Cedarhurst (516) 374-3668
Franklin Square (516) 775-8440
Cedarhurst (516) 374-3668
Franklin Square (516) 775-8440
As people age, the feet undergo various changes that can impact their structure and function. A noticeable change is the flattening of the foot arch. Over time, the ligaments and tendons that support the arch weaken, causing it to collapse. This can lead to discomfort and conditions like flat feet. Additionally, the width of the feet often increases with age due to the loosening of ligaments and the natural spread of the bones. As the foot becomes wider, it may be harder to find properly fitting shoes, leading to discomfort or irritation. The skin on the feet can also lose elasticity, contributing to dryness and calluses. These changes to the feet can affect mobility and overall foot health, making it important to regularly check foot health and seek appropriate footwear for support and comfort. If you are elderly, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your foot health.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
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.
Blisters between the toes are often caused by friction, moisture, or infections. They can be painful and make walking uncomfortable. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fluid-filled pockets that may burst and cause irritation. Among the causes of blisters are allergies to certain shoes or materials, fungal infections like athlete's foot, or poorly fitting shoes that create friction. Fungal infections often occur in damp environments and may lead to itching, cracking, and peeling skin between the toes. Allergies to shoe materials or detergents can also trigger blisters. Tight shoes or socks that trap moisture can worsen friction, increasing the likelihood of blisters forming. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For fungal infections, antifungal creams or powders can help, while wearng proper shoes and moisturizing can prevent friction-related blisters. A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment, whether it is antifungal therapy or advice on proper footwear. If you are struggling with blisters between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.
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.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Plantar fibromas are benign growths of fibrous tissue that develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot. These firm nodules are often found in the arch and may cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing. The exact cause is unknown, but plantar fibromas may develop due to genetic predisposition, minor injuries, or repetitive stress on the foot. People with a family history or those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, are more likely to experience them. Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may confirm the presence of fibromas with imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI scans. Treatment options include custom orthotic inserts, corticosteroid injections, targeted exercises, and in severe cases, surgical removal. If you have symptoms of plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. 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.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.
What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?
While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?
There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.
Treatment and Prevention
A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:
Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.
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.
Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease that causes skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten, often impacting the feet. This condition affects blood vessels and internal organs as well, leading to complications in various body areas. When systemic sclerosis targets the feet, it can lead to thickened skin, limited mobility, and poor circulation, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. Although it primarily affects women, typically between the ages of 30 and 50, anyone can develop systemic sclerosis. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and certain infections. Foot care for those with systemic sclerosis includes moisturizing, wearing proper footwear, and regular foot inspections. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for tailored care. This type of specialist can help with custom orthotics, ulcer prevention, and circulation support, improving foot comfort and preventing complications related to this challenging condition.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. While bunions are primarily structural issues, targeted exercises can help manage discomfort, improve flexibility, and slow progression. Toe stretches, big-toe circles, and towel scrunches are effective for maintaining joint mobility. Resistance exercises with a band around the big toe can also strengthen the surrounding muscles, helping stabilize the foot. However, if pain from a bunion persists or limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include custom orthotics, footwear advice, and in severe cases, surgical options.
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.
Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone, often due to repeated stress on the foot. They develop over time as calcium deposits build up in response to strain, particularly in the plantar fascia, which is the ligament connecting the heel to the toes. Many people with heel spurs feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when taking their first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Heel spurs are common among runners, people who are overweight, and those with flat feet or high arches. While they do not disappear, symptoms can be managed effectively. A podiatrist can recommend treatments such as orthotic devices, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections to relieve pain. In severe cases, surgical removal may be considered. If you have pain from a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for care.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
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.
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, especially noticeable in the morning or after long periods of sitting. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed due to excessive strain. Common causes include overuse, flat feet, high arches, and wearing inadequate footwear. Symptoms typically include a stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, which may improve with movement but worsen with prolonged standing or walking. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest. Custom orthotics and supportive shoes can also provide relief by improving foot mechanics. A podiatrist can offer specialized assessments and tailored treatment plans to address your specific needs. They may suggest targeted exercises or corticosteroid injections for persistent pain. If you are struggling with heel pain, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist to get back on your feet comfortably.
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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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.
Foot hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy feet and preventing various conditions. Daily care, including washing and thoroughly drying your feet, helps prevent infections like athlete's foot, which thrives in moist environments. Neglecting foot hygiene can lead to fungal or bacterial infections, unpleasant odors, and even skin breakdown, which can result in painful ulcers. Untrimmed nails can cause ingrown toenails, while a buildup of dead skin can lead to painful corns and calluses. For individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, poor foot hygiene may increase the risk of serious complications, including wounds that heal slowly or become infected. If you have existing foot problems or want additional guidance on following a good foot care routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat existing foot conditions and offer the advice you are seeking.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
