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Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Ligaments Are Affected by Ankle Sprains

Many people sprain their ankles, and it can range from mild to severe. A common reason why people sprain their ankles is by suddenly stepping off of a step, or from falling and twisting it beyond its normal range of motion. Athletes may frequently experience this type of injury, which  can happen as a result of running on uneven surfaces, or from landing awkwardly after jumping. Despite how painful an ankle sprain can be, the bone is not injured. The pain comes from ligaments that have become stretched too far, and may become partially or completely torn. There are two types of ankle sprains that can typically occur, and these are known as the inversion or eversion sprain. The former is considered to be the most common type of ankle sprain, and pain is felt on the outside of the ankle. Conversely, an eversion sprain happens when the ankle twists outward, causing pain on the inside of the ankle. If you have endured a sprained ankle, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine which type of sprain you have, and offer you relief and treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Runners and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain can cause misery to a runner’s daily routine. Many people who enjoy running or jogging have goals they like to meet, and this can become compromised with existing heel pain. It is important for runners to avoid getting the common foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, and this can be done by implementing a few simple strategies. These consist of properly stretching the calf and heel before and after running, which can help to strengthen the ligaments that support the arch. Additionally, it is beneficial to gradually increase running speed and mileage, which can give the feet a chance to adapt to the changes. Allowing ample time for recovery is a key factor in preventing plantar fasciitis, and it helps to wear the right shoes for the desired style of running. There are certain people who may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, including patients who are older, have had previous heel injuries, or have high arches. There are various treatments for heel pain, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer correct pain relief options.

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.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Monday, 12 December 2022 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Heel Spur Symptoms

Heel spurs are a bony protrusion in the feet. These protrusions can be hook-shaped and usually attach to the heel bone. The specific symptoms associated with bone spurs might vary from patient to patient, however there are certain symptoms that are usually common. For example, many individuals that suffer from bone spurs experience some kind of heel pain. This is usually the case because having heel spurs can stretch and inflame the plantar fascia. Additionally, many people with bone spurs might also experience a burning sensation of some kind. If you are curious to learn more about the symptoms of bone spurs, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

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.

Read more about Heel Spurs

People can have foot pain when it is mandatory to stand during the work day. Research has indicated there is an increased number of sick days that are used each year as a result of working on the feet. Some of the foot conditions that develop can include bunions, foot pain, Achilles tendonitis, and poor circulation. These may happen from standing or walking on uneven surfaces, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is beneficial to elevate the feet as often as the day allows, and performing simple stretches may provide mild relief to the feet. Wearing compression socks or stockings may help to prevent poor circulation, and it can help to wear lower heels. If you would like more information about how to protect your feet while working, please ask a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

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.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Risk Factors of Foot Pain

Foot pain can be an extreme annoyance for a variety of individuals across the country of all ages and backgrounds. Importantly, there are critical risk factors that can be associated with foot pain. These risk factors can make foot pain more likely. For example, if an individual has arthritis, they may be at an increased risk of experiencing foot pain of some kind. This can include osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and gout, among other things. Additionally, overuse of the feet is a significant risk factor that may increase one’s susceptibility to overuse injuries in the feet. Lastly, conditions causing inflammation in the feet may be a significant risk factor for foot pain. If you have foot pain or are worried about developing foot pain, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Proper Treatment of Broken Toes

The toes contain many of 26 bones in the foot. Fractures of these bones are common and must be treated properly. Traumatic fractures are caused by a direct impact, such as dropping something heavy on the toe. These fractures can cause the bones to be displaced, giving the bone a crooked or abnormal appearance. Stress fractures are tiny hairline cracks along the length of the bone, mostly the result of repetitive use. Runners often have stress fractures. Experts agree that both types of fractures need medical treatment so they heal properly. If ignored, or allowed to heal on its own, a toe fracture can limit mobility or make it difficult to find shoes that fit. Other consequences include an onset of arthritis, chronic pain, and deformity. Treatment of broken toes should be overseen by a podiatrist who can examine the toe and diagnose the severity of the injury. In many cases non-surgical treatment, such as buddy wrapping, is sufficient. But with certain types of fractures, surgery may be required. If you have broken or even severely bruised a toe, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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 What to Know About a Broken Toe
Saturday, 12 November 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

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.

Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Discoloration From Poor Circulation

When the feet experience poor blood circulation, an individual may exhibit any number of symptoms. For example, poor circulation in the feet may cause sensations of numbness or leg pain. Importantly, poor circulation can cause discoloration. If an individual experiences poor circulation from peripheral artery disease (PAD), they may notice that their feet or lower legs can turn a different color. Specifically, the feet can turn a shade of purple or blue from poor circulation caused by PAD. These symptoms should not be taken lightly. If an individual experiences any symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be addressed in several different ways, including medication and surgical procedures. Consult with a podiatrist today for more information about discoloration from poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Simple Methods to Maintain Healthy Feet

The majority of people wear shoes for most of the day, and this may contribute to taking the feet for granted. An effective method in practicing everyday foot care can start by feeling your feet with your hands. At this point, it may become noticeable how complex the feet are, as there are twenty six bones, numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are in each foot. The feet are designed to withstand pressure from the weight of the body, and the skin is harder on the feet than anywhere else. Additionally, the toenails provide protection against shoes and socks. With this stated, the importance of maintaining and practicing everyday foot care becomes clear. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly may be helpful in preventing athlete's foot. This can be an uncomfortable foot condition that may be avoided when proper measures are taken. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort, and trimming the toenails properly may reduce the risk of getting this foot condition. If you would like more information about good everyday foot care practices, please confer with a podiatrist. 

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.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
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