Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. The pain may be so debilitating that even the weight of a sheet can cause discomfort. Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including family history, male gender, older age, obesity, and frequent alcohol consumption. These elements can raise uric acid levels and trigger sudden attacks of severe redness, swelling, and intense joint pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, provide treatment to reduce inflammation, and offer long-term strategies to prevent future flare ups. Managing foot function and joint health is also essential for comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Swollen feet and ankles occur when excess fluid accumulates in the lower extremities, causing puffiness, discomfort, and limited mobility. This condition can result from a variety of underlying causes, including foot and ankle injuries that impair circulation, deep vein thrombosis where blood clots block veins, heart failure that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, or kidney disease that interferes with fluid balance. Swelling may be accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of the swelling, recommend appropriate treatment, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and offer therapies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you notice persistent swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. Some people have flexible flat feet where the arch appears when not standing, while others have rigid flat feet where the arch remains flat at all times. Helpful exercises include toe curls, heel raises, and arch lifts to build foot strength and improve support. Massaging the peroneal muscles along the outer lower leg can also reduce tension and improve stability. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, provide targeted treatment, and recommend custom orthotics to support proper alignment. If you have any discomfort from having flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, which may include additional foot stretches.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Hammertoe is a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, often caused by muscle imbalance, tight shoes, or injury. When conservative treatments fail, hammertoe surgery can help restore alignment and relieve pain. The procedure may involve tendon transfer to balance toe movement, joint resection to remove part of the bone, or fusion to permanently straighten the joint. Recovery typically includes rest, proper footwear, and a gradual return to activity. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, explain surgical options, and guide you through recovery for the best outcome. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss if surgical options are right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors 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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.