Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Signs of an Achilles Tendon Injury

There are different ways in which an individual may injure their achilles tendon, the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel bone in the lower leg. For example, an individual can tear or rupture their Achilles tendon when it is strained or stretched beyond its limits. There are several signs of an Achilles tendon injury to be aware of. Namely, you might experience pain when walking up staircases because the Achilles tendon essentially enables you to lift your heel off of the ground. In the same vein, you could experience difficulty trying to stand on the tips of your toes. Additionally, if you have an Achilles tendon injury, you might notice different types of pain. You can experience sharp pain at the back of the ankle or leg. Snapping or cracking sounds might be heard if you have experienced some kind of Achilles tendon injury. If you suspect that you have developed this kind of injury, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, a foot care specialist. 

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 can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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 offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot and plays an important role in foot movement. Namely, the cuboid bone can act like a pulley during downward foot movement. However, this area of the foot is susceptible to cuboid syndrome, where the ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone become injured. Individuals that have cuboid syndrome can experience a variety of different symptoms, including limping and feelings of pain. To treat cuboid syndrome a medical professional may engage in manipulation treatment. For example, a professional may choose to perform a procedure known as the cuboid squeeze. Through this technique, an individual will have their toes pressed downward while pressure is applied to the area around the cuboid bone. This may be repeated until regular movement is regained. If you have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to treat your condition and answer any questions you may have about techniques like the cuboid squeeze.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Signs of an Achilles Tendon Injury

There are different ways in which an individual may injure their achilles tendon, the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel bone in the lower leg. For example, an individual can tear or rupture their Achilles tendon when it is strained or stretched beyond its limits. There are several signs of an Achilles tendon injury to be aware of. Namely, you might experience pain when walking up staircases because the Achilles tendon essentially enables you to lift your heel off of the ground. In the same vein, you could experience difficulty trying to stand on the tips of your toes. Additionally, if you have an Achilles tendon injury, you might notice different types of pain. You can experience sharp pain at the back of the ankle or leg. Snapping or cracking sounds might be heard if you have experienced some kind of Achilles tendon injury. If you suspect that you have developed this kind of injury, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, a foot care specialist. 

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 can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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 offices located in Moriches, and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot and plays an important role in foot movement. Namely, the cuboid bone can act like a pulley during downward foot movement. However, this area of the foot is susceptible to cuboid syndrome, where the ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone become injured. Individuals that have cuboid syndrome can experience a variety of different symptoms, including limping and feelings of pain. To treat cuboid syndrome a medical professional may engage in manipulation treatment. For example, a professional may choose to perform a procedure known as the cuboid squeeze. Through this technique, an individual will have their toes pressed downward while pressure is applied to the area around the cuboid bone. This may be repeated until regular movement is regained. If you have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to treat your condition and answer any questions you may have about techniques like the cuboid squeeze.


 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Selecting Shoes For Your Child

As your toddler grows and matures, their feet are also growing and developing at the same time. Since your child’s feet are an important part of their body, selecting the right kind of shoe is imperative to maintaining overall foot health. This is true especially because the bones in a young child’s feet are still soft and ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate any existing foot deformities in a toddler. There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for your child’s shoes. First, you can be mindful of selecting shoes that have velcro straps. This can help ensure that both you and your child can keep the shoes fastened onto the feet. Second, you can look for shoes that have a spacious toe box, which will not crowd the child’s toes. Lastly, in terms of material, it can be important to select shoes that are made of breathable material, such as leather or mesh. This mesh is comparable to that used in running shoes. You may notice that a child will tend to grow out of their shoes at a seemingly rapid pace. However, it is nonetheless important to find shoes that are of high quality for your child. If you are concerned about your child’s shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

How Plantar Fasciitis Is Treated

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes pain in the heel of the foot. The facia, or band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition usually occurs from poor weight distribution on the foot or excessive or repetitive movement. It is common in runners and those who stand on their feet for a long time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, age, poor arch support, being overweight, and wearing footwear that does not have proper support or structure. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis usually feel pain upon waking up after a night’s rest. Pain can be alleviated by resting, staying off the feet, applying ice to the affected area, exercising the foot, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with insoles, and wearing compression socks. Additional pain relievers can be employed if the above does not work. If you suffer from pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the condition and offer appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Saturday, 27 August 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Understanding Bunions

Bunions are a foot deformity caused by a misalignment of bones that connect at the joint of the base of the big toe. This deformity causes a bony protrusion at this joint, which then causes the big toe to lean toward the other toes, rather than pointing straight forward. Certain factors can make a person more likely to develop a bunion, such as wearing high-heeled shoes regularly, overpronating, and having certain genetic factors, loose ligaments, or other anomalies in foot structure. Aside from having an irregular appearance, a bunion can cause pain, swelling, numbness, or burning in the big toe joint and/or in the first metatarsal bone (in the forefoot). It may also be difficult to walk or find shoes that fit. It is a good idea to begin treating a bunion as soon as possible for the best results in correcting it. If you already have a fully developed bunion, or believe one is forming, make an appointment with your podiatrist for an examination and evaluation.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Three Parts to the Ankle

Participating in athletic activities account for approximately 50% of broken or dislocated ankles. The remaining half of the population can break their ankle from pursuing daily activities which can include shopping, walking, and traveling. It can range from a hairline crack to a full blown fracture, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. The ankle has three sections, consisting of the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bones. There are a total of 26 bones in each foot, and are surrounded by numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In a severe fracture, one or more of the bones break, and may also affect the adjoining ligaments. Ankle function is often affected when any of these bones are broken. There are three types of ankle fractures that can occur. The bump on the inside of the ankle is called medial malleolus, and can become fractured from direct trauma. This often indicates a long recovery time. The bump on the outside of the ankle is created by the fibula, and may be injured as a result of a stress fracture. A bimalleolar fracture happens when both sides of the ankle become broken, and this can occur from a traumatic event such as a car accident. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of 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 offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankles
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Dealing With a Hammertoe

A hammertoe is when a toe is stuck in an upward bent position at the middle of a joint. The top of the toe is bent forward and looks like a hammer, hence its name. It is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot and can affect balance as well as cause pain and trouble with walking and other activities. Hammertoes can happen when the small muscles on the bottom of the feet (intrinsic muscles) are weaker than the larger muscles on the top of the foot (extrinsic muscles). Hammertoe can often be a result of other issues, such as having flat feet with longer metatarsals or middle foot bones, having a bunion, having a medical condition such as diabetes or inflammatory arthropathies that affect muscles, tendons, and nerves in the feet, and wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight, forcing the toes down into the tip of the shoe. Beyond pain, if you have a hammertoe, you may experience swelling or redness of the toe, callus formation on the parts of the toe that rub against the shoe, and changes in walking patterns. Treatment includes wearing properly fitted shoes with wide toe boxes, doing toe stretching and other exercises to build up the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, wearing cushions, pads, or insoles, taping, and possibly surgery. Early intervention is more likely to work since the toe joint will be more apt to be flexible. If you feel you have a hammertoe, and particularly if it is causing you discomfort, talk with a podiatrist about treatment that might work best for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Read more about Hammertoe
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