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Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

What May Be Causing Your Heel Pain

If you are experiencing heel pain, chances are you may have plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause. Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot. This connective tissue attaches at the heel bone, then extends towards the forefoot, fanning out into five bands that attach to each toe’s phalanx bone. The plantar fascia supports the arch and helps to act as a shock absorber when walking, running, and jumping. Since the plantar fascia is used continuously in everyday activities it can become stressed, overused, and even torn. The heel pain of plantar fasciitis is usually at its most severe when you take your first steps after waking up or resting. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any kind of heel pain. Podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis and other forms of heel pain every day and have many therapies and methods of treatment that will offer you the relief you seek.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

What Morton’s Neuroma Feels Like

If you walk around feeling like you have a pebble in your shoe under the ball of the foot, you might have Morton’s neuroma. This is a thickening of the tissues next to nerves leading to the toe. Women are much more likely to suffer from this condition than men because they are more apt to wear high heels, which put pressure on the feet. Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow may also lead to this uncomfortable foot ailment. Beyond feeling like there is a pebble under your foot, one can experience pain, burning, cramping, and/or numbness of the foot. Rest, foot stretching exercises to promote blood circulation, massaging the affected part of the foot, using shoe pads or orthotics to help absorb pressure, and wearing well fitting, flatter, supportive shoes should all help with irritation of a Morton’s neuroma. However, if you are having troubling symptoms for a prolonged time, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor 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 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 Morton's Neuroma
Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Taking Care of Children’s Feet

Foot health is important for everyone but because children’s feet are soft, pliable, and still developing, they are more vulnerable to injuries, diseases, and conditions that can interfere with normal movement. More common foot problems among children are Sever’s disease, flat feet, toes pointing in or out, ankle weakness, and foot deformities. Sever’s disease is heel pain in children that may come on during puberty or when experiencing growth spurts. This is usually a temporary affliction and can be managed by stopping sports or activities involving running or jumping until the pain subsides. Flat foot is when the entire sole of the child’s foot lies flat against the ground. If a child walks with their toes pointed in or out it may be because a child’s leg alignment is constantly changing and again may improve as the child grows and muscles get stronger. Children’s ankles may be weak and give way more easily during sports and everyday activities leading to chronic ankle instability. Children may even suffer from congenital foot deformities. It is important to consult with a podiatrist for help in learning and understanding the growth of children’s feet, proper footwear choices as they age, and to treat any foot problems that may arise and are not transitory.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

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 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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Facts About Ingrown Toenails

Having an ingrown toenail is annoying and painful, but it can be preventable. When the side of a toenail becomes engulfed by the skin around it, pressure can build up and cause pain. Typical signs of an ingrown toenail include redness and swelling, pain when touched, or hardened skin next to the nail. If the area gets infected, it may become filled with pus and cause bleeding. Causes of ingrown toenails include tight fitting shoes, toenails cut incorrectly or not at all, and poor foot hygiene. Home prevention techniques include cutting toenails straight across, keeping your feet clean and dried, and wearing shoes that fit properly. Anyone who has diabetes, poor peripheral circulation, or other systemic conditions that affect the feet should seek the care of a podiatrist regularly. In cases of a badly ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist. Possible treatment may call for partial or complete removal of the nail to prevent further complications. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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 Ingrown Toenail Care

The bones in the ankle that are prone to breaking are the tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia and fibula can be felt on the outside of the ankle, while the talus is deep within the ankle. If significant pressure is applied to these bones from occurrences such as a car accident, falling or tripping, the impact of heavy weight, overuse, or a misstep, can all result in a break. A broken ankle can lead to loss of blood supply, damage to neighboring tissues, improper healing, and sharp pieces of bone from the break compressing or severing nearby nerves or blood vessels. It is important to see a podiatrist if you have broken your ankle in order to obtain proper treatment and to prevent more serious complications from arising.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

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 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 All About Broken Ankles
Monday, 16 May 2022 00:00

Treat Your Feet to Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic shoes can bring relief to the feet of patients suffering from diabetes. 

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Testing Your Ankle Health

Most people do not spend a lot of time thinking about the health of their ankles, but this important joint is a workhorse for your body. When you trip but don’t fall, it’s because your ankles have kept you upright. If you need to switch directions in a hurry, it is the ankles that make it possible. One quick way to assess the health of your ankles is by taking a simple test. If you already are experiencing ankle pain, it is best to skip this test and seek out help from a podiatrist as soon as possible. Sit in a straight chair, extend your leg, and turn your ankle clockwise a few times, and then repeat counterclockwise. Try it on the other foot. No pain? That means your ankles are probably doing well. If one ankle is not responding as well as the other one, it may be an indication that something is wrong. Make a note of which part of the ankle hurts, how often the pain occurs, and what you are doing when it starts. This would be a good time to make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and possible treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 Ankle Pain

Flip flops are considered to be the official shoe of summer. They are made from a flat rubber sole with a Y-shaped strap that that fits between the big and second toe. They are known to offer minimal, if no support, and, when frequently worn can cause foot conditions to develop. Among them are chronic heel pain and cracked heels. In addition, the walking style, or gait, may be negatively affected, and the toes may become fatigued from constantly gripping the top of the shoe to keep the foot in the shoe and in place. Some patients develop an Achilles tendon injury as a result of added pressure put on the calf muscles. It is suggested that people who enjoy wearing flip flops choose a pair with a thicker heel, which may alleviate some of the pressure on the overall foot. If you need to know more about how flip flops can affect the feet, it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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 Flip Flops and Feet

The words sprain and strain are very similar. So too, are several symptoms of an ankle sprain and ankle strain. Ankle sprains involve the ligaments which hold the bones of the ankle together and support it, while strains involve ankle muscles, often where the muscle attaches to a tendon. In a sprain, the pain is immediate and there may be bruising, while pain from a strain can sometimes come on gradually and a bruise is typically not visible. Both injuries can produce localized swelling, inflammation, and redness. Yet, there may be a noise—an audible popping sound the moment the ligament is injured—in an ankle sprain, which does not occur when you strain the muscles in your ankle. However, you may experience cramps, spasms, or weakness in the muscle when you’ve strained your ankle, which usually doesn’t occur if you’ve sprained the ligaments of your ankle. Both conditions can make it difficult or impossible to move your ankle or to place weight on it. If you are experiencing any type of pain, inflammation, redness, or swelling in your ankles, contact a podiatrist to have your condition properly diagnosed and treated.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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 Ankle Sprains
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00

How to Handle Swelling During Pregnancy

Swollen legs, ankles and feet are common for most women when they are expecting a baby. A buildup of fluid, an increase in weight, hot weather, gravity, and standing for long periods are contributing factors. Swelling (edema) during pregnancy usually gets worse in the last trimester and right after birth. One way to avoid some of the swelling is by eating healthy foods, including fish, lean meats, poultry and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, try to reduce the amount of salt, fats and sugar, and especially processed foods, that you consume. Plus, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water to flush the system. Try to stay off your feet and keep them elevated, particularly later in the day. Do ankle rolls and foot flexes to increase blood flow to the feet. If swelling becomes severe and moves up the calf, or if pressing on your ankle or leg leaves an indentation, it may be a sign of something more serious. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist immediately who can examine the feet and ankles properly and recommend treatment options.

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 Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor 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 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 Pregnancy and Foot Health
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