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.

Diagnosis and Management of Foot Stress Fractures

Stress fractures commonly develop in the weight-bearing bones especially those located in the lower foot. This type of injury can be seen in track and field athletes or just about anyone who participates in activities that place too much stress on the foot. 

What causes foot stress fractures? 

Stress fractures can be the result of repetitive abuse of the foot during jumps or long distance running. It can also be the result of weakened bones due to an underlying disease. 

Types of foot stress fractures

There are two types of stress fractures, fatigue and insufficiency fractures. Fatigue fractures are the result of repeated stress on the foot that results to an injury beyond the bone’s natural healing ability. An insufficiency fracture on the other hand is caused by a weakened bone structure like those seen in people suffering from osteoporosis. 

Stress fractures remain unnoticed until pain becomes unbearable. This is why early diagnosis is essential to prevent the condition from progressing. A podiatrist is a foot specialist that is highly qualified to identify and treat foot stress fractures.The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from foot stress fractures.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture

1. Foot pain that often manifests itself during physical activities and decrease with rest
2. Pain that intensifies over time
3. Swelling and tenderness

 Diagnosis of foot stress fractures

Pain is a signal that indicates injury or something abnormal. Foot pain during physical activities can be an indication of foot stress fractures. Consulting with a podiatrist gives you the best chance for early diagnosis and drastically improves prognosis. 

Diagnosis starts with a thorough check of your medical history and previous activities. The podiatrist inspects your foot for swelling and tenderness.

A thorough diagnosis involves obtaining a detailed history of your condition and performing an examination of the injury and surrounding area. Stress fractures are not easily identified on X-ray until about 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. More detailed tests such as MRIs, CT scan or bone scans are performed if a podiatrist suspect a stress fracture even after testing negative on X-ray. 

Treatment for foot stress fractures

• Rest – reducing pressure on the feet prevents further injury and buys time for it to heal properly
• Ice – this reduces swelling and helps relieve pain
• Pain medications – stick to acetaminophen based pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers may interfere with proper bone healing. 

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

Fast Facts on Fallen Arch or Flat Feet

Standing up causes the middle of our feet to arch. A flat foot or fallen arch happens when the feet fails to arch and remains flat with the floor. This condition is commonly seen in children but should disappear when we become adults.

Signs and Symptoms of a Fallen Arch or Flat Feet

Flat foot usually does not show any signs and symptoms. However, when it causes discomfort it can become a concern for those with flat feet. Dr. Name is a podiatrist who specializes in foot care and treating foot disorders. Consult a podiatrist if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Arch and heel pain when standing
• Leg pain that shoots up from the bottom of the feet
• Swelling and tenderness at the bottom of the feet

The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who is a podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from fallen arches and flat feet.

What Causes Flat Foot or Fallen Arches

Flat foot can be seen in children but this is normal and disappears as the feet develop. Cases of flat foot in adults can be due to others factors that interfere with the feet’s development. Those with overweight problems have a greater tendency for flat feet because the feet are unable to cope with the greater load. It can also be caused by foot injuries such as a torn tendon. Pregnant women who carry the added weight of their growing baby can also develop flat foot.

Diagnosis of flat feet can be done by inspecting show wear pattern. Flat foot can also be due to foot injury or arthritis. A podiatrist may recommend the use of X-ray, MRI or CT scan to positively identify the cause.

Flat Foot, Treatment Options

Flat foot or fallen arches generally do not exhibit any symptoms. For those who experience discomfort when standing for long periods of time or walking, below are some tips on how to treat flat feet.

• Wear shoes that provide additional support or spread weight more evenly
• Avoid wearing flip flops
• A podiatrist may recommend the use of foot braces of special shoes
• Reduce stress on your feet by keeping within your ideal weight range or avoiding weight bearing activities

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

Foot Care Tips to Avoid High Heel Injuries

Wearing high heels can be considered both as a sport and an art. Imagine wearing high heels all day and without breaking a sweat. The problem with high heels is that this was not designed for supporting the feet. In fact, it goes against the normal contour of the feet.

Women who wear high heels are at high risk for developing foot injuries. The toes are especially at risk because high heels shift the stress of carrying weight to the toes. But this should not discourage women from wearing high heels. With proper foot care avoiding foot injuries is possible. Even simply taking your high heels for a few minutes can give your feet that much needed break.

When pain and discomfort persists even after removing your high heels then this can already be a sign of foot injury. Consult a podiatrist for chronic foot pain. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specializes in helping people with foot injuries.

Regular Foot Massages

A gentle foot massage at the end of the day can help release built-up stress on the feet. It helps soothe tired and aching foot muscles. It improves blood circulation to the area. This ensures that your feet get much needed nutrients to repair damaged cells. Pay special attention to your toes and ankles. An injury can be suspected when this become sensitive or painful to touch.

Shifting Your Center of Gravity

Wearing high heels makes you lean forward. This is evident in the added pressure to the toes as load bearing is transferred to the area. Try to correct this by shifting your center of gravity backwards and away from the toes.

Maintain Toe and Ankle Mobility

Toes and ankles may become rigid through constant wearing of high heels. Foot exercises should be done to strengthen the toes and ankles. Promote toe and ankle flexibility by performing toe bends and curls. Better foot strength helps your toes and ankles compensate for additional stress that wearing heels bring.

The best solution for preventing high heels is giving your feet a break once in a while. Whether it’s removing high heels for a few minutes at the office or shifting to foot friendly shoes once in a while.

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.

Joint Pain in the Toes and Feet

There are several types of arthritis affecting the feet and toes. The feet have over 30 joints making it a prime location for arthritis. Normal wear and tear is just one of the reasons why the feet are the most common place for arthritis to develop. After all, the feet are responsible for supporting our weight and cushions the force of high-impact activities such as running and jumping.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints in our feet. It causes inflammation and destroys the cartilage. Swelling makes simple movements such as walking or standing painful. Inflammation irritates surrounding nerves giving the sensation of pain.

Gout is more commonly found in men than women. This is largely due to lifestyle habits rather than physical differences. Leading causes of gout includes heavy drinking, eating too much meat and overweight problems.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause foot deformities. It can lead to crippling foot problems making it difficult if not unbearable to move the feet. Foot and toe deformities include the formation of hammertoes, claw toes and bunions.

Treatment options and management of foot arthritis is easier when diagnosed early. This is why visiting a podiatrist is recommended when the first signs of arthritis are observed. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.

Do you have arthritis?

Morning stiffness – foot joints that are hard to move in the morning. It can be a sign of degenerative arthritis that starts from a few minutes and goes on for a few hours as the disease progresses.

Numbness and tingling – inflammation affect surrounding nerves that can cause a burning or tingling sensation.

Pain – stiffness is usually accompanied by pain. Inflammation in the joints can irritate surrounding nerves. It can also damage tissues and cartilage.

Joint stiffness – this usually begins with the small joints. As the condition progresses it moves to other joints.

Swelling- this is a clear indication of inflammation in the joints.

Limited range of movement – arthritis affects our foot joints which is responsible for normal foot movement.

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. A quick visit to a podiatrist could give you more information about the effects of arthritis and its treatments.

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.