Children's feet, delightful in their petite size, are fascinating in their own right. At birth, a baby's foot bones are mostly cartilage and do not fully ossify until several years later. Another interesting fact is that infants often have a natural ability to grasp with their toes, a trait that gradually diminishes as they start walking. As children explore the world on their feet, the arches of their feet, initially flat, gradually develop over time. Surprisingly, toddlers can have as many as 44 more bones in their feet than adults, until their bones fuse as they grow. Additionally, children's feet are remarkably resilient, often bouncing back quickly from minor injuries. If you have identified potential problems related to your child's feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

In the dynamic world of retail, where hours on one's feet and constant movement are the norm, the significance of wearing proper footwear cannot be overstated. Retail workers face the daily challenge of balancing customer service, stocking shelves, and navigating various surfaces. The right shoes play a vital role in promoting comfort, reducing fatigue, and preventing potential foot problems. Opting for supportive footwear with adequate arch and heel support can alleviate the stress on the feet and lower limbs during prolonged periods of standing. Additionally, shoes with non-slip soles provide essential traction on polished retail floors, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. Considering the diverse tasks and environments encountered in retail, shoes with breathable materials contribute to overall foot health by reducing moisture and the likelihood of discomfort. If you are experiencing foot problems related to your retail job, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options and information on proper footwear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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 are fluid-filled pockets that typically form in the skin's upper layers after injury, commonly on feet. The fluid cushions the damaged area, aiding healing. Most blisters contain clear serum and heal naturally in three to seven days without medical intervention. Bursting them should be avoided to prevent infection or delays in healing. If they burst, allow drainage and cover with a sterile dressing. Blisters stem from various causes, including friction, heat, chemical contact, or medical conditions, like chickenpox. Preventing blisters involves wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, keeping feet dry with thicker socks or talcum powder, and applying sunscreen. If you have a foot blister that appears infected, is painful, or is recurring, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

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.

Hammertoe, a podiatric condition, unfolds as a deformity affecting the toes, altering their natural alignment. This ailment is characterized by a bending of the toe joints, resembling the shape of a hammer. The condition most commonly affects the second toe, but any toe can undergo this deformity over time. The root causes of hammertoe often stem from an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that normally keep toes straight. Shoes with inadequate space and high heels can exert pressure, forcing the toes into abnormal positions. Moreover, genetic predispositions and foot structure anomalies contribute to the development of hammertoe. Arthritis and other systemic diseases may exacerbate the risk. The progression of hammertoe typically unfolds gradually, starting with mild bending and progressing to fixed deformities if left untreated. Recognizing the definition and causes of hammertoe is essential for early intervention and the implementation of preventative measures, underscoring the importance of wearing proper footwear and having regular foot examinations. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods that are right for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Foot and ankle pain is a common issue due to the complexity of this body region, which comprises 26 bones, 33 joints, and various soft tissues. The majority of pain in these areas is temporary, often resulting from soft tissue injuries such as sprains or strains. While these injuries typically heal gradually, some cases may take months to fully recover. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or does not improve after a few months, it may indicate more serious issues. Long-term foot or ankle pain could be caused by factors such as wearing ill-fitting footwear, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or connective tissue diseases. Additionally, poor blood circulation or nerve damage may cause foot pain. In these instances, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Choosing shoes that fit correctly is a nuanced process that directly impacts comfort and foot health. Start by knowing your foot size, which can change over time and may differ between brands. It is beneficial to prioritize comfort over style, as shoes that feel good are more likely to provide adequate support. Ensure there is enough room for your toes to move and avoid tightness in the toe box, which can lead to discomfort and deformities over time. The arch support should match the natural curve of your foot. It's important to pay attention to the width, as shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause friction and pressure points. Walk around in the shoes before purchasing to assess overall comfort and ensure a snug fit. Different shoe types may require slight adjustments in sizing. If you would like more information about how to find shoes that fit right for your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

There has been a growing interest in total ankle replacement due to concerns about the long-term results of ankle fusion surgery. This interest has led to the development of new ankle implants that better mimic the natural structure and movement of the ankle, including its ligaments and alignment. Although the newer 2nd-generation ankle replacements are showing promising results for patients with severe ankle arthritis, there are still challenges. One issue is that ankle replacements tend to fail more often than other joint replacements. This may be because it is hard for surgeons to perfectly replicate the ankle's complex stability and movement during surgery. To improve the chances of success, it is important to make sure this is the correct surgery for you. If you have not had success with more conservative treatments for ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you would be a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, 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.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose. While it primarily impacts blood sugar levels, it can also lead to various health complications, including those related to the feet. Diabetes-related foot problems are a serious concern that can result from uncontrolled blood sugar levels over time. One common issue is neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, or foot pain. This sensory loss can make it difficult to notice injuries or ulcers. Another complication is poor circulation, which can slow down the body's ability to heal. Inadequate blood flow can lead to slow wound healing and increase the risk of infections. Diabetes can also cause changes in foot structure which may lead to issues such as bunions, hammertoes, and Charcot foot, a condition characterized by weakened bones and joints. Preventing diabetes-related foot problems involves maintaining good blood sugar control and regular foot care, in addition to choosing appropriate footwear. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you address and prevent foot complications.

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.