Items filtered by date: August 2015

broken foot4American Ballet Theatre’s first African-American principal ballerina, Misty Copeland, is set to make her first Broadway Debut and discusses the obstacles she faced on her way to stardom. Copeland states, “They didn’t audition me for anything,” of her new role as Miss Turnstiles in “On the Town.” Known for being turned down within the ballet field for not being “thin enough” or fitting that “ballet image,” Misty recalls her accomplishments since then including starring in “Swan Lake” and “The Firebird” with six stress fractures in her ankle. “I think that’s what I’m here for,” she states after noting how hard she works and how much she wants to continue to diversify ballet.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

- runners                                  

- people affected with Osteoporosis

- play tennis or basketball

- gymnastics

- high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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toenail fungus7According to research conducted atJohns Hopkins University Arthritis Center, rheumatoid arthritis has been known to have negative effects on peripheral nerves causing sensations concerning temperature and pressure, especially in the lower extremities. This means that the nerves can become damaged leaving feelings of wearing socks even while barefoot. RA can also cause nerve entrapment, pinching nerves that are in narrow areas resulting in inflammation. The cervical spine is also at risk from attacks at the joints between the vertebrae that can cause pain throughout the body and lack of control through the lower extremities.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and joint pain can become very painful and debilitating if left untreated. For more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its symptoms, consult with one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.

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.

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childrens feet17According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, young boys who practice judo were found to have higher arches and better balance compared to boys who were not as active. Flat feet rates in young boys have been higher recently due to a lack of proper diet and exercise altering foot position and gait. Since Judo is practiced barefoot and on flat surfaces, it causes stimulation in the proper receptors on the bottom of the feet.

Typically flat feet in children will develop around age six. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to one of our podiatristsof The Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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 treatments for your foot and ankle needs.

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fungal toenail2Lifehacker reports that shoe shopping should be done in the evening to ensure the best fitting shoes for the feet. As the day passes, the feet swell in size. Shoe shopping later in the day or in the evening ensures that the feet are at their largest when trying on shoes. While this slight increase in size would normally not make a significant difference, those looking for something supportive such as running shoes or shoes that will be worn all day should consider these slight changes important.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are come factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away

  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes

  • Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have

  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

childrens feet14Rosie Pope, star of Pregnant in Heels, is partnering with Stride Rite to advocate that children need good shoes on their feet as they grow. As a mother of four kids Pope states, “They need shoes that are good for their feet and make playing easy and safe regardless of what else is going on that day.” Pope noted that she loved the Stride Rite team because they consist of real parents that understand the problems little feet may face on a daily basis. “Shoes have to feel good, be good for their feet, and my kids have to love them, and I have to like them too. So, I appreciate that real moms and dads are behind these shoes,” she added.

Having proper shoes for children is essential in allowing them to grow properly and keeping them disease free. 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in 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 from birth to school-age.

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’. Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

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 of 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

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any concerns feel free 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 keeping children’s feet healthy.

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