Items filtered by date: August 2024

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Millions of people in the United States experience chronic foot pain, which can interfere with daily activities. Common causes can include bunions, which are painful bumps at the base of the big toe caused by joint misalignment. This condition is often managed with wearing roomier shoes or, in severe cases, surgery. Fallen arches, resulting from a loss of tendon elasticity, can lead to pain in the arch, ankle, and leg. Typical treatment includes supportive insoles and certain stretching exercises. Hammertoes, where a toe bends abnormally and rubs against shoes, can cause discomfort that may be relieved by changes in footwear or undergoing surgery, if necessary. Ingrown toenails, frequently the result of improper nail trimming, can cause pain and swelling, often requiring professional care to prevent infection. Lastly, plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain stemming from tiny tears in the foot's supporting tissue. Relief may be found from practicing specific stretches, wearing heel inserts and night splints. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

Understanding Foot Surgery for Corn Removal

Foot surgery to remove a corn is a common procedure aimed at alleviating pain and discomfort. A corn, which is a thickened area of skin usually caused by friction or pressure, can be effectively addressed through this surgical intervention. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring the patient feels no pain. The podiatric surgeon then makes a small incision to carefully remove the corn and any surrounding thickened skin. The underlying cause, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or structural abnormalities, is often evaluated to prevent recurrence. Post-surgery, the area is dressed and a follow-up is scheduled to monitor healing and ensure no complications arise. If you have a painful corn on your foot that is causing pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgical removal is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

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Tuesday, 13 August 2024 00:00

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes that results from nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar and elevated blood fats. This condition often targets the nerves in the lower legs and feet, leading to what is known as peripheral neuropathy. Studies show that between one-third and one-half of people with diabetes will experience this condition. Diabetic neuropathy can bring on a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including numbness and weakness, burning, tingling, and pain in the lower limbs. Additionally, the diminished sensation can make you more susceptible to unnoticed wounds on your feet, which increases the risk of infections and complications. To manage diabetic neuropathy effectively, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, ensuring that any potential issues are caught early and treated appropriately.

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:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

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.

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Friday, 09 August 2024 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

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.

Tuesday, 06 August 2024 00:00

Various Causes of Heel Pain

There are many types of disorders that cause pain in the heel. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Other common sources of heel pain include a calcaneal, or heel bone, fracture, and heel pad syndrome, which is a wearing down of the cushion on the bottom of the heel. Other causes of heel pain are nerve entrapment, including tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also cause tingling, numbness or burning, and neuromas, or nerve swelling. Achilles tendinopathy, or damage to the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone, may result in heel pain. Growing active children may be prone to Sever’s disease, which is irritation in the growth plate of the heel. A podiatrist will typically begin an evaluation by asking where the pain is located, along with some family medical history questions followed by a physical examination. This foot doctor may use various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and how best to treat it. If you have heel pain, it’s suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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 Heel Pain

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