June 2021

Foot corns are small, raised bumps of hardened skin that often occur on the soles of the feet or in between the toes due to friction. Corns may cause discomfort, but they are usually not serious. Home care methods can often help alleviate any discomfort associated with foot corns. Soaking your feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt can help soften and soothe the corn. Various over the counter products, from creams to adhesive pads, may remedy foot corns as well. You can also moisturize the feet and wear orthotics or comfortable shoes that do not put excess pressure or friction on your feet to avoid aggravating the corn further. While home care is usually adequate for treating corns, if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a foot deformity you should seek the care of a podiatrist, as these conditions can make complications more likely.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will treat 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. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anterior ankle impingement syndrome, also known as footballer’s ankle or athlete’s ankle, is an umbrella term used to describe soft tissue in the ankle getting pinched by bone. Tiny, repetitive traumas to the ankle, usually incurred while playing sports, leads the body to produce extra bone tissue in the area as a defense mechanism to prevent further injury. This can cause symptoms such as ankle pain, swelling, inflammation, a decreased range of motion, a loss of muscle strength, numbness in the toes, and a popping or crackling sound while walking or moving the affected ankle. These symptoms can interfere with participating in daily activities and require medical intervention to improve. If you suspect that you may have anterior ankle impingement syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people suffer from sore feet at the end of the day. This can be a result of standing and walking for most of the day, or it may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people overlook the health of the feet, and it is beneficial to frequently practice stretches that can enhance foot and body performance. Yoga poses can target the feet, and specific stretches can improve mobility and range of motion. The top of the feet can be stretched by performing a child's pose, and tension in the body is often released. The heel and Achilles tendon can be stretched by using a scarf that is wrapped around the feet. This is done while in a sitting position, and the feet are gently pulled toward you. The plantar fascia can be effectively stretched while kneeling back on the toes. As this is done, the bottom of the foot generally feels the complete stretch. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet through yoga poses, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine which stretches are best for you.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the 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.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In Shockwave therapy, acoustic waves are directed to damaged areas in the feet and ankles which can trigger a healing and regenerative response and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy can utilize either low-energy or high-energy waves, and can be administered in either a single, or series of treatment sessions. Shockwave therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of plantar fasciitis—a painful condition in which the large fibrous connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot from heel to toe becomes inflamed. If you have pain in the bottom of your foot which may be particularly acute in the morning when you wake up, contact a podiatrist who can examine you, diagnose your issue, and discuss possible treatment plans.

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 from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Debridement is the process of removing dead or infected skin tissue to help foot wounds heal. As diabetes often causes a loss of sensation in the feet and poor blood circulation, foot wounds may go undetected for longer periods of time and heal slowly or poorly. When wounds grow and the surrounding skin becomes infected, debridement may be necessary to prevent serious complications like gangrene and amputation. The debridement procedure itself is usually done mechanically, using a moving force like water or debridement pads to remove the dead or infected tissue. Debridement can also be done using surgical instruments that cut away the dead tissue, certain chemicals, or your body’s own enzymes. If you notice wounds forming on your feet, please see a podiatrist who can determine the right course of action for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.