Monday, 23 April 2018 00:00

What Causes Blisters on the Feet?

Blisters on the feet typically develop as a result of increased friction. A blister generally looks like a small area resembling a bubble and consists of fluid that protects the raw skin. It’s advised to not pop or drain the blister, as the blister can possibly prevent an infection from developing and can promote healing. A common reason friction on the feet can occur may be wearing shoes that fit poorly, causing the toes to rub on the inside of the shoe. Additional reasons may include wearing shoes without socks and walking for extended periods of time. If you experience blisters forming on the feet, it’s suggested to stop wearing the shoes that caused this condition to develop, and walk barefoot as often as possible. The majority of blisters will heal naturally, although complications such as wound infections may occur typically in patients who have diabetes or poor circulation. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended if you are experiencing pain or if the blisters are not healing properly.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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 Blisters on the Feet
Monday, 16 April 2018 00:00

What Causes Hammertoe?

The foot may appear deformed if a condition known as hammertoe occurs. When the toes bend at the joint and the top of the toe bends down, a claw-like or hammer formation is apparent. This is possibly caused by a predisposed inherited gene originating from having little or no arch in the foot, or if the second toe exceeds the length of the first toe. Additional causes of this condition may be attributed to shoes that fit poorly, often crowding the toes into a space that is extremely small. There are symptoms that are easily noticed that are associated with hammertoes, such as observing if your toe is curling, in addition to experiencing discomfort and pain when the toes are stretched. Possible prevention of this aliment may include choosing to wear the correct shoes that provide adequate room for the toes, and avoiding shoes that are too short or tight. Treatment is necessary to lessen the discomfort, which may typically consist of exercises being performed that can aid in strengthening the tendons in the toes, or stabilizing the toe by applying a splint. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised if you would like additional information and treatment options for hammertoe.

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.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Monday, 09 April 2018 00:00

Foods That Can Cause Gout

If the bottom of your big toe is inflamed and is extremely painful, you may have a condition referred to as gout. Gout is the result of excessive uric acid present in the body, which deposits in the form of crystals in the joints and surrounding areas. It’s commonly caused by a predisposed inherited gene or dietary choices including foods that have elevated purine levels. These triggers include beef, any kind of organ meat, alcohol, and certain types of fruits. Additionally, drinks that have high amounts of fructose may lead to developing this condition, and it’s advised to avoid them. These types of beverages include fruit juices, soda and any other drinks that are sweetened with sugar. If you are suffering from an episode of gout, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and possible treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Monday, 02 April 2018 00:00

Are The Feet Affected By Obesity?

There are several ailments that may develop concerning the feet when obesity exists. When the body endures additional weight, it’s common to experience blisters, cracked skin on the heels, ankle sprains, and athlete’s foot. Many injuries occur because of damage inflicted on the soft tissue, so it’s important that the feet are protected during daily activities. This may consist of choosing to wear thick socks that serves as insulation against any friction. Pain and discomfort in the feet makes it difficult to exercise, and it often inhibits the desire to stay active. Diabetes can often develop as a result of being overweight, and it’s suggested that checkups of the feet are done regularly to aid in controlling this condition. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how obesity can affect the feet

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 How Obesity Affects Your Feet

Scientists from Baylor College of Medicine believe iberiotoxin, a toxin from the venom of the Indian red scorpion, may be able to treat rheumatoid arthritis because of the benefits it may have. Iberiotoxin has a natural ability to block potassium channels in cells. These cells are active in RA, which may damage joints and prompt immune cells to cause inflammation. This toxin may have little or no side effect, and an added benefit may be that other channels or nerves may not be affected. Knowing all of this information, researchers then tested the toxin on rat models. The results were what they were hoping for. The substance stopped the progression of the disease and improved joint mobility. Their research later went on to be published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 and 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.

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 Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Monday, 19 March 2018 00:00

Causes of Corns

If you experience a bony knot on your toes or feet, you may have what is referred to as a hard corn. This is generally the result of the friction the feet endure, commonly due to poorly fitting shoes. Corns that appear between the toes often have a soft texture and occur when shoes are worn with a narrow toe area. Both types of corns can be painful and uncomfortable and may need to be treated, depending upon the severity. Choosing to wear shoes that fit correctly will not only feel more comfortable, but will aid in the treatment and prevention of corns. If there are additional foot problems present, such as diabetes, or any type of surgery performed that may have affected the bone structure, it’s important to relay that information to your podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Monday, 12 March 2018 00:00

All About Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis affects more than three million people each year. This ailment typically occurs when the foot’s shock absorbing ligament, also known as the plantar fascia, suffers inflammation or small tears from too much tension or stress. The ligament associated with plantar fasciitis runs across the entire bottom of the foot. However, the pain associated with this condition is usually only located within the center of the heel. Some people do tend to experience pain up into their arch, though. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of occurrences such as jobs that keep people on their feet, stressful exercises, obesity, or wearing shoes with little support. Treatments for plantar fasciitis may include icing your feet, receiving cortisone injections, wearing a specialized boot, and even doing stretches. If you are experiencing any foot pain, an appointment with your podiatrist is highly advised.      

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
Monday, 05 March 2018 00:00

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Severe pain is likely to be experienced if you have a broken toe, and it will typically heal within 6 weeks. The toe may be tender, bruised, and swollen, often resulting in difficulty in walking. The treatment for a broken or bruised toe is the same, despite the fact that many people have trouble differentiating between the two. Temporary relief may come from elevating the foot, which generally helps in reducing any pain or swelling associated with this condition. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that give the toes ample room to move may aid in diminishing any discomfort that may be experienced. If the toe is bent at an unnatural angle indicating a severe break, a consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for ways to properly treat your broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 Know About a Broken Toe
Monday, 26 February 2018 00:00

Causes of Hammertoe

Hammertoe is caused by a deformity that bends the toes, causing them to be crooked. The joint affected is located at the bottom of the big toe and can often appear unsightly. The skin on top of the toes may look swollen, and corns and calluses will often form there, typically caused by friction as it rubs against the shoes. Causes of hammertoe are commonly due to shoes fitting poorly, which may cause the toes to be constricted for long periods of time. There may be a predisposed genetic trait that may cause this condition, in addition to diabetic patients and arthritis sufferers being prone to hammertoe. There are numerous treatment options available, depending on the severity of this condition. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for a proper diagnosis.

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.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Tuesday, 20 February 2018 00:00

How Do I Know if I Have Gout?

When excess uric acid is present in the blood, it may cause a painful condition referred to as gout. Gout is a form of arthritis, and the causes of it may also lead to potential problems involving the kidneys. Pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness are common symptoms associated with this condition, and they generally continue for 7-10 days. There are several possible causes of gout, two of which are a predisposed inherited trait and a diet largely consisting of excess red meat, beer, and sugar. An attack of gout must first be diagnosed, and there are several ways this can be accomplished. X-rays may be taken, in addition to performing a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from the joint that appears to be affected. Treatment for this condition will depend on the severity of the disorder, and a consultation with a podiatrist is advised for the best available options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 Everything You Need to Know About Gout
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