractures, and ligament tears due to falls, twists, or impact. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.  Contact our office for prompt medical attention to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

Sports injuries Damages to muscles, ligaments, bones, or joints that occur during physical activity. They can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced performance. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term problems and ensuring a safe return to activity.

Sprained Foot and Ankle Involves stretched or torn ligaments from a twist or injury, causing pain, swelling, and bruising. Delaying treatment can lead to chronic instability, persistent pain, repeated sprains, and long-term joint problems. Prompt care helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.

Stress Fractures Small cracks in a bone (like a crack in an eggshell) caused by repetitive force or overuse, often occurring in the feet or legs, and lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity. Untreated can lead to a complete bone break and increased risk of long-term complications.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome a condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel (a narrow space on the inside of the ankle) in the ankle, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the foot and ankle.

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone—causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement, often due to overuse or injury.

Tennis Injuries commonly affect the ankles due to repetitive motion and sudden movements; early care and proper technique help prevent long-term problems. 

Toe fractures A break in one of the toe bones, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking; prompt treatment helps ensure proper healing.

Toe pain Can result from injury, arthritis, bunions, or ingrown nails, and may cause discomfort with walking or wearing shoes. Can lead to worsening symptoms, increased risk of infection, joint damage, and long-term mobility issues. Early care helps prevent complications and promotes faster recovery.

Training Injuries Aches or damage to muscles, tendons, or joints from exercise or sports, often caused by overuse or improper technique; early treatment helps prevent worsening and supports safe recovery.

Trauma of Foot and Ankle refers to injuries like sprains, fractures, and bruises caused by accidents or impacts, often resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Prompt evaluation ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Varicose veins Swollen, twisted veins that often appear in the legs due to weak or damaged vein valves, causing pain, swelling, and heaviness. You should visit Dr. Mechanik for proper evaluation and personalized treatment to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve leg health.

Warts (plantar warts) Rough growths on the sole of the foot could be caused by a virus, often painful when walking and highly contagious, and could develop into clusters that are harder to treat.

Wound Care Expert Wound care is essential to maintaining healthy feet, especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues. Dr. Merchanik  focuses on precise assessment, advanced healing techniques, and preventive care to promote faster recovery and protect your feet from future complications.