Items filtered by date: March 2022

Fatigue fractures, which are known as stress fractures, occur when there is stress that is exerted on the bone. The foot is a common place for this to happen, and it can occur from increasing mileage and speed too quickly while running. The area may be tender to touch, and there can be severe pain and discomfort. A stress fracture can be confirmed when a proper diagnosis is performed. This can include having an X-ray or MRI taken, and then proper treatment can begin. It is beneficial to temporarily stop practicing the activity that led to the stress fracture. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is elevated. Many patients can perform non-impact exercises that can include swimming and cycling. This can help to maintain exercise goals while the injured foot is healing. Gradually, the normal routine of exercise and activities can be resumed, when the stress fracture has healed. If you feel you may have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Sesamoiditis is when the tendons attached to the sesamoids (bones connected by tendons to muscles) become inflamed. While the kneecap is the biggest sesamoid in the body, there are smaller sesamoids near the big toe on the bottom of the foot. Sesamoiditis is the term most often used to describe this condition in reference to the foot, and tendonitis is more likely to be used when related to the kneecap. Sesamoiditis can develop from overuse or trauma of the tendons connected to small bones in the front of the foot. Athletes, dancers, and those who wear high heels or improperly fitting shoes are more often plagued by this disorder. Pain usually occurs slowly under the ball of the foot, and swelling or bruising may be noticed. The big toe may become immobile, and there can be a popping sensation when walking. It is a good idea to consult a podiatrist, who can examine and diagnose the affected foot using an X-ray, a bone scan, an ultrasound, or an MRI. While orthotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be suggested, sesamoiditis can often heal with rest and be prevented with lifestyle changes. Surgery is a last resort.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of New York. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Your feet take a pounding every day, and thankfully, the strong band of connective tissue on the sole of the feet (plantar fascia) is there to absorb a lot of this stress. However, the plantar fascia can eventually become overly stressed or damaged, and even suffer micro-tears where it attaches to the heel. This condition, known as plantar fasciitis, causes inflammation in the tissue and a great deal of heel pain. This pain may come on gradually and is usually at its worst first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. Once you start moving around the pain typically subsides, but eventually returns as the day progresses. What causes the plantar fascia to become damaged? There are many possible factors that can lead to plantar fasciitis such as: obesity, age, ill-fitting or non-supportive footwear, standing for long periods of time, excessive strain during exercise, tight Achilles’ tendons or calf muscles, running on hard surfaces, and certain foot disorders like flat feet or high arches. There are a variety of treatments that a podiatrist can administer to relieve the pain and reduced mobility associated with plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Arthritis, especially in older adults, brings with it a chance of problems that can affect your feet and your overall health. A loss of blood supply to your lower extremities can cause numbness. Your skin can become thinner, and your feet can change shape, which may increase the chance of wounds, or ulceration, and slow the healing process. Because of this, preventing wounds can be an important part of your foot care health plan. Preventative measures include keeping your feet clean and dry, moisturizing them, and avoiding wearing socks that are too tight. If you discover a foot wound, avoid touching it, wash and pat dry the affected area, and loosely cover it with sterile gauze. If after taking these precautions, you notice that it is still not healing or has become infected, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine the problem and suggest further treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, can develop when skin on the heel dries out and becomes callused. This dried out skin can then crack when weight placed on the heel causes the fat pad under the heel to spread out. If these cracks are left untreated, they can deepen to the point where they bleed or even become infected. This is not only painful, but can be very dangerous—especially for individuals with diabetes. Certain factors—along with having dry, thickened skin—can contribute to the formation of cracked heels, such as standing for prolonged periods of time, going barefoot, wearing open-backed shoes, and carrying extra weight. Also, diabetes, hypothyroidism, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other conditions that can cause dry skin can be associated with cracked heels. Sometimes, cracked heels can be lessened by using topical water-retaining creams. If your cracked heels do not improve with regular moisturizing, if they are deep or bloody, or if you have diabetes, it is suggested that you seek professional treatment from a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.