Items filtered by date: August 2021

There are many reasons for trying to lose weight. You may want to lower your cholesterol, bring down your blood pressure, increase your energy, or just feel more comfortable in your clothes. You can also add improving your foot and ankle health to the list. Being heavy can place a tremendous amount of strain on your feet and ankles, making you more likely to suffer from heel pain. Carrying excessive weight on your body can set the stage for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, and more. You are also at an increased risk of developing systemic diseases that affect foot and ankle health such as diabetes and gout. While you are working hard to take that extra weight off, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who has various methods of easing pain, while reducing pressure and distributing weight more evenly on your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot. It is located on the outside of the foot, midway between the heel and the pinky toe. Cuboid syndrome occurs when this bone becomes dislocated from overuse or from an injury such as a sprained ankle. It may also be caused by foot conditions such as pronated feet. Cuboid syndrome often affects dancers, athletes, and runners. Pain can be felt in various parts of the foot—often in the middle of the foot or at the base of the two smaller toes, or elsewhere in the foot or ankle. Other symptoms may include difficulty walking, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the ankle and foot. Because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the pain is emanating from, it is important to have your foot examined and properly diagnosed by a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms in order to recieve proper treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists  from New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. They can occur when the ligaments that connect the bones and stabilize the ankle joint become overstretched or partially/fully torn. In a Grade I sprain, ligaments are stretched, while in Grade II & III sprains, ligaments are partially or fully torn, respectively. Grade II & III sprains are usually more painful and typically require more extensive treatment than a Grade I sprain. Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity, and may include pain, swelling, and the inability to put any or all weight on the affected ankle. More severe sprains may make it difficult or even impossible to walk, and there may be some bruising due to broken blood vessels under the skin. Since improperly healed sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability and additional sprains, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist right away to receive proper treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot condition that is known as hammer toe may also be referred to as contracted toe. It is considered to be a deformity, and can appear unsightly. It can cause the toes to resemble a hammer. This can be a result of the middle joints of the second and third toe that gradually bend upward, forcing the rest of the toe to bend down. It often happens from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be a muscle imbalance that can cause hammer toes to develop. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include pain while stretching the affected toes, and corns may develop on top of the toes as the toes rub against the shoes that are worn. Mild relief may be found when larger shoes are worn, and it may help to wear a protective pad over the corns. In severe cases, surgery may be an option that can permanently straighten the toes. If you have a hammer toe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis can occur in any joint—including the ankle. When this condition occurs in the ankle, it is typically either post-traumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis can be caused by an old ankle sprain, fracture, or other injury that did not heal properly and has caused degenerative changes. Post-traumatic arthritis can take decades to manifest. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that affects joints throughout the body. In some cases, RA can cause inflammation and alignment problems in your ankles. Through examination, observation, tests, and gait analyses, the source of your ankle pain—whether it is arthritis or some other condition—can be properly diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.