Items filtered by date: March 2023

The long bones in the foot that connect to the toes are known as the metatarsals. They are common bones to fracture, and this may happen from participating in sporting activities or from dropping a heavy object on the foot. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that can cause the bones to become fragile, which may lead to incurring a broken foot. Common symptoms that can accompany this condition can consist of immediate pain, swelling, and bruising. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to walk on it, and crutches may have to be used that can provide mobility. A broken foot is generally diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, and it is followed by wearing a boot or cast, which can provide stability as the healing process occurs. The recovery period is approximately eight weeks before the patient can wear a normal shoe and bear the weight of the body. A full recovery may take longer if the patient is interested in pursuing high impact activities. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat a broken foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Severe cases of the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may require surgery for better relief. The plantar fascia is found on the bottom of the foot, and it is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It can become damaged suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A torn plantar fascia can result in developing plantar fasciitis and many cases can be successfully treated by wearing orthotics or by changing the shoes that are worn. Surgery is often a final option after less invasive treatments have proven to be ineffective. There may be risks that are associated with this type of surgery, including recurring heel pain, infection, or a delay in completing daily activities. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and discuss surgery options, if applicable.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

The feet are the foundation of the body and carry all our weight. While the feet are one of the most important parts of the body to provide proper care for, they are often overlooked. Everyday foot care begins with washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It is important to trim the toenails correctly and this may help to prevent an ingrown toenail from developing. Some patients enjoy soaking their feet in Epsom salt. Soaking the feet can help to exfoliate dead skin, which may aid in the prevention of cracked heels. Additionally, many people avoid taking excessively hot showers to help maintain elasticity in the skin. Foot creams can be beneficial at night to protect the heels and moisturize the skin while sleeping. If you would like more information about effective everyday foot care routines, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Patients who have developed plantar fasciitis often look to find relief. It is a condition that is characterized by heel pain, and it may affect the Achilles tendon. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. It is located on the soles of the feet, and can happen from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not have adequate support may contribute significantly to getting plantar fasciitis. Many people choose to ignore the aches that this condition often begins with, and this may extend the recovery period. There are simple stretching techniques that may help to reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis. A stretch for the plantar fascia is done by rolling the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle. A standing heel raise is also an effective stretch. This is accomplished by standing on a step, while lowering heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Plantar fasciitis is a serious foot condition, and it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective relief methods.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.