Items filtered by date: September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

A Heel Spur May Be Misdiagnosed

As small as a heel spur is, it can bring severe pain and discomfort to the patient. It is a bony protrusion that may be pointed and is found underneath the heel. It is a calcium build-up, and can gradually come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many times a heel spur may be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, which is another condition that affects the heel. A diagnosis consists of undergoing an examination that can determine how tender the heel is, in addition to possibly having an X-ray taken. There are patients who find mild relief when anti-inflammatory medications are taken, despite being a temporary fix. Another option that may be considered are custom-made orthotics, and these may help to diminish pressure on the Achilles tendon. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is consulted who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot?

The forefoot is a third of the foot which is closest to the toes. Pain in this area, sometimes referred to as metatarsalgia, often centers on the ball of the foot and the toes. Causes include bunions or other misalignment of the toes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a buildup of calluses. Another common cause is sesamoiditis, an inflammation of two tiny bones near the toes, called sesamoids. This is often seen in dancers, runners, and athletes who apply pressure when flexing the toes. Morton’s neuroma is another cause, which damages nerves that run between the toes. Pain and a burning sensation from this condition is generally located between the 3rd and 4th toes. This is more common in women, especially those who wear high heels with pointy toes. Being overweight, stress fractures, and high arches can also contribute to metatarsalgia.  Forefoot pain usually gets worse when walking, standing, and running, or when the foot is flexed. To have your forefoot pain properly diagnosed, please visit a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Wednesday, 14 September 2022 00:00

Different Types of Foot and Ankle Surgeries

Foot or ankle surgery can be recommended by a podiatrist to relieve pain, correct a foot deformity, or restore function to a foot or ankle. It is often a last resort, after more conservative treatments are prescribed. Such surgery is usually elective and takes place in a podiatrist’s office, in a hospital, or a surgery center. Whether or not surgery is suggested depends on one’s age, medical history, and insurance coverage. Once surgery is done, the patient must follow instructions for the foot or ankle to heal properly and without complications. Foot surgeries can include toenail removal, and arthroscopic foot or ankle surgery. This is a type of endoscopy that allows a doctor to investigate an area of the body without cutting it open. Additional types of surgeries can consist of plantar fascia release, and ankle fusion or replacement. If you have foot or ankle problems and pain interferes with your daily life, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Surgery may be appropriate if other treatments are ineffective.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Read more about Foot Surgery
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Balance Exercises for Seniors

Exercises to improve your balance as you age can also contribute to a healthier life in general. In addition to improving posture, stability, and coordination, balance exercises can lower the risk of being injured through falls. Studies find that after six weeks of balance exercises, seniors also improved their coordination, leg strength, and ankle mobility. Experts recommend that seniors perform two or three sets of exercises a week, but it is always wise to check in with a medical professional beforehand. Here are two simple balance exercises you can try. Weight shift: Stand with legs hip-width apart, shift the weight to one foot, and then lift the other foot. Hold for 30 seconds. You may wish to keep a chair nearby, or lightly touch the wall if needed. Repeat on the other foot. Do this three times. Even if you need a walker, there are some exercises you can do. Marching: Stand with hands on the walker and lift one knee, then lower and lift the other knee. Repeat 20 times. For more information on how to improve your balance and lower the risk of falling, please consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

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