Did you know that more than 16 million Americans suffer from diabetes? This debilitating disease can have serious consequences for your feet. Neuropathy (nerve damage) commonly associated with diabetes can make it more difficult for diabetic patients to detect injury and pain which in turn can lead to serious damage and infection.
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
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:
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:
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.
Who would have thought that the ever reliable center of Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol might suffer from a broken foot injury? The center suffered a broken foot injury while playing against the Portland Trail Blazers? He immediately underwent successful surgery to repair the broken bone in his right foot.
A crack or fracture in the foot can be serious. This injury needs attention and proper medication to avoid complications. The human foot is composed of 26 bones and is prone to injuries like fractures or breaks. It is important that you consult with a podiatrist for the first signs of a foot 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 are the causes of a broken foot injury?
Accidents is one of the leading reasons why bones break. When bones are suddenly bent, stretched, twisted, or crushed it can lead to a breaks. Athletes, soldiers, gymnasts, runners, and dancers are prone to this type of injury.
What are the symptoms of a broken foot injury?
If someone has a broken foot injury, walking may become painful. It is also impossible to diagnose a broken foot by just looking at it. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention. The podiatrist will order an x-ray to determine what kind of treatment is needed. Sprain and broken bone injury are almost similar when it comes to symptoms. The only difference is the intensity of the pain, bruising, and swelling.
Treatment for broken foot injury
The type of treatment for a broken foot injury is determined by the location and its severity. It is necessary to stabilize the injured foot whether it is mild or severe. You also have to avoid putting weight on your injured foot. Crutches, casting, walking boot, or wheelchair are few options to help treat the broken foot.
Splinting is also a way to treat the broken foot injury. See to it not to tape the broken foot tightly. Let your doctor show you the proper way of splinting your broken foot.
Wear a shoe with a solid sole that will provide an additional support. The recovery period of broken foot injury is between six to eight weeks depending on the degree of 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.
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 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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Previously there was a lot of talk about Dez Bryant’s injury in a game against the New York Giants. Dez Bryant is a star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who suffered a Jones fracture during a game.
Keeping the foot healthy and in tip top shape is essential for any athlete. After all, it is responsible for supporting most of the movements performed by athletes. An injury however small, can spell the end of an athlete’s career. 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 in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.
What is a Jones fracture?
A Jones fracture is an injury to the base of the fifth metatarsal. Jones fracture is caused by a twisting injury to the foot. Other causes also include trauma, overuse, and repetitive stress. It is also mistaken as a sprain.
What are the symptoms of Jones fracture?
Many times patients describe having symptoms that include:
Visible signs will appear after an injury has been sustained. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. You need to stop whatever you are doing and talk to your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical exam and will ask you questions regarding the activities that you are doing when you hurt your foot. He will then perform an x-ray to diagnose the fracture and to see the extent of your injury.
What are the treatments for Jones fracture?
Jones fracture will take 6 to 8 weeks to heal in a splint, cast, or walking boot. After this period of time, rehab will begin that will last from 2 to 3 weeks. Surgery is usually performed when the injury is severe. Implementations of screws, wires, bone plates, and pins are included in the surgery. Use crutches, walking boot, or splint at all times unless you are resting. Increase your intake of vitamin C and calcium.
To help prevent a Jones fracture
At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot fractures. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.
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
Here are the possible treatments for Achilles Tendonitis
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
You can lower the risk of Achilles Tendonitis with the help of these strategies
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.
Plantar warts, also referred as Verruca Plantaris are small, hard growths that commonly appear on areas of the feet that undergo the most pressure. Plantar warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. The virus enters the body through cuts or weak spots on the feet.
HPV Type 1 is responsible for most plantar warts. It can gain access to the skin through direct contact. However, our immune system is usually capable of handling and getting rid of this infection.
Signs and symptoms of plantar warts include the following:
Plantar warts do not require treatment but can be a cause of discomfort and pain. However, you should consult with a podiatrist if pain is persistent or the wart starts to spread. Self-medication is not advised. It is important that you seek the advice of a podiatrist. Self-treatment can actually bring more complications than solutions. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in foot care and treating foot warts.
Over-the-counter medications may contain acids that can destroy healthy skin cells. Self-treatment should never be done by people suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular/ circulatory disorders. For those who wish to get rid of their plantar warts, they should seek the help of a podiatrist.
There is no guaranteed cure for plantar warts. Plantar warts may reappear at any time. Studies show that 60 percent of people who suffer plantar wart cases go into remission. This is an indication that the HPV remains in the person’s system.
Plantar wart treatments may require multiple treatments. This is why consulting with a podiatrist gives you the best course of treatment.
Plantar warts could easily be prevented by following simple health reminders. Wearing footwear in public places, proper foot hygiene and avoiding direct contact with those infected goes a long way in preventing foot warts.
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.
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?
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 - Symptoms
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.
The Achilles tendon is the longest, widest, and strongest tendon of the body. It is located at the back of the leg where the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles attaches with the heel bone. The Achilles tendon plays a major role when walking, running and jumping. Which exposes the Achilles tendon to a lot of stress and abuse.
Blood supply comes from the muscles above and the bony attachment below. Because of its anatomy, there is an area in the center where blood supply is inadequate. It creates a weak spot due to inadequate nutrition.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a condition that refers to the deterioration of the Achilles tendon due to inflammation. It can be caused by an overused Achilles tendon. Repetitive activities, postural problems, sudden twisting injuries, or degenerative conditions like arthritis contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis. This condition can also be seen in young people, especially athletes and active individuals.
Diagnosis
Podiatrists look for tell-tale signs such as enlargement of the tendon, pain that can be experienced just by gently squeezing of the tendon, or weakness just by walking. Other tests that can help in the diagnosis of the Achilles tendinitis include: Magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray or ultrasound. Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specializes in helping people suffering from Achilles tendinitis.
Managing Achilles Tendinitis
The patient should always consult a podiatrist first and strict compliance with the treatment regimen is a must. Pain medications are prescribed for chronic pain. Other treatments include:
If pain persists, other modes of treatment can be planned. This includes Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) that is used to break up early calcification within the tendon, low-level laser therapy of the Achilles tendon and surgery that may involve the tendon itself or the bone where the tendon is attached.
At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from Achilles tendinitis. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Pregnancy is that stage of a woman’s life where many physical changes happen. Along with these changes, a pregnant woman might take notice that as her baby is growing bigger; her lower extremities are starting to swell.
What she is experiencing is edema where both the ankles and feet are swollen. This usually happens during the third trimester of the pregnancy and disappears after childbirth as the woman eliminates the excess fluids.
Edema occurs when there is a collection of excess fluids in your tissue and it is a normal occurrence that swelling occurs during pregnancy because a pregnant woman retains more water and there are changes in the blood chemistry causing fluids to shift in the tissues.
Swollen ankles and feet may also be because of the growing uterus. Since it is growing, it puts pressure on the pregnant woman’s pelvic vein and the vena cava. The pressure slows the return of blood from her legs and forces the fluids from her veins into the tissues of the ankles and feet.
Although these changes are perfectly normal during pregnancy, this can also be symptoms of a foot injury. A podiatrist can help reduce swollen ankles or identify if this was caused by a foot injury.
The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists specialize in helping people with foot disorders and injuries.
Swollen ankles can be reduced during pregnancy by these following ways:
At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from foot conditions. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.
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
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
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.
