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.

Marc Gasol Suffers Broken Foot Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

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.

Broken Foot injury

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?

• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Pain during an activity and is gone when resting
• Deformity of the foot
• Immobility
• Pain

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.

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.

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.

Dez Bryant Falls to a Jones fracture - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

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:

• Sharp stabbing pain on the outside of the foot
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain while walking
• Immobility
• Tenderness to the touch
• Discoloration

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?

• The first step is to rest and to prevent movement in the foot. Apply ice to the injured part as well.
• Immobilization in a cast. Patients are not allowed to put weight on the injured foot until it heals.
• You may be given anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and the swelling during the healing period.

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

• Wear appropriate shoes for the activity.
• Using proper training techniques.
• Avoid running on uneven surfaces.

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.

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.

What Should I Do For Plantar Warts? - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

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:

• Pain emanating from a thickened skin area on the sole
• A smooth, discolored surface usually brown or grayish-yellow in color
• Firm, thick lesions with dark spots
• Skin imperfections that are flat due to intense pressure

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.