Items filtered by date: January 2021

Broken ankles are a fairly common injury, especially among athletes. There are several bones that make up the ankle joint that are vulnerable to breaks and stress fractures. These bones are the tibia or shin bone, the fibula, and the talus which is a small bone located deep within the ankle. If you have broken your ankle, you will likely experience severe pain, swelling at the ankle joint, bruising, redness, or discoloration, and an inability to put weight on the affected ankle. Broken ankles are diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging studies such as an X-ray or CT scan. If you think that you may have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

A callus is a thick, toughened section of skin that often forms on the ball of the foot, as this area bears the most weight when you walk or stand. A corn is a callus that is made of dead skin and often develops on the tops or sides of toes. Corns and calluses are the skin’s natural response to excess friction or pressure. They develop to protect the raw skin underneath. While corns and calluses can be uncomfortable, they are rarely dangerous. Hard skin on the feet usually responds well to home treatment. Soaking, exfoliating, and moisturizing the feet can help smooth the skin. In some cases the hard skin may require medical treatment. For example, if the hardened skin causes pain or cracks and becomes infected, it should be examined by a podiatrist. For more information about how to deal with hard skin on the feet please consult with a podiatrist. 

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

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the nerves in the foot become inflamed. Usually, the nerves that are affected are in the ball of the foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. Signs of Morton’s neuroma include a sharp burning sensation, a lack of feeling, or a tingling in the forefoot area. These symptoms usually show up when pressure is placed on the foot during activities such as walking, standing, running or jumping. Most commonly, Morton’s neuroma is caused by a foot deformity that causes the foot bones to squeeze the nerves. Because of this, footwear that squeezes and constricts the toes can often lead to a neuroma, and a shoe with a wide toe box is suggested for decreasing foot pain. Morton’s neuroma can be treated by a podiatrist. Treatment options that your podiatrist may recommend include orthotics, cortisone injections and, in severe cases, surgery.

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.

There are many potential causes of bunions. Foot injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or nerve damage can increase the risk of developing bunions. Some people are born with defects in the structure of their foot that lead to bunion formation later on. Bunions also tend to run in families. Certain structural problems in the feet, such as loose joints and tendons, flat feet, and low arches can make bunions more likely to form. Bunions are also linked to rheumatoid arthritis. To learn more about bunions, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.