March 2021

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a screening tool used to identify peripheral artery disease, a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. The ABI is a simple measure that involves taking the blood pressure at the arm and at the ankle and comparing the two numbers to determine the patient’s risk of having peripheral artery disease. This is most frequently done using a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound instrument. Some doctors may do the ABI using an automated device instead. Regardless of the method used to obtain this reading, the ABI is quick, noninvasive, and virtually painless. If you suspect that you may have poor circulation in your feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist who can screen you for peripheral artery disease.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, 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 Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.

Diabetes can lead to various health complications in many parts of the body, and the lower limbs are especially susceptible to damage. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, in which the nerves that innervate the lower limbs become damaged, can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet and ankles. Peripheral artery disease, in which the blood vessels that supply the lower limbs are compromised and blood flow to the area is reduced, can lead to poor wound healing on the feet. Together, these two conditions greatly increase the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs can appear without being detected due to a lack of sensation and may heal slowly and poorly due to poor circulation. DFUs can also become infected, and lead to serious complications, including amputation. To learn how to care for diabetic feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially 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, as 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Shockwave Therapy is an emergent treatment of foot and ankle pain. In the United States, this innovative therapy has been licensed to treat plantar fasciitis: an inflammatory disorder in the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes which causes pain in the heel. Shockwave Therapy—similar to Shockwave Lithotripsy for kidney stones—sends high-energy acoustic sound waves to the affected tissues at the bottom of the foot, which can initiate new blood vessel formation to begin the healing process and reduce pain. If you are experiencing pain in your heel or have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, call your podiatrist for more information or to see if you are a good candidate for Shockwave Therapy.

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.

The outer side of the foot is generally where pain from cuboid syndrome is felt. It develops as a result of a displaced cuboid bone, and can happen for several reasons. These can include having weak tendons in the feet, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or conditions such as flat feet or high arches. This bone is located between the pinky toe and the heel, and repetitive force may shift the bone out of alignment. Common symptoms many patients feel can consist of swelling on the outside of the foot, pain while standing or walking, and pain and discomfort may extend to the sole of the foot. There are stretches that can be practiced that may help to alleviate the pain. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.