Items filtered by date: February 2022

The three most common forms of arthritis that attack the joints of the feet are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis gradually wears down cartilage in the joints and typically affects weight bearing joints, such as the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, including the synovium (lining in the joints). With gout, uric acid that cannot be properly expelled from the body can crystallize and build up on joints: most typically the big toe joint. These types of arthritis can cause symptoms including pain, warmth, stiffness, swelling, deformity in the joints, and more. If your feet or ankles are in pain due to any type of arthritis, make an appointment with your local podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and determine the best way to treat it.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, the most common type of heel pain, is typically caused by overuse of the plantar fascia—the fibrous tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel bone with the toes. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia gets overly stretched or damaged, including small tears where this connective tissue joins with the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel. It is often worse in the morning when you first wake up, since the plantar fascia has tightened overnight. As you begin stretching the plantar fascia with regular movement, the pain usually lessens, only to increase again as the day progresses. Plantar fasciitis can happen to anyone who overloads the plantar fascia through excessive exercise, obesity or pregnancy and wearing improper footwear, as well as those with diabetes or structural abnormalities in the feet. Podiatrists have many effective treatments for plantar fasciitis. If you are experiencing heel pain, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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 care needs.

Orthotics are devices made of various materials that can be used to improve your overall foot and ankle health, prevent foot deformities, and make your feet more comfortable as you go about your daily activities. The most common type of orthotic device is an insert which is placed directly into your shoe. Orthotics can be made from soft and compressible materials, such as foam, or rigid materials such as plastic or carbon fiber. There are also semi-rigid orthotics. These are made from a combination of soft and rigid materials. Athletes may benefit from semi-rigid orthotics, which provide both comfort and structure to the feet. To see if orthotics are right for you, please 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.

People with diabetes can often lose feeling in their feet and the ability to heal ordinary cuts, abrasions or pressure points. This can lead to the development of non-healing wounds and far more serious complications. Foot care can help the diabetic keep their feet healthy and protected. The best way for diabetics to take care of their feet is by wearing quality shoes that fit perfectly and refraining from going barefoot — even in the house. Daily foot inspections are also a must in order to spot anything unusual. If any abrasion, discoloration, redness or purple area is detected, it is suggested that you seek the treatment of a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid it festering and turning into a wound. For detailed information on diabetic foot care as well as regular foot checkups, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.