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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 FeetYour 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.
Falling can be a devastating experience, and it is common among people who are aged sixty-five and older. It can cause severe foot injuries, and may compromise the quality of life. Falls can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, muscle weakness, or safety hazards in the living environment. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of having regular medical and vision examinations where existing medications can be reviewed, keeping rooms uncluttered, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please speak to a podiatrist who can help you with proper preventive methods.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.
Excess uric acid in the bloodstream may cause an arthritic condition that is known as gout. This can happen as a result of genetic factors, or from eating foods that have elevated purine levels. These types of foods can include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that have large amounts of sugar. Gout typically affects the big toe, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Common symptoms consist of swelling, tenderness, and the affected area may appear red. A proper diagnosis is done by performing a blood test which can be helpful in verifying the amounts of uric acid in the blood. Additionally, in some cases, a needle may be inserted into the affected area to analyze the crystals and confirm the onset of gout. There are methods that can be implemented which may prevent painful gout attacks from occurring. It is beneficial to ingest a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, in addition to drinking plenty of fresh water daily. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you find relief as quickly as possible.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
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 Everything You Need to Know About GoutEvery patient is unique and so are treatments. The information on this website is for educational purposes and each individual
patient care model may differ.