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Thursday, 16 December 2021 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 14 December 2021 00:00

Risk Factors Associated With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This ligament can become damaged when it is strained through repetitive overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, such as running. Standing for prolonged periods of time, exercising on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support or fit poorly can also injure the plantar fascia. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight, have had foot or ankle injuries, or are over age 40 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.

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

If your feet always seem to be cold, especially at bedtime, you may be suffering from poor circulation in your lower extremities. When fatty deposits (plaques) build up within arteries (atherosclerosis), this can cause them to narrow and thereby reduce the blood supply. This condition, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), can make your feet feel cold and cause pain in your calves. It can also make your feet look blue or purplish when sitting and white or pale when lying down. Cold feet can also occur in people who do not have enough body fat, which helps insulate the body. Small blood vessels then try to conserve heat by constricting, which causes toes and other parts of the body to feel cold or numb and turn blue followed by white. This is known as Raynaud's phenomenon. If your feet feel cold or numb, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to assess the situation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is a painful condition that can be made better by wearing orthotic insoles. There are several different types of orthotics on the market. Soft orthotics are made of soft materials, such as foam. They are flexible and offer support and cushioning for the foot. Hard orthotics are made of plastic, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials. They are designed to reduce strain on the lower limbs and provide more control over the feet. To figure out which type of orthotic is best for you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.  

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 Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00

Don’t Pop a Blister

Blisters are small, fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin in response to trauma. Blisters on the feet are typically caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or exercising, but are also commonly caused by warts, athlete’s foot, and allergic reactions. If you have a blister, it is best to avoid popping it. The fluid inside the blister protects the raw skin underneath it, helping it heal from damage. When a blister is popped, it can be very painful and is more likely to become infected. If your blister has popped on its own, don’t peel off the top layer of skin. Leave it there and cover the blister with a clean bandage to protect it. If your blister is very painful, showing signs of infection, or leaking pus, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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 Blisters
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00

Why Is My Ankle in Pain?

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, you may have an ankle sprain or fracture. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments that support the ankle get stretched or torn, and fractures are actual breaks in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. Pain in the ankle may also be caused by gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis which affect the ankle joint. There are other conditions such as nerve injuries, heel injuries, and blockages in blood vessels that may produce ankle pain. Pain due to tarsal tunnel syndrome (a compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel) can be felt anywhere along the nerve, including the ankle. There may be painful damage to the cartilage or tendons in the ankle. If you are feeling pain in your ankle, get your condition evaluated and diagnosed by a podiatrist who can also create a treatment plan based on their findings.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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
  • 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
Tuesday, 09 November 2021 00:00

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

When the toenail curls downwards and into the skin surrounding the nail, it is referred to as an ingrown toenail.  Common signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling. Ingrown toenails can become infected if they are not treated. Ingrown toenails can form from a variety of reasons, such as shoes that are too tight, not properly trimming the toenails, excessively sweaty feet, or trauma to the toe. Patients who are struggling with an ingrown toenail may be able to find relief by soaking their feet in warm water for around 15 minutes a few times a day. However, ingrown toenails that persist should be looked at by a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection.   

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 Ingrown Toenails
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 00:00

The Spreading of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a very contagious fungal infection that often thrives in warm moist environments such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, and it can spread from things such as towels, floors, and clothing. Unless the feet have been washed and dried thoroughly, fungal spores can penetrate any fissures or sores and begin to spread. The infection may also spread by hand to other parts of the body when it is scratched or touched. Because of how easily it spreads, good foot hygiene is one of the most important factors to prevent Athlete’s foot. As a result of Athlete’s foot, the feet can become dry and flaky, and they will get itchy and scaly. Patients who have Athlete’s foot should visit a podiatrist to properly treat the infection. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 26 October 2021 00:00

The Importance of Foot Care For Diabetics

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.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
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