What to Look for in Therapeutic Shoes - At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Therapeutic shoes are recommended for diabetics with existing foot problems or to prevent foot conditions from progressing into serious complications. These type of shoes are special footwear used by amputees and diabetics who are at high risk for nerve damage, foot deformity and foot ulcers.

Forgiving Toe Box

Your shoe’s toe box should allow your toes to move freely. Friction among the toes from hard, confined toe boxes can lead to foot ulcers or even foot deformities. A wide toe box helps prevent the development of hammertoes or relieve the pain associated with this condition.

Regular foot checks are essential especially for diabetics. If you are a diabetic, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist for any sign of foot disorders. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders and injuries.

Comfortable Material

Shoes made from soft leathers or cloth allows your feet to move freely inside the shoe. Blisters could easily develop as the skin rubs against rough surfaces. Shoes made of flexible materials makes it possible for it to conform to your foot’s unique shape. This rather than having your feet compressed tightly against tight the walls of your shoes.

Special Inserts

Those suffering from flat foot or high arches could use special inserts to provide additional support to their feet. A special insert assists in helping the feet achieve its normal form. This ensures optimum weight distribution in the feet which helps relieve arch or heel pain for those suffering from flat foot or high arches.

Shoe laces and Straps

Shoes with laces or straps allows you to adjust the tightness or fitment of your shoes to your liking. This is especially useful for diabetics suffering from poor circulation in their feet. Shoe laces makes it possible for them to loosen up their shoes to allow a smoother flow of blood to the feet.

Quick Benefits of Therapeutic Shoes

• Therapeutic shoes provide added support
• Better blood flow to the feet
• Realign simple foot deformities
• Minimize pain from foot deformities such as hammertoes
• Brings added comfort to your feet
• Better mobility for those with foot disorders
• Cheaper method of correcting simple foot deformities and preventing further foot damage

Therapeutic shoes has always been a great way of treating simple foot disorders and preventing these from progressing into something more serious. These shoes may not have been popular because it simply didn’t matched their wardrobe. But today’s therapeutic shoes have gone a long way in terms of design and could be used for formal and informal wear.   

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,we specialize in helping people with foot conditions.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

James van Riemsdyk Goes Down with Metatarsal Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Toronto Maple Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk will be out for six to eight weeks because of a non-displaced fracture in his left foot. The Maple Leafs team announced that Riemsdyk has a metatarsal fracture and will undergo treatment and rehab.

Metatarsal bones are long bones found between the tarsal and phalanges of the toes. A metatarsal fracture happens when one of these long bones is broken or is weakened due to thinning of the bones. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of a metatarsal bone injury The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

What causes a metatarsal fracture?

Metatarsal fracture is caused by direct injury to the foot such as:

• Twisting of the foot
• Overuse
• Over supination
• Repetitive activities such as running, swimming, or jumping
• Overpronation
• Not enough rest
• Abnormal weight transfer

What are the symptoms of a metatarsal fracture?

During its early stages, pain may be relieved by rest. As the injury becomes severe, rest may not be enough to relieve the pain and can become chronic. Swelling can be noticed without bruising. The following are the most common symptoms of metatarsal fractures:

• A cracking sound at the time of the injury
• Immediate pain and tenderness
• Bruising and swelling
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot
• Limited movement of your foot
• Pain that progresses gradually
• Pain worsens when walking or standing
• Pain in the mid or front of the foot

How metatarsal fractures treated?

Treatments may differ and recovery periods range from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. Always check with your podiatrist before any treatment.

• Simple painkillers may help to relieve the pain
• Remove all stress from the foot to allow it to heal
• Immobilization
• Rest is needed in metatarsal fractures
• Apply ice as soon as possible after the injury
• Elevation will limit and reduce any swelling
• Surgery to re-align any part of the fractured bone
• Physical therapy to exercise the fractured metatarsal

How to prevent metatarsal fractures?

The risk of foot injuries is high especially in high-impact activities like sports. Preventing metatarsal fractures is tricky but there are a number of things that you can do:

• Gradually intensify the duration of the exercise
• Rest and allow yourself enough time to recover
• Wear appropriate footwear that should protect and support your feet
• Limit activities to prevent further problems
• Visit a medical professional to check your injury

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from foot problems. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Webbed Toes Explained - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Webbed toes is a condition described as the fusing of two or more toes. Medically referred to as syndactyly, this condition can also be seen in the fingers. Webbed toes and fingers are normal during our early fetal stage. However, this disappear as the toes and finger are separated by enzymes that dissolve the tissue that connects the digits.

Webbed toes is commonly seen in the second and third toes.  But these are not only connected by soft tissue and skin. Complex webbed toes are toes connected by fused bones. And is some rare cases, there is also the presence of an extra toe or finger connected to a digit.

This foot condition may not interfere with our ability to walk or perform normal activities. It may not take a toll physically, but having webbed toes can leave people feeling embarrassed or suffering from low self-esteem. Visiting a podiatrist is the best option when planning to undergo web toe treatment. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with web toes.

What Causes Webbed Toes

Some studies show a genetic connection in the development of web toes. But this is inconclusive since people with no previous history of relatives suffering from web toes also develop the condition. Since web toes happens during fetal development, factors that affect normal development during pregnancy is more likely. Factors such as smoking, underlying diseases or poor nutrition that have been traced to the development of deformities during pregnancy are the more likely culprits.

Treating Webbed Toes

Although web toes don’t interfere with normal feet functioning, it can elicit unusual looks which can lead to poor self-esteem. And the desire to appear “normal” is the main reason why people undergo treatment for web toes.

Surgery is an option available for treating web toes. This is usually done in children aged 6 months to 2 years. Anesthesia is introduced to desensitize the target area. The surgeon then marks the areas where the toes will be separated. The surgeon then cuts the skin along these marks. Excess skin is then removed exposing the separated areas of the toes.

A skin graft or taking skin from another part of the body is used to fill in the missing skin. Using the patient’s skin reduces the chances of the body rejecting the skin graft. The toes are then bandaged or a cast is placed to allow the wounds to heal properly.  

 At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with web toes and other foot disorders. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Causes and Symptoms of Gout - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Gout is a painful joint condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This can be caused by a variety of factors including diseases, genetics or a person’s lifestyle. Gout is an arthritic condition that can cause severe pain. It makes simple activities such as walking and standing uncomfortable. When this becomes chronic it can affect a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout usually happens at night. This often occurs suddenly and without warning. To avoid this, gout should be diagnosed and treated early. Below are some of the symptoms of gout:

• Burning sensation in the joint
• Pain and discomfort that persists for days
• Tenderness and inflammation in the joint
• Intense pain in the joint

Treating the symptoms of gout can be done by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This reduces inflammation which in turn stops pain. Consult a podiatrist if pain persists. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from gout.

Causes of Gout

Gout like arthritis can occur in any joint in the body. But this more commonly occurs in the big toe than any area of the body.  It is caused by uric acid deposits in a joint. This in turn produces inflammation which irritates the nerves. Uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through urination. But when the concentration of uric acid exceeds the filtering capacity of the kidneys it continues to channel though the body.

People with a family history of gout are also at high risk for developing the condition. Studies show that almost 20 percent of gout sufferers have a history of gout in the family. Gout is mainly caused by uric acid deposits in the joints but can also be caused by other factors, these are:

• Alcoholism
• Medications
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Sickle cell anemia

Drinking alcohol increases the levels of uric acid in the body. Alcoholism can also damage the kidneys. This reduces your body’s uric acid filtering capacity. Some medications such as diuretics or those that promote fluid elimination can affect the body’s ability to remove uric acid.

Lifestyle changes such as minimizing alcohol and meat intake can greatly reduce the occurrence of gout. But when this fails to address the situation, consulting a podiatrist is advised.  At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from gout.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Achilles Tendonitis Hits Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

One of the most promising players of the Memphis Grizzlies has been battling the pain in his left foot. Mike Conley, a point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies missed a couple of games due to an Achilles Tendonitis. After evaluating his injury, the team doctors made a decision not to allow Conley to return to the game and just wait for him to recover.

The inflammation of Achilles’ tendon is referred to Achilles Tendonitis. It causes pain at the back of your leg near the area of the heel. Once the tendon of your heel become swollen and painful, there is a big risk that you have Achilles Tendonitis. Consult a podiatrist for any type of foot injury. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

The following are the signs and symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

• Difficulty of flexing your foot or pointing your toes
• There is pain above your heel and the back of your foot while stretching
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• A snapping or popping noise during the injury and
• Tenderness

Here are the possible treatments for Achilles Tendonitis

• The use of anti-inflammatory drugs for a limited period of time
• Reducing the physical activity
• Visiting a physical therapist
• Switching to a less strenuous sport
• Applying ice in the area where there is pain
• Elevate the injured foot to reduce the swelling
• The calf muscles should be stretched and strengthen
• Wear a brace or elastic bandage to prevent the movement of your injured foot
• Getting a steroid injection

If ever the conservative treatments are not effective, surgery or an operation is needed to repair the Achilles' tendon.

These activities will strain the Achilles tendon that will result to Achilles Tendonitis

• Wearing high heels shoes daily
• Exercising without having a warm up
• Your foot suddenly turns in or out
• You have a very tight calf muscles
• Wearing shoes that do not have proper support
• Running on concrete or hard surfaces
• Jumping
• Running too often

You can lower the risk of Achilles Tendonitis with the help of these strategies

• Reduce the heel size of your shoes to let your tendons stretch slowly and to increase
• the range of its motion
• Stretching your calf muscles every morning will help to improve your agility
• Choose and wear a shoe that provides arch support and proper cushioning
• Performing a new exercise routine will help intensify your physical activity
• Combining a low and high impact exercises will reduce stress on your tendons

Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,
 we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Chicago Bears Receiver Marquess Wilson Gets Foot Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Chicago Bears’ receiver Marquess Wilson previously missed practice after suffering from a foot injury. Marquess Wilson landed on injured reserve after he suffered a broken foot while practicing for a game. After an MRI, it was confirmed that Chicago Bear receiver suffered from a Lisfranc injury.

Injuries to athletes are not uncommon. But a large number these injuries are those affecting the foot. After all the foot is one of the most abused structures in the body. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of chronic foot pain. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions. 

A Lisfranc injury is a kind of foot injury that can be very serious and requires surgery. This type of foot injury usually requires a year to recover. Lisfranc injuries are common in athletes and in persons involved in a violent accident. Lisfranc injury is a foot pain that is difficult to diagnose.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury?

•  Swelling and pain over the mid-foot
• Bruising on the bottom of the mid-foot
• Inability to bear weight
• Tenderness to touch
• Displacement between the metatarsal and tarsal bones
• Foot pain when turning, walking or running
• Abnormal widening of the foot

 Lisfranc injury treatment

When there is a sprain, the patient is placed in a removable plastic cast to immobilize the foot for approximately eight weeks. Crutches are used to avoid putting weight on an injured foot. Ice therapy is very effective to relieve the pain. Apply ice packs for twenty minutes every two hours. Elevate the foot to reduce the pain and swelling. The use of anti-inflammatory medications is also necessary to reduce the pain and the swelling. 

Secure the fractured and dislocated bones with screws and pins fixation. The surgeon will determine the best procedure that is suited for every patient. Some injuries require emergency surgery. Physical therapy may be prescribed for the pain and the swelling subsided. 

How to prevent Lisfranc injury? 

Since Lisfranc injury is prevalent in football, the NFL has been prompted to look more into the ins and outs of this specific injury. The National Football League checked on how the injury occurs and how to best prevent it. They tried to see whether the shoes of the players are too lightweight or the cleats has a tight grip on the turf which can be dangerous to their players. 

Wearing a comfortable and suitable footwear will help prevent an athlete from Lisfranc injury especially in a game or in a training session. Proper exercises and training are also needed to lessen the possibility to have a Lisfranc injury.

 At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from chronic foot problems.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Dancer’s Heel Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Dancer’s Heel Injury - Symptoms

• Swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel
• Pain when the foot points downward
• Pain felt at the back of the ankle

Dancer’s Heel - Management and Treatment

Dancer’s heel or posterior Impingement is a foot condition which develops when the tissues at the back of the ankle is compressed. As the name implies, this is often seen in dancers who repeatedly place huge pressure on their heels with their dance movements.  Compression of tissues is due to the development of a bone formation at the ankle’s back. Dance movements that put pressure on the heels triggers the compression of tissues between the ankle and heel bone which in turn causes pain.

 A podiatrist may recommend a variety of treatment and management options for those suffering from dancer’s heel. People suffering from this foot condition are advised to rest the ankle and avoid placing too much pressure on the area. Dancers may take a few days off for example to prevent aggravating injury.

 Anti-inflammatory and pain medications can be used to provide short term relief from pain. An ice pack could also be placed over the ankle to reduce swelling and pain. This could also help you get back on your feet much quicker.

 To help reduce inflammation and further worsening of the medical condition, a podiatrist may also recommend the use of a special walking boot or foot cast. This is to incapacitate the ankle and prevent it from moving.  Dance feet sufferers are advised to use this for up to a month.  Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from dancer’s heel.

 Those with more advanced dancer’s heels, a podiatrist may recommend the use of steroid injections to immediately reduce pain and inflammation. A steroid injection reduces compression on the tissues.  This reduces the pressure from the ankle bone pressing on the tissues. 

Long term treatment includes physical therapy to help dance heel sufferers regain use of their ankles.  Functionality in the ankles is restored through a series of exercises that promote better range of movement and to improve strength in the ankles. 

Surgery is recommended for dancer’s heel sufferers who don’t respond to non-surgical treatments. This will attempt to restore functioning and range of movement in the ankle.   

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering with foot injuries. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Keeping your Feet and Joints Healthy - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

The bones and joints in our feet are responsible for supporting our weight and keeping the feet flexible. Walking and running with a foot injury is almost impossible making foot and joint care essential.  This is not just something we do not only to keep foot injuries at bay but more importantly keep them healthy in the future.

Avoiding physical activities could actually increase your risk for foot or joint injury. Building up strength in the feet and joints by exercising decreases your chances for foot injury. Living an active lifestyle has other health benefits. It keeps you within your ideal weight range further reducing stress in your feet.

If you feel foot pain while walking or exercising, consult a podiatrist to determine if this can be an indication of a foot injury. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists  who specialize in helping people suffering from foot conditions.

Increasing your calcium intake could go a long way in strengthening your bones and joints. This is certainly important during our growing up years but is also equally important in adult life. Women are at high risk for osteoarthritis.  Low estrogen levels decrease their protection against inflammation in the joints. Hormone therapy can help women reduce risk for osteoarthritis. 

 If you’re searching for another good reason to minimize your sweet cravings it’s keeping your feet and joints healthy. Sweets reduce bone density. Making your susceptible to foot and joint injuries. And it can also place you on the heavy side. Bad news for your feet and joints who end up supporting this extra weight. 

If you’ve decided on taking your calcium intake to another level but is still having problems with bone strength then Vitamin D can be the culprit. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption so be sure you get the recommended doses to improve calcium intake. 

Pain and swelling are just some of the signs of foot or joint injury.  At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from foot injuries.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Why Do Women Get Bunions? - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Bunions are a common affliction, especially for women. Caused by a combination of genetics and poor shoes, hallus vaxus, or bunions are a bump at the base of your big toe. Victoria Beckham, model and wife to famous soccer star David Beckham is notorious for her severe bunions caused by years of wearing high heels. In October of 2013, Beckham had a bunionectomy to remove the bunions and realign her toes. 

How do I get bunions? 

There are several ways that bunions can develop, although experts debate the causes. It has been proved though that wearing pointed shoes is a possibly factor. Recently, studies have shown that the condition might hold some genetic roots in it, since girls whose mothers had bunions seem to be more likely to develop the disorder. 

What can I do to treat my bunions?

 A bunion can usually be diagnosed by a simple examination by the doctor, though usually there will be an X-Ray to confirm the diagnosis. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot disorders. 

There are various remedies which can possibly aid those suffering from bunions. Both non-invasive and surgical options are available, depending on the severity of the deformity. For some patients, orthotics that elevate your arches and help distribute pressure evenly across your feet might be beneficial.

Wearing comfortable shoes can prevent unnecessary confinement that can irritate the bunions further. Applying ice to the bunion can provide temporary relief by reducing soreness and inflammation. 

For those with more severe bunions, a bunionectomy might be a suitable course of treatment. There are a few different options when looking at surgery to treat bunions, a few of which include:

• Cutting the swollen tissue from around your big toe
• Removing part of the big toe bone to straighten the alignment
• Joining the bones of the affected joints 

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Pain and Burning Sensation on the Ball of the Feet - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Shoes are an essential item in anybody’s wardrobe. And not being able to wear shoes because it becomes painful or uncomfortable can be more than a nuisance for both men and women. Morton’s Neuroma causes numbness, pain and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Pain can become so intense that wearing shoes becomes impossible. 

What is Morton’s Neuroma? 

Morton’s neuroma occurs when fibrous tissue develops around the nerve usually between the third and fourth toes. Nerves become irritated and compressed causing severe pain that can be felt at the base of the toes and at the ball of the foot.

 Morton’s neuroma can develop on one of both feet. It starts as a mild tingling sensation in the space between your toes that steadily intensifies. A sharp or burning pain could be felt on the ball of your foot or the base of your toes especially when walking or wearing closed shoes. If you notice pain during walking or wearing shoes, consult a podiatrist. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot disorders. 

What Can Cause Morton’s Neuroma? 

Pain in Morton’s neuroma happens when nerves located in the toes are compressed or irritated. The exact conditions that triggers the development of tissues that causes compression in the nerves is yet to be found. However, some studies suggest a connection between other foot disorders such as flat feet, bunions and hammertoes and the development of Morton’s neuroma.

 Women have a higher chance of developing this condition compared to men. This can be caused by wearing tight-fitting, high-heeled shoes. The feet is responsible for supporting our weight. This pressure is evenly distributed over the feet structures. Wearing high-heels affects weight distribution. As a result, greater pressure is place over the top of the feet or toe area. This causes nerve compression in the toes hence, pain. 

Treating Morton’s Neuroma

A podiatrist may advise the use of special footwear to reduce compression on the toes. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications can also be prescribed for pain relief. These medications could also be injected directly to immediately relive pain and inflammation. Surgical intervention may be required for severe cases of Morton’s neuroma.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with Morton’s neuroma.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.