Items filtered by date: January 2019

Everyone sweats from time to time, whether it be from nervousness, hot weather, or exercise. While most people sweat as a result of external factors, there are some who excessively sweat without any outside interference. The condition affecting these people is called hyperhidrosis, which leads to excessive sweating in many areas of the body. One of the most common areas to experience intense hyperhidrosis is the feet. Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid some of the issues associated with hyperhidrosis of the feet. Open toe shoes may not be the best idea for those suffering from hyperhidrosis. Sweaty feet in open toed shoes can lead to slipperiness and instability. Socks are also essential in locking in the sweat and helping to eliminate odors. If you believe you have hyperhidrosis of the feet it is important to speak with a podiatrist in order to learn more about treatment options.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.

Everyone relies on their feet to get them through the day, but active people tend to rely on them a little more. Paying attention to the condition of your feet is important for overall foot health and care. Active people are more likely to face symptoms of athlete’s foot, because they sweat more than the average person; these symptoms include foot odor and fungus growth. Feet are loaded with sweat glands, which can produce up to a half-pint of moisture a day. Keeping feet dry and clean is the first step in preventing odor; ways to do this include washing your feet daily, regularly changing socks, and alternating footwear. The inside of shoes provides the perfect breeding ground for fungus. The damp and dark environment attracts organisms that cause athlete’s foot. The methods used for preventing foot odor also protect against festering organisms that lead to fungus. If you begin to notice distinct foot odor or fungus growth, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist so you can properly treat this condition and prevent the fungus from spreading further.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, 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 treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Gout is known to be a painful and uncomfortable condition that typically affects the big toe. This part of the foot may be so sensitive that the weight of a bed sheet may cause intense pain. There are additional symptoms that may be associated with gout, including redness, swelling and extreme heat that may radiate from it. This ailment is said to be caused by excess uric acid in the blood levels that originate from ingesting foods that are laden with purines. Many patients notice these severe symptoms in the big toe, although it may occur in other parts of the body. Specific medications may be prescribed once an attack of gout has occurred, and there may be preventative measures that can be implemented which can possibly avoid this painful condition from occurring. If you feel you may have gout, it is advised to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to learn more about this condition, in addition to beginning the correct treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

The foot is comprised of several bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, which provide us with the ability to balance and stand upright. When babies are born, their feet consist of cartilage and will gradually form into bones as the child gets older, which is typically at eight years of age. Research has shown the importance of babies going barefoot until walking commences, which is generally at approximately twelve months old. This is suggested because the feet can properly stretch without wearing shoes, which may promote stronger foot muscles. Once your child begins to walk, it is important to measure their feet properly, which will determine the correct size shoe to purchase. These shoes should consist of a lightweight and flexible material, and any heel is strongly advised against. If you would like additional information about the health of your child’s foot, please speak with a podiatrist.

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.

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints of your feet, you may have what is known as arthritis. A common area of the foot where arthritis may appear are the toes, and severe pain and discomfort may be felt while lifting the toes to walk. You may notice a permanent bend in the joints of the toes, and this may make it difficult for the foot to lie flat on the floor. Some patients notice a bump developing on top of the toes, and this may possibly result from the joints rubbing together. Additionally, the toenails may separate from the nail bed, or pain may be felt in the rest of the foot. Possible treatment options can include injecting steroids, which may aid in reducing any inflammation that may be present. Having surgery performed, which may be helpful in reshaping the bones in the feet may be an additional option. It is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can assist you in determining which treatment is best for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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.