expert type icon EXPERT

Jillian Irwin

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Jillian Irwin is a podiatrist practicing in Manhasset, NY. Dr. Irwin is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot, ankle, and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Irwin diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing, and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care, and pediatrics.
8 years Experience
Jillian Irwin
  • Manhasset, NY
  • NYCPM
  • Accepting new patients

Is this just a bruise or something more on my toenail?

If it has only been present for two days and you have been active in shoes which add pressure to the nail it is likely a subungual hematoma, sort of like a bruise as you suggest. READ MORE
If it has only been present for two days and you have been active in shoes which add pressure to the nail it is likely a subungual hematoma, sort of like a bruise as you suggest. Blood pools under the nail and the hemosiderin stains the nail. It'll have this appearance for some time, likely until the nail grows out which can take months. If it does not appear to be growing out or if it becomes painful see your local podiatrist.

Is my foot broken?

It very well may be broken especially if you have injured the foot. See a podiatrist immediately for an X-ray and do not walk on the foot. Most fractures aka broken bones heal READ MORE
It very well may be broken especially if you have injured the foot. See a podiatrist immediately for an X-ray and do not walk on the foot. Most fractures aka broken bones heal in 6-8 weeks.

Do acupuncture shoes help with heel pain?

Not all heel pain has the same cause. Without a full work up and X-ray evaluation I wouldn't be able to tell you if acupuncture shoes would help. When it first starts rest, ice, READ MORE
Not all heel pain has the same cause. Without a full work up and X-ray evaluation I wouldn't be able to tell you if acupuncture shoes would help. When it first starts rest, ice, elevation and compression helps. After several weeks plantar fascia stretches and arch elevation can alleviate the pain if the plantar fascia is the cause of the pain. Plantar fasciitis or Heel Spur Syndrome is a common cause for heel pain but not the only cause for heel pain.

Injured toenail?

Your local podiatrist will be able to gently and aseptically remove the toenail so as not to cause further pain or injury. Leaving the nail as is will possibly cause further injury READ MORE
Your local podiatrist will be able to gently and aseptically remove the toenail so as not to cause further pain or injury. Leaving the nail as is will possibly cause further injury as the nail could pull off more traumatically or it may be sharp and cut through the skin in this position.

Toe question?

There is inflammation at the joint aka arthritis. There are many potential causes for arthritis. If you had no known injury which caused this see your primary care doctor or possibly READ MORE
There is inflammation at the joint aka arthritis. There are many potential causes for arthritis. If you had no known injury which caused this see your primary care doctor or possibly a rheumatologist for a work-up. A podiatrist may consider a local steroid injection so long as the X-ray shows no contraindications to cortisol injection. To start with take any anti-inflammatories approved by your doctor (advil, motrin) and soak the foot in warm water and epsom salt.

What can I do to relieve ankle pain?

See a foot and ankle specialist/podiatrist for a work-up. If it is chronic/long lasting, the podiatrist may offer you custom orthotics for example, or possibly surgery. If it is READ MORE
See a foot and ankle specialist/podiatrist for a work-up. If it is chronic/long lasting, the podiatrist may offer you custom orthotics for example, or possibly surgery. If it is short term/several days or a few weeks, you may need an ankle brace, rest, ice, and elevation.

I have white spots on the bottom of my feet. What could these be?

Without seeing you in the office there is no way of knowing based on this description however the most common cause for this sort of condition is athlete's foot or foot fungus. READ MORE
Without seeing you in the office there is no way of knowing based on this description however the most common cause for this sort of condition is athlete's foot or foot fungus. If this is the case, your podiatrist or dermatologist could determine if you would need a topical antifungal cream or antibacterial ointment to start with.

Bunion surgery?

Your surgeon knows enough information to determine the next course of action. There are many different types of bunion surgery and various potential complications for each type. READ MORE
Your surgeon knows enough information to determine the next course of action. There are many different types of bunion surgery and various potential complications for each type. Funny feelings/tingling/burning/swelling/soreness can persist for months after bunion surgery at baseline. However your surgeon should see you and inform you if the symptoms you are experiencing are expected or if there is a complication associated with your procedure.

Can bath salts help in treating heel pain?

Warm water with epsom salt is good for reducing swelling. Pain in your heels could be from improper footwear. To start, avoid flat shoes with no arch support. Bring your work shoes READ MORE
Warm water with epsom salt is good for reducing swelling. Pain in your heels could be from improper footwear. To start, avoid flat shoes with no arch support. Bring your work shoes with you to the podiatrist office for evaluation.

What type of sedation is used for toe surgery?

Typically hammertoe surgery is less than 1 hour duration so local anesthesia and sedation per the anesthesiologist is indicated so long as you have no contraindications for that READ MORE
Typically hammertoe surgery is less than 1 hour duration so local anesthesia and sedation per the anesthesiologist is indicated so long as you have no contraindications for that type of anesthesia. If your surgery is not the typical hammertoe surgery/more complicated therefore longer-lasting you may require general anesthesia. If you are a child or have a history of sleep apnea you may require general anesthesia.

Which gel is best for ankle sprain?

Voltaren aka Diclofenac topical gel - it is an NSAID like Motrin or Advil only you apply it locally to the area instead of taking a pill.

Which exercise can I do for foot pain?

Every type of foot pain is different therefore some exercises may help you and some may hurt you. To determine which is best for you, you will require a work-up by a podiatrist. READ MORE
Every type of foot pain is different therefore some exercises may help you and some may hurt you. To determine which is best for you, you will require a work-up by a podiatrist.

My heel is hurting?

These are typical signs for plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome, depending on the location of your pain.

Foot swelling?

See a doctor or go to to the emergency room for an ultrasound to determine if you have a blood clot before trying any other interventions for swelling.

Right foot injury?

Please schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist for X-ray and full evaluation and treatment. Until then, do not walk on your foot.

Can ice make a sprained ankle worse?

No it cannot. Ice is used to bring the inflammation down. Do not apply for more than 20 minutes at a time without rest as this could irritate your skin.

Can massage fix a sprained ankle?

No, it can make it worse. Your ankle needs to rest and heel. Unless your doctor clears you for physical therapy do not massage a freshly sprained ankle.

Why could my feet be so itchy?

The most common cause for these symptoms is foot fungus or "athletes foot." If you are unable to see a podiatrist right away you may try an over-the-counter antifungal cream twice READ MORE
The most common cause for these symptoms is foot fungus or "athletes foot." If you are unable to see a podiatrist right away you may try an over-the-counter antifungal cream twice daily prior to seeing the podiatrist or dermatologist. While athletes foot is the most common reason for these symptoms the cause may be more serious and it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

I have a strange pain in the bottom of my feet. What could be the reason for this?

There are many possible causes for foot pain in the bottom of the foot but one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. Increased weight, increased READ MORE
There are many possible causes for foot pain in the bottom of the foot but one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. Increased weight, increased activity, change in activity, change in shoe-type, flat shoes, worn down shoes are some common causes for why the plantar fascia on the bottom of your foot could get irritated. Avoid walking barefoot and wear supportive slippers and see your local podiatrist.

Can hammer toes come back after surgery?

So long as the proper procedure is selected for the type of hammertoe you have, it is unlikely that the hammertoe will return after surgery. There are hammertoes which are flexible, READ MORE
So long as the proper procedure is selected for the type of hammertoe you have, it is unlikely that the hammertoe will return after surgery. There are hammertoes which are flexible, semi-flexible, and rigid, and there are various causes for the hammertoes. For example, in a patient without a neurological problem or a serious lower extremity deformity causing the hammertoe, often a fusion of the joint is recommended. If a non-fusion type surgery is performed, this may lead to a return in the hammertoe, though it is often much smaller and less painful than the initial deformity.