Cedarhurst (516) 374-3668
Franklin Square (516) 775-8440
Cedarhurst (516) 374-3668
Franklin Square (516) 775-8440
Flip-flops, with their roomy design and flat soles, may seem better for your feet than other shoes. Unfortunately, they aren’t. In fact, frequently wearing flip-flops can greatly damage the health of your feet. Flip-flops lack support for the foot, and their loose design requires you to scrunch your toes to keep them on your feet as you walk. This can alter the way you walk, also known as your gait. Those who wear flip-flops frequently are more likely to walk with short strides and with their ankles turned overly inward. This walking pattern can increase the risk of developing ankle and hip pain. Frequent flip-flop use can also cause plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. For more information about the dangers of flip-flops, and to discover healthier footwear options, consult with a podiatrist.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. 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
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
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 Flipping Out About Flip Flops
A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders. Podiatrists treat a huge variety of conditions, from mild ingrown toenails to serious injuries that require surgery. Some of the conditions that a podiatrist may treat include fungal toenail infections, corns, calluses, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, cracked heels, excessive sweating, flat feet, bunions, heel pain, blisters, gout, foot problems brought about by other conditions, such as diabetes, and various sports injuries. If you have any problems in your lower limbs, a podiatrist can help you by diagnosing your condition and providing treatment. A podiatrist can also do regular checkups to help you maintain the health of your feet and ankles.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
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.
Exercising and stretching the feet is important for maintaining foot health. There are several different exercises that can help strengthen the feet. Weaving your fingers between each of your toes, and then stretching and massaging the toes and ball of your foot, can help relieve bunion symptoms. Standing on a towel and scrunching it up with your toes is a good stretch to help with plantar fasciitis pain. Lifting your heels off the floor then slowly bringing them back down several times is a good stretch for strengthening the ankles and calves. Flexing your toes outwards and then squeezing them in can help restore flexibility and relieve pain from bunions and hammertoes. For more information about stretching the feet, speak with a podiatrist today.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
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 Stretching Your Feet
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.
Blistering, peeling, and dry skin between the toes are common symptoms of the foot condition known as athlete’s foot. Other symptoms can include a burning, stinging, or itching sensation, and in more severe cases, cracking of the skin. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection. Because fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, to help prevent its spread, it’s important to wear proper footwear at public swimming pools, locker rooms, communal showers, and gyms. To keep the infection from getting worse, it’s important that you seek prompt treatment. Please visit a podiatrist if you believe you’ve developed this condition.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.
If you have a bunion, a bony bump on the side of the big toe, you may have heard that surgery is needed to treat the pain that it causes. This is not necessarily true, as there are nonsurgical treatments for bunions as well. Changing your shoes to a pair that are wider and more supportive, wearing orthotics, wearing pads placed over the bunion, avoiding activities that cause bunion pain, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or icing the foot can all help ease your pain. If nonsurgical treatments do not provide much relief, or if the pain from your bunion is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, then it may be time to consider surgery. If you are suffering from bunions, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
If you are suffering from bunions, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
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.
The Achilles tendon is known to be the largest tendon in the body. It is located in the back of the leg and connects the calf to the heel. An injury to this tendon can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, improperly warming up before running, or increasing a workout intensity too quickly. The common symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can consist of swelling in the heel and surrounding areas, and it may be difficult to walk and stand. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally consists of having an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI performed, the correct treatment can begin. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will determine what the best treatment is for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A contagious foot condition that affects the toes is known as toenail fungus. One of the most common symptoms related to toenail fungus is the discoloration of the affected toenail. Toenails may have a whitish to yellowish spot on the affected toenail. When not treated promptly, the symptoms and fungus can easily spread from toe to toe. Other symptoms can include the nail thickening, becoming brittle and crumbly, or taking on a distorted shape. Fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, so it is important to ensure that you have the proper footwear on while in locations such as communal swimming pools or locker room areas. Wearing proper footwear may help to prevent you from getting this condition. For more advice on how to treat toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist.
For more information about treatment, 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.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Research has shown the importance of diabetic patients paying close attention to their feet. The elevated sugar levels that can cause diabetes may produce numbing sensations in their feet, and existing cuts, bruises, and wounds may be difficult to feel. If left untreated, infections may develop, and in severe cases amputation may be necessary. There are methods that can be implemented which may help protect the feet of diabetic patients. Circulation may improve when smoking is stopped. Additionally, the feet will feel better when they are washed and dried daily, followed by applying a moisturizer, which may help to prevent cracked heels. It is strongly recommended that diabetic patients be under the care of a podiatrist who can properly manage this condition.
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
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.
Every patient is unique and so are treatments. The information on this website is for educational purposes and each individual
patient care model may differ.
