Items filtered by date: January 2019

Foot corns occur when the foot is exposed to the friction of skin rubbing against the bone, shoe, or ground. They are similar to calluses and create a thick layer of hard skin on the sole of the foot or in between toes. Corns more specifically occur on top of bones and joints. They have a central core, which has the possibility of resulting in pain if it presses on a nerve. There are many home remedies for treating foot corns. Carefully rubbing the area with a pumice stone or chiropody sponge after soaking your feet and regularly moisturizing can help remove the hard-thickened skin over time. Be wary of over-the-counter corn plasters if you have sensitive skin, because they contain high levels of salicylic acid. If you have corns on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to find out which treatment option is best for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Typical symptoms of arthritis in the feet may include severe stiffness in the ankle and toe joints, in addition to swelling, pain, and discomfort. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and this occurs when the cartilage between the bones and joints diminishes. This may generally affect the big toe and may cause difficulty in moving the toes. A chronic form of this ailment is referred to as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and this may be a result of the immune system which attacks the membrane protecting the joints. There are several treatment options for different types of arthritis, and it is strongly recommended to consult with a podiatrist who can aid in determining the best course of therapy for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown there may be indications of foot or ankle trauma that are not related to injuries. These may include skin conditions involving the feet that may happen naturally during pregnancy or as the aging process occurs. There are several issues that may fall under this category, including plantar warts, corns, athlete’s foot, or ingrown toenails. Additionally, pain may gradually develop in the heel area, which may possibly be plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. If you experience pain and discomfort in the back of the heel and ankle, you may have an Achilles tendon condition that may have steadily developed. Fallen arches or flat feet may produce considerable discomfort in the center of the foot, and if you feel a numbing sensation in your foot, it may be indicative of a pinched nerve in the ankle, which may be referred to as tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and recommend the correct treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones in the toe are known to be fragile, and may easily break if a foot injury occurs, or if something heavy is dropped on it. A broken toe is serious if the bone is protruding through the skin, which may make an infection likely to occur. There are common symptoms that people may experience if they have broken a toe, including stiffness in the toe and surrounding area, pain, swelling, or bruising that may gradually disappear. If something heavy was dropped on the toe, the nail bed may become bruised as a result of the injury, which will diminish as the nail grows. It may be beneficial to demonstrate care in performing specific daily activities including walking and jogging until the toe is completely healed, which may take up to six weeks. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort on the sole of your foot, you may have what is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. It is an inflammation and thickening of the nerve near one of the toes, and may be caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some patients have foot conditions, which may include bunions, hammer toes, and flat or high arches, and this may lead to the development of Morton’s neuroma. If you feel you may have this ailment, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis, which may include having an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound performed. Treatment options, which may be considered may include performing gently stretching exercises that may be helpful in loosening the ligaments and tendons, in addition to resting and massaging the bottom of the foot. It is strongly suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can perform the correct tests that are needed for a proper diagnosis, in addition to discussing treatment techniques.

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 attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

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 one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.