November 2023

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Foot Fatigue

Foot fatigue is a common condition characterized by a feeling of tiredness, soreness, or aching in the feet. It often results from prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in activities that put excessive strain on the feet. This fatigue can be exacerbated by factors such as wearing improper footwear, which fails to provide adequate support and cushioning. Additionally, foot pain may happen from biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches that alter the foot's natural alignment and distribution of pressure. Excess weight can also contribute to foot fatigue due to the increased load on the foot structures. Occupations that require extended periods of standing or walking, such as in the retail, healthcare, or hospitality industries, often report higher incidences of foot fatigue. Additionally, athletes and individuals who engage in regular physical activity may experience this condition due to repetitive stress on the feet. Managing foot fatigue involves wearing proper footwear, getting adequate rest, and performing specific foot exercises. In some cases, the use of orthotic devices may help to improve foot alignment and function. If you are suffering from any kind of foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

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Definition and Root Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment that affects the feet, reveals itself as an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This vital ligament plays a pivotal role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement. The onset of plantar fasciitis often stems from repetitive stress or overuse, manifesting in micro-tears that lead to inflammation and pain. Contributing factors can include excessive standing, walking, or running, especially on hard surfaces, as well as wearing ill-fitting footwear that fails to provide adequate support. Tight calf muscles and abnormal foot mechanics can also contribute to the strain on the plantar fascia. Understanding the definition and causes of plantar fasciitis enables individuals to adopt preventive measures. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you with effective treatment methods, in addition to providing you with relief techniques for this painful condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.

 

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Nerve Pain in the Feet

Nerve pain in the feet, manifesting as a burning, tingling, or electric shock-like sensation, can be debilitating and impede daily activities. It can emerge at night or during specific actions, often linked to conditions like Morton’s neuroma, which causes thickened tissue around nerves. It may also be indicative of tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerve compression triggers sharp, shooting pains. Diabetic neuropathy begins with pain in the toes that can expand upwards. Causes for these nerve issues vary, including factors like wearing ill-fitting shoes, physical injuries, and systemic health issues like diabetes, obesity, or infections. Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause. If you have nerve pain in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain a diagnosis and treatment. This can help prevent the progression of potential conditions and enhance your quality of life.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

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Turf Toe Can Be a Painful Foot Condition

Turf toe is a specific type of injury that primarily affects the big toe. It is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, which connects the big toe to the foot and can result in toe pain. The name turf toe is derived from its common occurrence in athletes who play on artificial turf surfaces, but it can affect anyone. This injury typically occurs when the toe is hyperextended, causing damage to the ligaments and tendons that support the MTP joint. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected toe. In some cases, there may be bruising as well. Turf toe can be a painful and debilitating condition, and often requires medical attention from a podiatrist. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat the cause of this toe pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

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