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Monday, 06 July 2015 14:16

Gladiator Sandals Causing Many Foot Problems

Although sandals may be trendy and convenient during the summer, certain sandals can cause serious problems for feet. With strappy gladiator sandals in popular demand, come an array of potential issues including poor circulation, blisters, swelling, and the worsening of varicose veins. To prevent any foot damage from your sandals remember to give your feet a break from high heeled strappy sandals and to opt for a more comfortable shoe on some days, sit down and elevate the legs periodically to promote blood circulation, and only wear shoes that are the right fit for your feet.

Sandals are great for the summer, but it is important that you provide yourself with everyday foot care to keep any eye on any potential problems. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctorswill provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Monday, 29 June 2015 16:12

Standing on your Feet at Work for a Few Hours a Day can Optimize Health

According to a study conducted through Public Health England and community interest group of the UK, office employees should stand on their feet for two hours of their work day to maintain optimal health. The researchers recommend two hours of walking or light activity during work hours, regularly breaking up seated work with standing work, alterations of posture while standing so soreness does not occur during the change in office behaviors, and encouraging other healthy activities.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 22 June 2015 16:09

FC Copenhagen Player Deals with Achilles Tendon Injury

Danny Amankwaa of FC Copenhagen is recovery from his Achilles tendon injury smoothly. The midfielder snapped the tendon in March and was expected to be off of the field for six months. Amankwaa has went into surgery to speed up the healing process and will soon begin training and rehab to get back to his team soon.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 15 June 2015 16:04

Quick and Easy Treatments to Smooth Cracked Heels and Other Foot Ailments

According to Men’s Journal cracked heels, corns, and calluses, a common problem for men and women, can be a quick fix at home or the salon. The foot condition, although easily treatable, occurs because of ill-fitting shoes or through frequent motions over the foot such as running causing friction between bones, skin, and shoes. If your calluses or cracked heels are more extreme than usual, visit a salon for a pedicure since they can easily remedy the situation. At home, you can soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes and use a pumice stone to scrub and soften the area.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.

Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

Change in Diet

Eating healthy, with a well-balanced diet, will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to what kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements will also help with skin tissue.

Most importantly seek a health professional for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 08 June 2015 19:02

High Heels have Negative Effect on Biomechanics of the Feet

According to research published from the University of Alabama, the number of high heel injuries has increased nearly twice as much from 2002 to 2012. The findings showed that wearing high heels too often distorts the biomechanics of the feet, putting users at higher risk for foot and ankle injuries. Wearing high heels can result in Achilles tendon injuries and ankle sprains due to the over pronation of the foot and stiffness in the tendons and calves. High heels also put all of the weight onto the balls of the feet which commonly results in stress fractures over time.

Biomechanics of the feet can help you understand how to prevent injury and help doctors treat your foot and ankle ailments. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about biomechanics of the feet.

Monday, 01 June 2015 17:26

New Orthotic Insole made of Lightweight Materials

The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, with that being said, it is not uncommon for injuries to occur in the foot. When the average person takes about 10,000 steps a day, it is important to provide adequate support on the feet such as orthotics to prevent injury. Dr. Alan Jacobsen has created a new orthotic insole made out of lightweight materials that are set to become the new world-class high quality foot support. The insoles are built up of layers of long reinforcement fibers and the technology uses light-curing resin instead of bonding with expensive tools. These new orthotics are lighter, less bulky, and are not made out of foam.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Orthotics

Tuesday, 26 May 2015 19:01

Corey Dickerson Suffering from Plantar Fasciitis

Corey Dickerson of the Colorado Rockies left his most recent game against the Dodgers in three innings due to plantar fasciitis pain. The heel pain has been bothering Dickerson’s left foot since spring training and the pain increased as he chased a ball in the outfield. The left fielder has been a key player for the team, but has been struggling in recent months due to his foot pain and has not participated in at least three of the ten Rockies’ games this season.

Full recovery is much more difficult if one continues to play sports with a foot or ankle injury. If you would like assistance with an injury, see Dr. Louis R. Macdonald of New York. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with a quality treatment plan.

Playing Sports with Foot Injuries

Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:

Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
Stress Fractures
Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
Strains

For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Playing Sports with Foot Injuries

Monday, 18 May 2015 18:57

Stretching the Feet Reduces Heel Pain and Foot Cramping

According to Umnia Shahid of The Express Tribune, stretching the feet can reduce frequent foot cramping as well as reduce heel pain. Frequent foot cramping may be due to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies that cause circulation or nerve issues. To solve this, drink plenty of water and try increasing intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. For immediate relief of cramping, soak feet in warm water and stretch toes forward. Although heel pain can occur due to wearing improper or unsupportive footwear, stretching the area post workout or when you first wake up can help reduce the pain.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact Dr. Louis R. MacDonald of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

·         Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot

·         Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot

·         Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about stretching the feet.

Monday, 11 May 2015 18:52

Singer Britney Spears Sprains Ankle during Las Vegas Residency

Britney Spears has rescheduled two of her Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Shows in Las Vegas due to an ankle injury. During her performance last week, she injured her ankle and fell. The singer’s doctor advised her not to perform that weekend so the injury could heal resulting in two cancelled shows. Spears has had a residency at the Las Vegas casino since 2014 and has been slowly working on a new album. However, she has been spending most of her time focusing on her two sons Sean and James. “Thank you for all the sweet wishes! Had a little scare on stage tonight with my ankle, but I’m ok,” Spears stated on social media.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact podiatrist Dr. Louis R. MacDonald of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

·         Mild to moderate bruising

·         Limited mobility

·         Swelling

·         Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

·         Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion

·         Stretching before exercises and sports

·         Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about ankle sprains.

Monday, 04 May 2015 17:14

Florence Welch breaks Foot during Coachella

$stress fractures2$ Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and the Machine, sustained a broken foot while performing at Coachella this past month. The musician sent out a message to her fans via Facebook stating, “I’m so sorry to say, that after what was one of my favorite shoes ever at Coachella, I have discovered I have broken my foot from leaping off the stage.” Although she is devastated she cannot perform to her typical extent, Welch understands that she has to scale back until her foot is properly healed. “This album was so much about making something from what was broken, so let’s see what we can do with this,” Welch stated enthusiastically.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Louis R. MacDonald, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue (foot)
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Broken Feet

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Monday, 27 April 2015 17:13

Plantar Warts Risk May Increase In Dressing Rooms this Summer

Come summer and swimsuit season, many people tend to become wary of dressing rooms. What many people tend to misunderstand, however, is that bacteria do not live in the dressing room, but in the articles of clothing that people try on in them. This also includes shoes of all varieties, whether it be boots or sneakers. Bacteria from other people’s skin cells can grow inside shoes, so when trying on new footwear be sure to wear thick socks. This will minimize the risk for contracting foot conditions such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts.

Plantar warts are a condition that can last a long time. If you have any concerns contact podiatrist Louis R. MacDonald, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about plantar warts.

Monday, 20 April 2015 17:11

Mateo Musacchio sustains Broken Ankle against Getafe

Mateo Musacchio of Villareal suffered from a left broken ankle while playing against Getafe. Musacchio was carried off on a stretcher with thirteen minutes left in the game when his ankle rolled while running to the ball. The defender was taken to a hospital in Madrid where he was successfully operated on and was diagnosed with a left dislocated and broken ankle. For now the recovery time is unknown as it will depend on the progress he makes after the break heals.

Broken ankles require immediate medical attention from a health provider. If you have concerns about a broken ankle, consult with Dr. Louis R. Macdonald of New York. Our doctor will examine your injury and attend your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles

A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
Swelling around the area
Bruising of the area
Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about broken ankles.