April 2023

Many individuals may wonder why their feet are often so ticklish and sensitive. The answer is slightly complicated. Essentially, the feet have a significantly high amount of nerve endings. In fact, there are approximately 8,000 nerve endings throughout the feet. Importantly, in each of these nerve endings are receptors for touch and other sensations. The distance between the nerve ending and the outside of the skin is sometimes very small. Therefore, the feet can often be more ticklish than other parts of the body. Interestingly, the degree to which one is ticklish can often vary from person to person. It is important to note that the ticklish sensation itself is thought to be a kind of involuntary response to stimuli. If you want to learn more about what makes the feet ticklish, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for additional information and treatment options.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 a bone in the foot known as the cuboid bone. An injury may cause this bone to shift out of alignment, possibly causing cuboid syndrome to develop. The pain is generally felt on the outer edge of the foot and can be a common injury among dancers and athletes. Usual symptoms that are often experienced with cuboid syndrome can include difficulty in bearing weight on the foot, a reduced range of motion, and the foot may be swollen. Additionally, the pain may begin as a dull ache and gradually sharpen, increasing discomfort on the overall foot. People with flat feet may experience this condition, or it may come from those who frequently engage in running and jumping activities. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated and the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat 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.

Repetitive overuse is often the reason why stress fractures happen. Many runners endure this foot condition from the miles and hours they spend running.  Stress fractures may cause their running routine to temporarily stop. A stress fracture is defined as a hairline crack in the bone and can affect any of the foot bones. Excessive running or similar activities may cause the muscles to become tired and unable to absorb the impact as the foot strikes the ground. The bone will naturally take on this task, which can result in a stress fracture. It can be confirmed by having an X-ray performed, which precedes beginning treatment. It is beneficial to rest the foot as often as possible, and it may help to use crutches to keep weight off of the foot. The majority of patients who endure stress fractures will completely heal in approximately six weeks, and it is helpful to perform stretches that can strengthen the foot. If you have a stress fracture of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you additional treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Many individuals may partake in swimming, whether it be a triathlete or a casual swimmer. Before one engages in this activity, however, it may be beneficial to perform certain foot stretches. For example, a swimmer can increase ankle flexibility and mobility by performing several ankle stretches and motions. Specifically, while wrapping a band around the bottom of the foot and holding it with the hands, an individual can flex the ankle against resistance. By repeatedly pointing the toes against this resistance, one can ultimately improve tissue length near the ankle. If you are someone who frequently swims and you want to learn more about ways in which you can stretch the foot, then it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. This foot specialist can help you answer any questions you might have and provide any treatment you may need.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.