One of the most dangerous complications linked to diabetes is a foot infection. Diabetic foot infections can progress quickly and threaten overall limb health. Once the skin is broken, harmful bacteria may enter, leading to infections that range from mild skin involvement to deep tissue or bone infections such as osteomyelitis. Neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet, and poor circulation make patients more vulnerable to developing wounds and ulcers. Common problems include cellulitis, abscesses, septic arthritis, and necrotizing fasciitis, which can severely damage the feet and ankles. Untreated infections may result in prolonged hospitalization, severe disability, or possible limb loss. A podiatrist can perform an exam, order imaging when necessary, debride infected tissue, and determine if surgery is needed to control the infection. Early treatment is vital to protect the feet and prevent serious complications. If you have signs of a diabetic foot infection, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

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 care needs.

Many people experience foot problems that can cause pain and limit daily activity. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and peeling between the toes. Blisters form from friction or moisture, leading to fluid-filled sores. Additionally, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often from genetics or wearing tight shoes. Gout causes sudden joint pain and swelling due to uric acid buildup, affecting the big toe. Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, leading to strain and fatigue. Each condition has unique causes and risk factors. If you have foot pain or a specific foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Soccer players often face foot injuries due to constant running, kicking, and quick direction changes. Blisters can form from friction and cause painful skin irritation. Toenail injuries may occur from repeated impact with the ball or ill fitting cleats, leading to bruising or loss of the nail. Turf toe results from the big toe bending too far, causing joint pain and swelling. Additionally, plantar fasciitis develops when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, creating sharp heel pain. Prevention includes wearing proper cleats, keeping feet dry, and stretching regularly. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat these injuries while offering strategies to avoid re-injury. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury while playing soccer, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Usually, toes point forward. When one of your toes (usually the 2nd or 3rd toe) bends downward, hammertoe is present. There are many reasons you may develop a hammertoe, such as having bunions, certain injuries, high arches, or you may have a genetic proclivity that makes you more likely to develop them. However, the most common reason hammertoe develops is from wearing shoes that are too tight and pointy, which cause your toes to squeeze together if you wear them for a prolonged period of time. You can help avoid developing a hammertoe by choosing shoes that fit properly, have a wider toe box, soft uppers, and plenty of arch support. Contact a podiatrist who can treat your hammertoe and may suggest certain footwear that will help prevent hammertoes from occurring.

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