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childrens feet15There are many different varieties of warts, and none of them are pleasant. Plantar warts appear on the bottoms of your feet and are considered contagious. Treatment for your warts involve soaking them in warm water, sanding it, and applying an over-the-counter treatment that has salicylic acid. Cover your wart to prevent further spreading of the infection and repeat the process until the warts are gone.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bethpage and Franklin Square, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about plantar warts.

 

Monday, 21 December 2015 00:00

Obesity Rates Are Rising

obesity4Obesity is a common problem among Americans, with obesity rates in adults climbing as much as 38 percent in 2013 to 2014, according to lead researcher Cynthia Ogden of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. If obesity is not treated, this can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is defined by an adult’s body mass index (BMI), which can be calculated by body fat, height, and weight. Those who have BMIs of 30 or more are considered obese, and obesity rates can vary by sex, age, and race.

Any additional problems in the feet of those with obesity can be detrimental to foot health. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Solutions

Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.

Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.

Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

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

Read more about obesity and the feet.

working on your feetDuring late fall and late spring every year, the Stuart Weitzman brand hosts their biannual trunk shows. Known for their extended shoe sizes, the Stuart Weitzman brand makes shoes in slim, narrow, wide, and medium. Their shoe sizes range from 4 to 12. With some advice from their designers, you can figure out how to properly accommodate your feet. For those with narrow feet, use foam soles to expand the insides of your shoes, and opt for buying medium width shoes. If you have wide feet, try buying continental widths rather than American medium widths, or buy half a size bigger. For those with small feet, look overseas--many Asian countries have smaller sizes. And for those with big feet, Stuart Weitzman designers recommend looking into men’s sizes.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

hammertoe4Many patients are under the impression that a majority of foot ailments such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and foot pain can only be treated with surgery. Foot experts agree, however, that most foot problems can be treated with non-surgical procedures such as shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, insoles, or physical therapy. Orthopaedic surgeon Norman Turner stated, “I think people come in wanting surgery because they want a quick fix and want to be back to normal.”

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Shockwave Therapy

plantar fasciitis6While conditions such as heel pain or plantar fasciitis are best treated by the professional podiatrist, patients can perform simple stretches at home to temporarily ease pain. Gentle, non-weight bearing calf and foot stretches in particular can be helpful. One method is to place a towel over the toes and foot. While keeping the knee straight, gently pull back on the towel until a stretch is felt in the calf. Hold this stretch for thirty seconds before repeating.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bethpage and Franklin Square, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about stretching the feet.

toenail-fungus7Noel Amend of Castle Rock is used to having ballerinas come to him from all throughout the U.S. Amend has made a name for himself fitting ballerinas in their first pointe shoes, a rite of passage for any dancer. “If you don’t get the shoe fit properly, the least of your worries would be blistering,” shares Amend. “It progresses from there—you can get a hammertoe, a bruised Achilles, corns, bunions, ankle issues, knee issues. As in any sport, having good equipment is critical.” Amend does his work from Assemble Dancewear in Castle Rock.

Corns can be a nuisance for your foot health. If you have any foot or ankle concerns contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bethpage and Franklin Square, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns on the Feet

childrens-feet17Popular musician Elvis Costello recalls his younger days when doctors determined he had flat feet the remedies they would attempt to fix the foot ailment. After constantly reminded he would never make it into the army Costello states, “I was taught to pick up a ball of socks with my feet like a monkey and walk on my ankles to strengthen my arches.  I even had my feet placed in bowls of water, through which is doctor ran a mild electric current.” While these methods are obviously extreme, methods today are significantly less horrific.

Most arches will develop in children after a certain age. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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 offices located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

feet3Presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina won CNN’s republican debate on two fronts: one for her actual answers and the second for the fact that she did so wearing 3 ½ inch heels for three hours. While most women are familiar with wearing heels in everyday situations, Fiorina’s feat was that she managed to remain poised and comfortable while fielding tough questions throughout the debate, proving that it is possible to remain both serious and stylish.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

corns2A new form of therapy may increase the long-term survival rate of patients with diabetes and chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The new therapy, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, uses high oxygen pressure given in hyperbaric chambers to systematically treat ulcers. Magnus Löndahl, MD, PhD, of Lund University shared, “One of the beneficial outcomes of this treatment is that you have an acute increment in oxygen concentration in the tissue, and later on you probably have some beneficial effect in microvascular function … In conclusion, in this trial, hyperbaric oxygen therapy seems to improve the 6-year survival in patients with diabetes and chronic foot ulcers.”

Foot therapy is a good idea for those with chronic pain and to recovery from foot injuries. To get consultation for foot therapy, contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Most common injuries

People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.

What to do when injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:

  1. Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
  2. Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
  3. Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.    

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

Read more about foot therapy.

toenail-fungus7According to a study being tested at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, maggots may be used to treat chronic diabetic ulcers. While maggot therapy has been an ancient practice, it is going through clinical trials to see if the feasting of dying tissue and germs in wounds can have positive effects. The study is set into involve 128 Veterans with diabetic ulcers where the maggots or larvae will be produced and sterilized in an “eight step-step control” routine. Although the term “maggot” does have negative connotations, they have been proven to clean out wounds nicely under the right control.

Although the use of maggots to treat diabetic feet may seem kind of extreme, general diabetic foot care is extremely important. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will diagnose and treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 offices in Franklin Square and Bethpage, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about diabetic foot care

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