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Key Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms to Look Out for
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that tends to affect women more than it does men. Many people associate rheumatoid arthritis with its classic symptoms of joint pain and joint stiffness. Aside from these signs, however, there are another nine symptoms to be aware of: fatigue, slow healing, numbness, foot issues, eye trouble, joint ache, stiffness, locked joints, and nodules. Foot issues can include the development of pain in the heel, which is due to swelling tissue.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and joint pain can become very painful and debilitating if left untreated. For more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its symptoms, consult with one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Exercises for the Feet and Ankles during Long Work Shifts
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has created a program to condition the foot and ankle in terms of strength and flexibility. The program was created to help break up the long hours of those that constantly have to stand on their feet while at work. There are six exercises in total, such as heel cord stretch, golf ball roll, and calf raise, which should be performed at least three to five days per week.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Laurence D. Landau and Dr. Corrine E. Renne of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Researchers Hoping to Save Limbs with Sensor-Equipped “Smart Socks”
Researchers at the University of Arizona have been working on a device that monitors feet with sensors and fiber optics in order to predict areas likely to develop ulcers. Called “Smart Socks,” this technology was created to reduce the devastatingly high number of amputations that often result from diabetic neuropathy. Fortunately, researchers expect that this technology will be available by 2019.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. For professional help, see one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will ensure that your feet receive the care that they need.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices, located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
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Women Should Wear Wider Shoes with Lower Heels to Prevent Morton’s Neuroma
According toDr. Anthony Komaroff of Harvard Medical School, women are at a greater risk because they usually wear tight shoes or high heels. One of the best ways to prevent and treat Morton’s neuroma is to wear low heeled shoes with a wider toe box so the bones, ligaments, muscles and nerves, are not squeezed. Dr. K also recommends massaging the area or visiting your foot care professional for metatarsal pads to help correct any structural problems you may have. If the pain persists, doctors may inject a local anesthetic with corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Surgery may be needed if the previously mentioned methods do not work.
Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
- -Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- -Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- -Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Study Finds Rebound Shoes Reduce Injury by Softening Impact on the Feet
According to a study conducted at the University of Nevada and presented in the American Society of Biomechanics, when the foot hits in the ground while wearing rebound shoes, there is a 15% increase in force compared to a 96% increase when wearing standard running shoes. Rebound shoes, or boots with springs, are being used as a new trendy exercise with claims of reducing the intensity between the foot and the ground when jumping or running. Although more studies have found that the shoes reduce injuries, they have been known to cause an increase blisters on the feet.
Exercise efficiency involves biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Australians Seeking Botox Injects to Reduce Sweaty Feet
Australians have recently been found to reduce hyperhidrosis of the feet with the help of Botox injections. According to neurologist and clinical professor Dr. Peter Silbert of University of Western Australia, when Botox is injected near a sweat gland, it blocks communication between the gland and the nerves. This is said to prevent excessive sweating in the area, but the area must be injected every six months which comes with side effects such as weakness.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Al Sharpton’s daughter Suing NYC for Five Million
Al Sharpton’s daughter Dominique is suing New York City for five million dollars after she sprained her ankle on uneven pavement. According to her father’s company National Action Network, Dominique has been in continuous pain ever since the injury. Although a few months after the incident she was seen using both of her feet with ease at events in Washington, D.C. and Miami, she is still seeking a settlement for medical bills and future pain.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Illinois. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Tips to Avoid Blisters from Sandals and Summer Footwear this Season
Leah Bourne of StyleCaster has a few tips in avoiding blisters when wearing sandals. For starters, when purchasing a new pair of sandals, wear them around the house with socks for a few days to stretch them out and ease the friction they will cause on the feet. Using an adhesive bandage on the heels will prevent blisters and scraping on the back of the foot, this should also work if the sandal scrapes against any other part of the foot. Additionally, you can tape moleskin or fabric around any part of the shoe that is causing blisters. Placing clear deodorant, talcum powder, baby oil, or taping cotton balls to the feet near blister prone areas will also help prevent any from occurring.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with blisters on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a band-aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a doctor.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Finally a Few Companies that Provide Shoes for Smaller Women
According to Perrie Samotin of StyleCaster, smaller women of today are having an extremely difficult time finding the right shoe size. More often than not, if you are a woman with a shoe size smaller than size six, you will most likely be out of luck on finding fashionable and well-fitting shoes. This occurs since the average shoe size of women today stands between eight and a half and nine. Samotin found a list of high fashion brands that provide a range of shoes sizes sometimes starting at size four. J. Crew, Asos, Eileen Fisher and Sam Edelman are just a couple of brands with a wide range of shoe sizes; however, these smaller sizes are typically sold out quick.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact podiatrist one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
- When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
- Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Treatment for Flat Feet not always Necessary
Flat feet occur through the over pronation of the foot, through a deformity at birth where the arch is typically flexible, or acquired over time when pressure is applied to the foot and the arch collapses. Improper footwear, foot abnormalities, or a ruptured tendon can all also lead to a flat foot. Typically if no pain is present, treatment may not be required other than wearing orthotics. However, if there is pain in a flat foot treatment can range from taping the foot, wearing custom orthotics, stretching, or fixing the ailment with surgery in extreme cases.
Living with flat feet does not always mean there will be a problem with them. If you are having trouble with your flat feet, speak to one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms:
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe.
Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
Flat look to one or both feet.
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment:
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Quality Shoe Materials can help prevent Foot Problems
Leo Faramelli of Leo’s Shoe Repair has a lot of experience selling and repairing shoes and has a vast understanding of how certain shoes can cause problems for the feet. “Older shoes are made a lot better. There’s much more real leather. Today, most of the shoe is vinyl to an extent,” Leo states. Today shoes are made with a cheaper grade of leather than is then coated with vinyl and plastic. The shoes look great but that are not as quality, putting customers feet at risk for problems such as corns. Shoes made out of real leather will mold to your feet.
Shoes that are not properly suited for the feet can cause corns and other podiatric problems. If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact Dr. Laurence D. Landau and Dr. Corrine E. Renne of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treating corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Educate the Elderly about Falling Dangers
According to J.T. Miller, children and younger relatives of the elderly should help them understand the importance of keeping their feet stable and healthy to prevent falls and other injuries. With age adults can become unsteady on their feet, so it is important to start with light exercising to make the legs and feet stronger for stability.
Safe footwear with rubber soles and low heels is the safest type of shoe for the elderly with the addition for proper fit and foot support. Canes and walkers are also available to aid in stability as well as a hand held grabber tool so they do not have to reach too high or low for certain items.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
The Elderly and their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.
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Reasons to Avoid Flip Flops This Summer
As the weather begins to transition into a warmer atmosphere, many individuals will want to slip into more comfortable flip-flops; however, Cosmopolitan has come up with a few reasons why you should avoid the shoe type this season.
Flip-Flops expose the feet to bacteria and other infections that can cause irritation to the skin as well as exposing the feet to athlete’s foot and HPV the cause of plantar warts. Studies have also shown that flip flops cause you to slow down and make you clumsier because of the shorter stride you would have to take while wearing the shoe.
The thin strap that keeps the shoe on the foot is also a major cause of blisters and the thin foam in between the foot and the ground often cause heel pain, poor posture, shooting pains, and other foot problems.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of damage to the feet and rest of the body. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:
- Ball and arch problems in the foot
- Changes to the body’s natural gait
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
- Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles
To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.
You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
White Sox Pitcher Overcomes Foot Injury
Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox has overcome a foot injury just in time for the start of the season.
White Sox manager Robin Ventura stated, “He looked great. There is nothing else to say. It was vintage him.” His first couple of of pitches included a 98 mile per hour fastball and a 98 mile per hour heater that resulted in strike three.
The left-hander was on the mount for six straight innings and appeared to truly be back to his original skilled self.
Broken feet are very problematic. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have an broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
