November 2022

The metatarsals are the long bones in the foot that connect the ankle bones to the toes. Because the metatarsals bear your weight every time you stand up, they can become painful. This is known as metatarsalgia and is commonly felt in the ball off the foot. The main causes are arthritis, wearing high-heeled or other shoes that force the weight onto the metatarsals, and performing high-impact sports. Treatment options include icing the feet, changing the style of footwear, and turning to lower-impact activities, like swimming. Many people with metatarsalgia may need to lose a few pounds, which helps lighten the load on the metatarsals. And for some people, wearing orthotics can help to cushion the impact on these bones. If taking these measures does not bring relief, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and proper diagnosis. More advanced treatment options may be suggested. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can become painful. This foot condition can develop for a variety of reasons and may bring embarrassment to the affected patient. The causes can include wearing shoes with an open back, standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, and a lack of moisture. Additionally, research has indicated that cracked heels may develop from specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies as well as aging skin. There may also be medical conditions that lead to cracked heels, which consist of obesity, thyroid disorders, eczema, and psoriasis. Many patients find relief when their feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Choosing shoes that have a closed back may help to prevent cracked heels in addition to wearing shoes that generally fit well. Patients who have dry heels or show signs of fissures, also known as deep cracks, are urged to speak with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication to treat this ailment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Foot massages are performed worldwide, and have been practiced for hundreds of years. They have been proven to be beneficial to different parts of the body, starting with the feet. There are specific pressure points in the feet that are connected to different organs in the body, and may be effective in releasing energetic blockages. Having a foot massage may help to reduce stress, possibly alleviate pain, and accelerate recovery from an injury. Additional benefits can include improved circulation and a reduction in the stress hormone known as cortisol. Many patients enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being and balance after having a foot massage performed, and they may sleep more fitfully. Physically, the joints in the feet may be loosened by rotating and twisting the toes and the feet. Many people enjoy the firmness of having their feet rubbed, and a scented lotion is often applied during the massage process. If you would like to learn about the additional benefits of foot massages, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, 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.

Most Common Injuries

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

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. 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. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Ingrown toenails are a pesky foot condition that can develop when the sides of the toenails essentially grow into the skin. Sometimes, this can result in the skin around the nail growing over the sides of the toenail. Although some people with this condition might not feel any specific symptoms, others might feel pain. There are important steps that you can take to prevent ingrown toenails. First, you ought to consider wearing shoes that fit properly. Tight shoes can lead to the squeezing of the toes. Second, you can work on trimming your toenails properly. Keeping the nails too short or in a crooked shape can ultimately encourage the surrounding skin to grow over the nail. Contact a podiatrist today to learn about more preventative measures you can take against ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

There is no mistaking a broken foot when it happens. It produces immediate pain and may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. This can be the result of a fall, or if a heavy object drops on the foot. Prompt medical attention is suggested, and it is difficult or impossible to walk on it. In severe fractures, the bone can protrude through the skin, and appear displaced. Having an X-ray taken is the most successful method to obtain a proper diagnosis, and this can help to determine the extent of the break. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may also be used in addition to an X-ray, which may help to confirm the diagnosis. The majority of patients wear a boot or cast on the affected foot, and this is effective in stabilizing the foot as the healing process begins. Additionally, it is beneficial to elevate the broken foot as often as possible, which may reduce any existing swelling. If you have broken your foot, please contact a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for a broken foot. 

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

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 Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.