Items filtered by date: February 2024

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries, limiting blood flow to the extremities. Recognizing the signs of PAD, particularly in the feet, is essential for early detection and treatment. One notable symptom is intermittent claudication, causing pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity. Reduced blood flow can result in coolness or numbness in the feet, along with weakened or absent pulses in the ankles and feet. Slow-healing wounds or sores, especially on the feet, may indicate compromised circulation. Changes in skin color, such as paleness or a bluish tint, could also be observed. Additionally, individuals with PAD may experience hair loss on their feet and legs, as well as shiny or thin skin. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and an increased risk of amputation. If you have PAD, and your feet are affected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists  from New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Experiencing the discomfort of plantar fasciitis should not keep you sidelined from the activities you enjoy. Along with professional guidance from a podiatrist, integrating targeted exercises into your daily routine can provide significant relief from the heel pain that accompanies this repetitive stress injury. Start with gentle stretches like the towel stretch, where you sit with legs extended, a towel wrapped around the ball of your foot, while pulling it towards you, and feeling the stretch along your calf and underfoot. Calf stretches, which are done by standing facing a wall with one foot behind the other and leaning forward, can help to alleviate tension in the calf muscles. Additionally, the plantar fascia and calf stretch, performed on a step with heels hanging off the edge, targets both the plantar fascia and calf muscles. For strengthening, try towel curls, scrunching a towel with your toes while seated, or marble pickups, using your toes to lift marbles and place them into a cup. With dedication and consistency, these exercises can play a vital role in managing plantar fasciitis and getting you back on your feet. Remember to start slowly, and gradual increase intensity. It is suggested you consult with your podiatrist before beginning any new exercise regimen. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman's body, and one area that often transforms is the feet. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hormone relaxin, contribute to increased flexibility in ligaments and tendons. This heightened flexibility can lead to changes in the arch of the foot, causing it to flatten or develop a more pronounced arch, depending on the individual. Additionally, the added weight and pressure on the feet can result in swelling and a potential increase in shoe size. These changes are not uniform, and each woman may experience variations in foot structure during pregnancy. As a result, expectant mothers need to prioritize comfortable footwear, adequate support, and regular foot care to alleviate any discomfort. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy or would like additional information on how your foot structure may change, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, can be traced back to various factors that contribute to their unsightly appearance and discomfort. Inadequate moisturization emerges as a primary culprit, as neglecting to keep the skin hydrated can lead to dryness and fissures. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces exerts excessive pressure on the heels, causing them to crack. Wearing ill-fitting shoes exacerbates the issue, rubbing against the skin and creating friction that weakens the natural barrier. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can strip the skin of its moisture, making it prone to cracking. Poor foot hygiene and improper foot care practices may further contribute to the development of cracked heels. Cracked heels can be painful, and if you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for effective relief.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. 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

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.