Tuesday, 26 March 2024 00:00

Overpronation can interfere with optimal foot health and contribute to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Foot pronation and supination are natural movements that are necessary for proper gait. However, excessive pronation, characterized by prolonged inward rolling of the foot, can lead to biomechanical imbalances. One common cause of overpronation is a lack of normal ankle range of motion. When the ankle fails to bend the foot upward properly, it restricts the forward motion of the body's center of mass over the foot. This often leads to changes in gait that may lead to overpronation. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical issues contributing to overpronation and recommend personalized treatment options, such as custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and improve overall function. To address overpronation issues effectively, it is suggested that you ask a podiatrist for a thorough exam, which may include a gait analysis. A diagnosis and treatment suggestions will follow.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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Sunday, 24 March 2024 00:00

Need a treatment that works for foot, ankle, or Achilles pain? The Tenex procedure, along with Ascent therapy, can help. Contact us for more information.

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00

All runners are susceptible to a range of foot injuries stemming from the repetitive nature of running and other factors. Neglecting flexibility training can lead to decreased range of motion and increased risk of injuries such as strains and tears. Cross-training, incorporating activities like swimming or cycling, can mitigate these risks by engaging different muscle groups and reducing overuse injuries. Additionally, a balanced approach to fitness will help prevent foot injuries. Podiatrists play a significant role in this respect, offering expertise in foot and lower limb biomechanics, gait analysis, and injury prevention. They can guide proper footwear selection, orthotic devices, and personalized exercise regimens to address individual needs and reduce injury risk. If you are a runner, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to learn more about injury prevention in running so you can enjoy this port for the long term.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

Laser treatments for fungal toenails, offer a promising alternative to traditional therapies. Using pulses of energy to generate heat, laser treatments effectively target the infected tissue in the nail bed, destroying the fungus and sterilizing the area to inhibit further growth. While laser therapy has shown high success rates, multiple sessions are typically required for complete eradication. Noticeable improvement is often seen within three to 18 months of consistent treatment. Laser therapy is generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects, such as mild pain or bleeding in the surrounding area may occur. It's essential to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced podiatrist to minimize risks and ensure optimal results. Consulting with a podiatrist is suggested to determine if laser treatment is the right choice for your fungal toenail infection.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

  • Nail thickening
  • Brittleness of the nail
  • Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

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