Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heel under the foot. Known as the plantar fascia, this tissue is more likely to become damaged if you are middle-aged, overweight, or have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs mainly from overuse and is especially common among runners and other athletes that continually pound their feet on hard surfaces. Many people can reduce or even eliminate the effects of plantar fasciitis by resting, icing, and massaging the feet for 20 minutes a day. Other tips include wearing shoes with ample cushioning in the heel and arch support. A number of simple exercises can prove helpful in reducing the pain from plantar fasciitis. If these simple measures don’t work, please consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for more advanced treatment.  

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 Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.

Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Toenail Clippers for Seniors

Senior citizens can sometimes be more likely to develop afflictions of the foot than younger individuals. Therefore, it is especially important that seniors take extra special care to maintain the health of their feet. One of the ways in which this can be done is by trimming the nails correctly. Trimming the nails may be difficult for seniors because the nails can be difficult to reach. Some seniors, particularly those who are living with arthritis, may also struggle with being able to have a firm grip on the nail cutter. It is important to remember that one should not cut the nail too short, as this can lead to the development of an ingrown toenail. Additionally, the nail should be cut straight to prevent an ingrown toenail. If you are a senior, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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, 15 November 2022 00:00

Feet and Blood Sugar

As anyone who takes their health seriously undoubtedly knows, the condition of your feet is central to maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. There are many everyday foot care techniques that one may take to care of their feet. One example is by managing your blood sugar levels. When an individual has significantly high blood sugar levels, one’s blood vessels might be negatively impacted. As a result, the blood circulation to the feet can be diminished. This can lead to gangrene or peripheral vascular disease, among other things. Importantly, individuals who suffer from diabetes are very susceptible to experiencing high blood pressure. These individuals might consider being particularly diligent about managing their blood pressure. Consult a podiatrist today for more information.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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, 08 November 2022 00:00

Types of Surgery for Hammertoe

A hammertoe is a deformity that affects the first joint of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toe, medically known as the proximal interphalangeal joint. This joint forms a peak rather than lying flat, and is generally believed to be caused by a muscle imbalance from wearing ill-fitting shoes. A weakened muscle can put pressure on a tendon, resulting in a lifting of the joint. The top of the joint then rubs against the inside of the shoe, causing pain. In some cases, only surgery can correct a hammertoe.  Among the surgical options available are tendon transfer, joint resection, and fusion. During a tendon transfer, a nearby tendon is pulled across the joint, causing it to become straighter. This is used with a flexible hammertoe, one that still can be pushed flat manually. Joint resection involves cutting tendons and ligaments in a fixed hammertoe to straighten the joint and removing a portion of the bone. Pins may be put in place to keep the joint stable for a few weeks and then removed. Fusion calls for removing part of the joint to let the bones grow together. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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 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, 01 November 2022 00:00

Can Falls Be Prevented?

Falling among the elderly can invoke a horrible fear to the extent that one may decide to limit their daily activities. This can negatively affect one’s quality of life and leave them socially isolated. Upon falling, many endure serious physical injuries that include the feet, making it difficult to walk. There are measures that can be implemented that may help to protect one from falling. These can include removing frayed rugs from the living environment, improving lighting in the household, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, as well as use bath mats that can help to avoid slipping. Engaging in a gentle exercise program can help to strengthen the overall body and this is essential in falls prevention. If you have questions about additional methods that can prevent falling and the potential harm falling can have on the feet, please contact a podiatrist. 

 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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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