Cold feet can be a bothersome sensation, often signaling underlying health issues. One of the primary causes is poor circulation, which may stem from conditions such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes. When blood flow is restricted, the extremities do not receive adequate warmth, leading to a chilling effect in the feet. Other factors contributing to cold feet include anemia, which reduces oxygen supply to tissues, and neuropathy, where nerve damage alters sensation. Environmental factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, can also play a significant role. Lifestyle choices, including smoking and lack of physical activity, may further cause circulation issues. If you consistently have cold feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if poor circulation is the cause, and offer effective relief and treatment methods.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Selecting the right running shoe is essential for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. First, consider the type of running you will be doing, whether it is road running, trail running, or track work, as each requires different features. The shoe should fit snugly but not painfully, allowing for about a thumb's width of space between the toe and the end of the shoe. Look for adequate support, especially if you have specific foot needs, such as pronation control. Flexibility is important for natural foot movement, while durability ensures that the shoe can withstand the rigors of regular use. Cushioning is vital for absorbing impact and providing comfort during longer runs. If you enjoy running and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions, and guide you on how to choose proper running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bending of the toe at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This deformity often arises due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the toe's position. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those with narrow toe boxes, which can exacerbate the issue. Other contributing factors may involve inherited foot structure, arthritis, or previous injuries to the toes. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hammertoe, such as age, as the condition is more prevalent in older adults, and lifestyle choices that include frequent use of high-heeled or tight footwear. Hammertoe can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you see the beginning signs of hammertoe or have pain from an existing hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Hammertoe

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

The development of children's feet begins during pregnancy when the basic structures form in the early weeks. By the second trimester, the bones of the feet start to develop, and by birth, a newborn's feet contain approximately 26 bones, many of which are still made of cartilage. As children grow, their feet undergo significant changes, with arches developing around age two to three. To support healthy foot development, parents can make proper footwear choices, opting for shoes that provide ample room for toes to move and grow. Allowing children to walk barefoot on safe surfaces helps strengthen foot muscles and improve balance. Regularly monitoring foot growth and ensuring that shoes fit correctly can prevent issues such as flat feet or other alignment problems. If your child’s feet are not growing as expected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor your child’s foot health and development and provide necessary treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.