Items filtered by date: January 2025

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT disease, is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves leading to muscle weakness, foot deformities, and balance issues. Custom orthotics are often prescribed to improve foot alignment, provide arch support, and reduce pressure points. However, side effects can occur if the orthotics are poorly fitted or not regularly adjusted. These may include increased discomfort, skin irritation, pressure sores, or worsening of foot deformities over time. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing CMT-related foot complications. This type of doctor can design and adjust orthotics tailored to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring proper fit and support. Regular follow-ups allow the podiatrist to monitor changes in foot structure and address emerging issues early. If you have CMT, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a professional evaluation of custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Read more about Foot Orthotics
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Causes and Treatment of Ganglion Cysts

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that often forms near tendons or joints in the foot, ankle, or toes. Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, but they can cause discomfort, pain, or restricted movement depending on their size and location. The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is not always clear but may be linked to repetitive stress, injuries, or irritation of joints and tendons. Symptoms  include a visible lump, and pain when applying pressure, tingling, or numbness if the cyst presses on nearby nerves. Diagnosis by a podiatrist usually involves a physical examination and may include imaging tests to rule out other conditions, like bone spurs or plantar warts. Treatment varies based on severity. Some cases may not need intervention, while others that cause significant pain or affect mobility might require aspiration or surgical removal. Aspiration involves draining the fluid, while surgery removes the cyst and its connection to the joint. If you have a ganglion cyst on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

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
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that affects joints throughout the body including the feet. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. In the feet, RA typically affects the toes, midfoot, and ankles, often leading to deformities such as hammer toes or bunions. Over time, the cartilage in the joints can wear down resulting in limited mobility and increased pain. People with RA may also experience stiffness, especially in the morning, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The inflammation in the feet can worsen with activity making it challenging to wear shoes comfortably. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further damage. Treatment options may include medications and surgery to improve foot function and quality of life. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you manage RA.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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 Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Wednesday, 08 January 2025 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Treating a Cut on the Bottom of the Foot

A cut on the bottom of the foot can be painful and requires prompt treatment to prevent infection and promote healing. First, a podiatrist will clean the wound gently with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris, followed by patting the area dry with a clean towel. If the cut is deep or bleeding heavily,  gentle pressure is applied with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding is controlled, an antiseptic ointment is applied to prevent infection. The cut is covered with a sterile bandage or dressing, ensuring it is not too tight. It is beneficial to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling and avoid putting weight on it to prevent further injury. It is wise to change the bandage regularly and monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If you have a cut on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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 Wound Care

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