February 2023

Patients who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often experience poor circulation. They may have cold feet or hands, the skin on the feet may become cracked, and the toenails may become brittle. Additionally, patients who smoke may be at risk of poor circulation. Improving eating habits may also help to control this condition. People who have diabetes and elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels may be prone to developing poor circulation. Many diabetic patients have implemented coping tactics that may help to relieve some of the symptoms. These may consist of having the feet examined regularly, which will include a test for poor circulation. Additionally, performing a gentle exercise routine may help to improve poor circulation. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels may benefit heart function, improving circulation. If you notice signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

One of the most annoying injuries experienced by runners is plantar fasciitis. This condition is said to be an overuse injury that causes the tearing of a band of tissue in the sole that connects the toes to the heel. When this tissue, termed plantar fascia, is irritated, it becomes inflamed. This develops into pain most commonly felt in the heel and under the arch. Unfortunately, the pain felt from plantar fasciitis is typically worse early in the day and calms down while running. As a result, runners might ignore it, increasing the problem over time. This contributes to further damage to the plantar fascia. Instead, taking measures to relieve the condition is recommended. Icing the heel can help, and ceasing the activity that caused the problem is paramount to helping the fascia to heal. Certain exercises can be performed to reduce the symptoms while also allowing time for the tissue to heal. For information and direction on ways to treat plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist. 

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.

The feet contain one-quarter of the bones in the body, and will gradually develop from cartilage into bones. A baby’s feet may feel like a spongy material, and the arches will eventually form as their development progresses. A baby’s foot will grow three sizes during the first year of life, and it is beneficial that the feet are not restricted. When the crawling stage begins, it is helpful if the baby does this while barefooted, and this can help toes to become stronger as they try to stand up. Many parents choose to refrain from having their children wear shoes while indoors, which may help to strengthen the toes as they grip the floor. When it is time to walk outside, the first pair of shoes may consist of materials that are strong but flexible, and it is important they fit correctly. The baby’s growth will happen rapidly, and changing the shoes every few months will help to accommodate their growing feet. If you would like additional information about children’s foot health, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is when a benign tumor grows in the nerve cells in the forefoot, causing pain or irritation. It impacts the nerve under the toe bones, usually between the third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma can originate from irritation, trauma, or excessive pressure on the nerves in the forefoot. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight in the toe area and compress the forefoot and toes is one such cause. Wearing high-heeled shoes that increase pressure on the forefoot, causing the toes to be jammed into the toe box, is another. Repetitive force on the forefoot from exercises like running, and court or racket sports is yet another cause of this affliction. When one has a Morton’s neuroma, they will often experience burning, shooting, or stabbing pain in the ball of the foot. It will feel like a pebble is under the foot, and there will be numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the toes. If you feel you might have a Morton’s neuroma, see a podiatrist who will examine your foot and if needed, order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment that is right for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.