Items filtered by date: December 2019

An ingrown toenail is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs as a result of the outer edge of the nail growing into the skin, and can become a serious ailment if it becomes infected. It typically affects the big toe, and it may be difficult to wear the shoes that are normally worn. There are a variety of reasons why ingrown toenails may develop. These can consist of feet that sweat excessively, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and trimming toenails improperly. Patients may notice the side of the nail may look red, and can be tender and swollen. It can be beneficial to soak the affected toe in warm water. This process may make it easier to lift the nail away from the skin by inserting a small piece of cotton over the injured area. If your ingrown toenail becomes severe, it is suggested that you counsel with a podiatrist who can offer you prompt and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

Many women are aware of the numerous aches and pains the body may experience throughout pregnancy. A common area for pain to occur is in the feet. This may be caused by the additional weight that builds during pregnancy, which may affect the arch, causing it to either disappear in the feet, or become extremely low. The feet may roll inward as a result of flat feet, and this may cause significant pain. Relief may be found when appropriate shoes are worn, and it may help to wear custom orthotics. Another common ailment that many pregnant women experience is swollen feet. This happens as a result of increased fluids and blood volume. To lessen the swelling, it may help to avoid foods that have elevated levels of salt, elevate the legs as often as possible, and wear shoes that fit correctly. If you have any questions about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult with 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.

Patients who experience stress fractures that affect the feet can often feel frustrated. A stress fracture is known as a small crack in the bone and can be referred to as a hairline fracture. It occurs as a result of repeated stress that can gradually happen during frequent running or from standing for the majority of the day. The recovery process is generally lengthy and may require that you stay off your feet. People who are affected with severe stress fractures may find it helpful to wear a protective boot to aid in the healing process. There are methods that can be implemented, which may help to prevent stress fractures. This can include gradually increasing mileage and building muscle strength that will support your chosen type of running. If you have a stress fracture, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

The area of the foot where the condition known as Morton’s neuroma develops generally occurs between the third and fourth toes, or the second or third toes. It may happen as a result of an injured nerve, which may come from wearing shoes that are too tight. The symptoms that are typically associated with this condition can consist of tingling, numbness, and a burning pain in the toes. Additionally, Some patients may not be able to feel their toes. Rubbing the area may bring temporary relief, which may also help to move the injured nerve back into position. If you have Morton’s neuroma, a podiatrist may suggest wearing specific pads which can provide adequate arch support, or recommend surgery that can permanently remove the neuroma.

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. 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 Ozone Park, and Manhasset, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many children are born with flat feet. This is a result of flexible muscles and tendons that have not yet formed. As children learn to walk, the feet become stronger, and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Research has shown the importance of babies walking barefoot while indoors. This will strengthen the toes as the foot grasps to the floor. When it is time to walk outdoors, your child will benefit from wearing shoes that are made of a soft, flexible material, and have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Your child’s feet will feel better when they are washed and dried thoroughly on a daily basis. Many children will walk on their toes as they are learning, and will gradually learn to walk correctly. If you notice your child is walking with their toes turned out, or isn’t walking by eighteen months, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.