Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Relief for Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. The feet are a common area for this type of injury to happen, and it generally occurs from overuse. People who enjoy running may experience this type of fracture, which can be a result of the consistent stress the feet endure. Common symptoms that are associated with stress fractures can consist of pain that gradually worsens, and it can be difficult to put weight on the affected foot. Many people will ignore this type of discomfort and will notice it gets worse at night while resting. Stress fractures can happen from suddenly increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and people who have osteoporosis may be susceptible to developing this type of fracture. Relief begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the injury and frequently resting the foot. If you have a stress fracture in the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform an effective diagnosis and offer you a treatment method that is best for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

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Friday, 24 February 2023 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

How Wide Feet Can Cause Pain

If you notice shoes that previously fit your feet seem tighter and more uncomfortable, especially in the midfoot area, you may have developed a splay foot. This condition is simply a widening of the feet as the metatarsals spread out. Wider feet can then contribute to fallen arches, resulting in pain. A simple way to find out if you have a splay foot is to look at your feet. One may also feel increased pain when walking or standing and a tendency to walk on the outside of the feet. This gait change may cause calluses because of the shift in weight distribution. A splay foot can also be noticed by a wearing down of the shoes on the outside edge. In some cases, hammertoes and other toe deformities may begin to appear. The exact cause of splay foot is up for debate, but many experts believe that obesity, the long-term wearing of high heels, and aging may be factors. Finding shoes that fit wider feet can help to reduce the effects of a splay foot. In addition, foot-strengthening exercises are thought to be the best way to overcome the symptoms. Please visit a podiatrist for more information and to learn the treatment option that is best for you.

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.

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Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Eczema May Cause Blisters on the Feet

Blisters can develop on the feet from a condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema. It may be caused by genetic tendencies and can be prevalent in people who have other forms of eczema. There may also be outside factors that can cause this condition. These can consist of stress situations, having an allergic reaction to specific kinds of metals, or certain types of irritants. This ailment may cause blisters to form on the feet, and may be preceded by severe itching and burning. The skin may turn red and become cracked after the blisters have healed, and can become infected. This condition can be treated by washing and drying the affected area, followed by moisturizing the feet. It is beneficial to keep the fingernails as short as possible, which may help to prevent breaking the skin from scratching. It is advised to manage stress levels as best as possible, which may be a key factor in preventing this type of eczema. If you have developed blisters on your feet, please consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine the cause, and treat it accordingly.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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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Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Two Types of Flat Feet

People who have flat feet are missing an arch. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. In cases where this doesn’t happen, the reasons can vary from having an abnormal foot structure to having weak muscles in the feet. This condition is easily noticed while standing on the foot and observing there is little or no arch. Some patients have no symptoms of having flat feet, while other patients may find their feet become achy at the end of the day. Flat feet are grouped into two categories consisting of rigid or flexible. The arch is visible while sitting down in people who have flexible flat feet, and there is no arch at all with rigid flat feet. Children who have flat feet are urged to wear supportive shoes. If you or your child has this condition, please consult a podiatrist who can help you to choose the correct shoes to wear.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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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