Items filtered by date: October 2021

Neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, is known for causing a loss of feeling in the feet, and roughly half of all diabetic patients have some type of neuropathy. Because of this lack of feeling, many small problems with the feet may not be noticed and thus lead to the development of serious issues. To help avoid missing the small issues that can occur with the feet, there are some daily things that diabetic patients can do. Daily checks for cuts and wounds, regularly washing the feet, wearing shoes that fit right, and avoiding going barefoot are a few of the things that can be done to help care for the feet once they have lost some feeling. Along with regular checkups, diabetic patients should consult with a podiatrist if they notice a loss of sensation in the feet, a change in shape or color to the feet, or loss of hair on the feet.   

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Although running is great exercise, injuries to the feet and ankles are common among runners. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prevent injury. Prior to running, it is important to warm up. Warm ups gradually introduce a large range of motion to your body, making it easier to run. While running, you should run with purpose. This simply means that you should have a plan prior to running. Choose what you will be focusing on while you run. This might be speed, endurance, mileage, or something else. Finally, stretch and strengthen your muscles. This helps increase flexibility and strength and makes injuries less likely. If you have injured your feet or ankles while running, seek the care of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Tendonitis is a common cause of foot and ankle pain. It occurs when there is inflammation or irritation to the tendons that run along the feet and ankles, helping them move properly. When these tendons are injured through a sudden impact, repetitive overuse, or from biomechanical or medical conditions, the result is tendonitis, which can cause foot pain, swelling, stiffness, and changes in the shape of the feet. There are several different types of tendonitis, including Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, extensor tendonitis, and anterior tibial tendonitis. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

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 Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can be detrimental enough to impact someone’s everyday life and routine, and it is one of the most common conditions that podiatrists treat.  Issues such as obesity, poorly fitting shoes, running and jumping on hard surfaces, your walking style, and certain diseases can all lead to heel pain.  Heel pain most commonly affects those who are middle-aged, physically active, overweight, pregnant, or those who stand for long periods of time.  One common reason for heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed or partially torn.  Heel spurs are another common source of heel pain.  These occur when there is a bony growth at the bottom of the heel.  There are a variety of other issues that can lead to heel pain, so if you are afflicted with heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method is highly recommended. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.