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The feet and ankles can have a variety of issues that may lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, or stiffness. These injuries can be caused by simple wear and tear on the body as we age or from incidents like tripping or falling. While most injuries can be helped over time by staying active, there are a few key signs that the care of a podiatrist may be necessary. If there has been significant trauma from a situation such as a fall or a direct blow, a medical professional should examine the injury. Other signs that a podiatrist’s care may be necessary include a misshapen ankle or foot, a hot/tender feeling (especially in the calf), continuous pain, or an inability to bear weight on your legs or feet. Upon your visit, a podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment method for your injury.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Doing some simple foot stretches in the safety of your own home may help you keep your feet strong and flexible, while improving movement and posture. Start in a seated position, with bare feet. Lift your foot, circling your ankle slowly 3-5 times. Then repeat in the opposite direction. Point and flex each foot 3-5 times. End by wiggling and then spreading your toes. Repeat on the other foot. In this next exercise, you’ll start in a seated position again. Keeping all other toes on the floor, lift your big toe. Then, put your big toe down and leave it there as you lift the other four toes. Repeat this on each foot, ten times. To stretch your arches, start once more from a seated position and lift just the heel, while pressing the ball of the foot down and flexing your toes. Lift the heel higher and hold this position for 5-10 seconds. Put your heel down and repeat this on the other foot, alternating feet up to three times. Check with a podiatrist who can offer more advanced foot stretches and other ways to strengthen your feet and improve mobility.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
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.
A blister appears as a bubble that develops on the skin. It is filled with fluid that protects the raw skin, and it is the body’s natural method of repairing skin that has become damaged. It often forms as a result of excess friction, and this can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from excessive sunburn or frostbite. Additionally, there are certain medical conditions that can lead to the formation of blisters, consisting of psoriasis and eczema. It may be helpful to cover the blister with a protective bandage while completing daily activities. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, and disappear. If you have blisters on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide information about how to prevent them from becoming infected.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. 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 are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
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.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon, a band of tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This type of injury can occur during forceful jumping or pivoting, when suddenly accelerating while running, or from falling or tripping. An Achilles tendon rupture is particularly common among middle-aged people who play sports as a hobby. If you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, you may feel a sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf that subsides into a dull ache over time. You may also experience a popping or snapping sensation in the back of the leg. This is often followed by swelling in the area between the heel and the calf and difficulty walking, especially up the stairs or up a hill. If you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
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.
Flat feet are a common condition in which the feet lack a visible arch in the sole when weight is placed on them. There are several telltale signs of flat feet. The first is overpronation, an abnormal gait in which your feet roll inwards when you walk. If you have an overpronated gait, you may notice that the soles of your shoes wear more quickly along the inner border. Other signs of flat feet include having feet that point slightly outward when you walk or stand, pain in the joints of your lower limbs, hips, and lower back, and pain in the arch of the foot. If you are experiencing discomfort due to flat feet, please see a podiatrist for treatment.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
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.
Running is excellent exercise but can be hard on your feet and ankles, especially if you are new to the sport and do not come prepared. When running, it is very important to wear the right shoes. Running shoes should fit comfortably and support the foot. Stretching your feet prior to and following a run is also suggested, as simple foot stretches can strengthen the feet, improve their flexibility and mobility, and prevent many common overuse injuries. When you begin to run, start with shorter, less intense runs and increase the length, intensity, and duration of your runs slowly over time to avoid overexertion. If you experience a foot or ankle injury, cease running for the time being and see a podiatrist who can help get you back on your feet.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
Ankle sprains are a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Whether or not you can continue to engage in physical activity and exercise shortly after sustaining your injury will depend on the severity of your sprain. With a mild sprain, simple stretches and light activities like walking or swimming may be tolerable. With more severe sprains, walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be very difficult and might limit your workout options. Regardless of the severity of the sprain, it is suggested that you speak with your podiatrist to determine whether or not you should continue to exercise shortly after enduring an ankle sprain.
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?
Preventing a Sprain
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.
A burning sensation in the feet can affect any part of the foot and is typically caused by nerve damage. Various conditions can lead to nerve damage in the feet. One of the most common culprits is diabetes. About half of all people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves of the feet and can produce a burning sensation. Other medical problems that may damage the nerves that supply the feet, and therefore lead to a burning sensation, include small fiber sensory neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, complex regional pain syndrome, excessive alcohol use, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Conditions that are not related to nerve damage can also produce a burning sensation in the feet. These include athlete’s foot, erythromelalgia, and hypothyroidism, among others. If you have burning feet, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in 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 for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
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.
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.