Items filtered by date: February 2020

The plantar fascia is located at the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes, and if inflamed, may be referred to as the condition plantar fasciitis. Risk factors which may precede a plantar fascia injury can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate support, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as flat feet or obesity may play a significant role in developing plantar fasciitis. Common symptoms of this condition can include pain in the heel and surrounding area, and the discomfort may be more intense after arising in the morning. Some patients find it helpful to perform specific exercises that are designed to decrease a portion of the pain and swelling. If you are afflicted with this ailment, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option 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.

The medical condition that is referred to as ingrown toenails can often cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs when the nail on the big toe grows into the outer edges of the skin. The symptoms that are often associated with this ailment can include redness, tenderness, and swelling on or around the affected area. The body may naturally produce a yellowish fluid that may drain from the toe, which can be a result of the irritation an ingrown toenail may cause. The foot may feel better after it is soaked in warm water, and this can soften the skin surrounding the nail. If medical conditions exist that include diabetes or fungal infections, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this ailment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

A common ailment many pregnant women notice is swollen feet. This is often the result of hormonal changes, and an increased volume of bodily fluids. It generally begins in the second trimester, and continues until the baby is born. Additional reasons why the feet may swell during pregnancy can include spending time in warm weather, as well as standing for extended periods of time. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce swelling. These can consist of elevating your feet, drinking plenty of water on a daily basis, eating healthy foods, and limiting excess salt intake. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

The cuboid bone is located on the outer edge of the foot. The function of this small bone is to connect the foot to the ankle, in addition to providing stability. An injury may cause this area to become inflamed, which may result in torn joints or ligaments. When this occurs, cuboid syndrome may develop, which can produce pain and discomfort on the outside of the foot. The type of injuries that can cause this condition to occur can consist of suddenly twisting the ankle, or participating in sporting activities that include running or jumping. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as flat feet may play a significant role in developing cuboid syndrome. Moderate relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and the feet and legs are properly stretched to help avoid further injury. If you are afflicted with cuboid syndrome, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

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.