Tom Hanks and Type 2 Diabetes - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Oscar-award winning actor Tom Hanks confirmed that he is suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. With this type of diabetes, the body fails to use insulin properly which results to raised levels of glucose or sugar in the body. And one of the complications of having Type 2 Diabetes is the high risk of developing diabetic foot.

How does a diabetic foot occur?

A diabetic foot occurs due to poor circulation in the foot or neuropathy. This is because of poor blood circulation caused by increased blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy can cause the loss of sensation in the feet. A person may lose the ability to feel any pain, heat, or cold. Minor cuts, burns, pressure sores and other foot problems. This may lead to neglect, causing more foot problems. If left untreated, complications may occur such as infection, death of the tissues, and ulceration.

Consult a podiatrist for more information on proper foot care. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders.

Three Foot problems common with having diabetes

1. Loss of feeling in the feet
2. Changes in the shape of the feet
3. Foot sores and ulcers that are not healing
4. Diabetic foot care

Orthotics with Plastazote foam. Plastazote foam is the number one material used for protecting the diabetic foot. It helps accommodate pressure hot spots by adapting to heat and pressure.

Wear proper foot wear with:

1. High and wide toe box
2. Insoles that are removable
3. Options to insert orthotics when needed
4. Firm heel counters which will provide stability and support

How can I prevent a diabetic foot?

Prevention is always better than cure, hence, it is important to focus on preventing a diabetic foot rather than focusing on how to treat it once it occurs. Here are ways to ensure that you prevent the occurrence of a diabetic foot:

• Control your diabetes. Ensure that you are having a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups with your physician.
• Regularly check your feet. Check your feet for cuts, sores, burns, and other problems. It is important that you check your feet because you might be unaware of certain problems due to the loss of sensation.
• Keep skin smooth and soft. Apply lotion or cream at the top and bottom of the feet, but do not put lotion in between toes as this may cause infection.
• Wear shoes and socks all the time and refrain from walking barefoot.
• Protect your feet from cold and heat.
• Keep good blood circulation on your feet.

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

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.

Can Orthopedic Shoes Ease My Foot Pain? Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

There are no orthopedic shoes designed to answer all or every foot condition. Shoes are individually designed to answer a specific foot need or condition. It is essential to know the specifics of the shoes you need to properly address your need. But there are some commercially available shoes designed to answer the needs of people who need that extra level of support for their feet.

Consult a podiatrist for any sign of nagging foot pain. This can be an indication of a foot condition The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot conditions.

Below are some of the commercially available shoes that can be used for knee pain and osteoarthritis.  These pairs of shoes come in highly recommended by individuals who were able to experience positive results by using them in their activities.

• New Balance – as stylish and as useful as it is, many doctors recommend using New Balance shoes for running and walking when knee pain is experienced. Some have supportive cushioning and uses a motion-control technology.
• Skechers – are great for those who have knee problems because of its ability to twist and flex with movement. It is easy to wear as it is a slip-on and also helps minimizes bad odor due to having enough air space on the forefoot area.
• Puma – Puma’s H-Street proved to be a good pair of shoes for people with arthritis as tested by Arthritis Care and Research due to its flat and flexible feature that reduces the workload on knee joints. Though you may not able to see an H-Street being sold nowadays, you can still have the Puma 76 Runner which resembles H-Street’s specifications.
• Nike – Nike Air is quite stylish and provides an additional cushion for your feet to ensure that pressure is less and add comfort on the wearer.
• Brooks – Doctors may recommend either a Brooks Adrenaline or Brooks Glycerine for knee surgeries such as knee replacements. Due to Adrenaline’s extended diagonal rollbar, it provides extra stability for you while Glycerine helps distributing the pressure evenly from heel to forefoot.

Above are just 5 of the many possible shoes that comes highly recommended. These shoes can be used to minimize foot pain and promote proper foot care. 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.

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.

Getting Rid of Cracked Heels Safely for Diabetics - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Cuts and wounds are easy entry points for infection. And when you’re suffering from diabetes, a simple wound could quickly turn out to be a full-blown infection that may require amputation. Complications from diabetes could have a serious implication on foot health. People with poor eyesight can suffer from a fall or accident which can lead to sprains or foot injuries. 

A cracked heel should also be treated with the same level of concern.  Like wounds or cuts, cracked heels can be entry points of infection. And of course there is the problem of wearing sandals that visually expose these unsightly cracked heels. 

There are a few simple reminders when treating cracked heels in diabetics. Greater care should be done when treating cracked heels due to numerous diabetic complications. For diabetics suffering from a foot disorder, consulting a podiatrist is recommended. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot disorders in diabetics. 

Cracked Heel Treatment for Diabetics

Inspect your heels daily for cracks or sores. The best way to treat cracked heels is to manage it during its early stages. Daily feet inspection is advised for diabetics. Use your fingers to feel any skin thickening. This might not be visible to diabetics suffering from poor eyesight or have lost nerve sensations in their feet. 

 Drink 8 glasses of water or more to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Diabetics are at higher risk for dehydration or fluid loss due to high glucose levels in their blood. Provide you skin with that extra level of protection against dry skin by keeping yourself hydrated. 

Washing our feet regularly should be done with or without cracked feet. But this should take more urgency when we have diabetes. Cracked feet could provide germs an opportunity to infect. Just be sure to dry the feet thoroughly especially between the toes. 

A pumice stone comes highly recommended when filing away excess skin on the heels. However, this should be done gradually to avoid creating cuts or bruising the skin. 

Use a moisturizer to soften up the skin after washing or before going to bed. Lotions help lock moisture and helps in softening dry skin. Apply moisturizers after a bath or before sleep.  

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

Charcot Foot Simplified - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Charcot foot is a foot condition that is caused by neuropathy or the loss of sensation in the feet. Nerve damage leads to the loss of sensation which increases the risk for foot injuries. Repeated injuries to the bones and joints can lead to long term damage to the structures of the feet. This is often noticed when symptoms have become so severe. Without proper treatment, this may require serious medical intervention such as amputation.

 Symptoms of Charcot Foot

A Charcot foot may remain relatively unnoticed because of the loss of sensation in the feet. Swelling and redness are the first noticeable symptoms. This is because it can be detected visually. The loss of sensation makes it impossible to experience pain when injury has occurred. If untreated, this can lead to foot deformities, fallen arch or ankle instability. 

Because of its nature, diabetics are advised to visit a podiatrist regularly. This is to enable early detection and treatment. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists in helping people suffering from Charcot foot. 

Possible Causes of Charcot Foot

Diabetics are at high risk for developing Charcot foot. This is because diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage in the feet. Other conditions that can cause Charcot foot are leprosy, alcoholism, syphilis and smoking. 

Repeated trauma and injury to the feet when left untreated can cause dislocation and fractures. Problems with circulation can interfere with the flow of nutrients to the feet which can lead to bone weakening. This makes the bones more susceptible to dislocation and fractures. 

Diagnosis

• Signs and symptoms of Charcot feet may remain undetectable for weeks or months. Charcot foot may only be suspected when the first visible signs are evident or when the patient experiences difficulty in moving the feet. Redness, tenderness and warmth in the foot are the earliest signs of the foot condition. Pain is also expressed by patients with less severe peripheral neuropathy. It only becomes evident with the development of a foot deformity. 
• Non-surgical treatments are available for treating Charcot foot. This includes the use of splints, walking braces and even a cast. Patients who are undergoing treatment are discouraged from any weight bearing activities until the foot is healed. After the foot has been stabilized, a podiatrist recommends the use of protective foot ware and therapeutic shoes. 

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