July 2023

Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Fall Prevention in the Home and Workplace

Falling is dangerous in many ways. It can invoke a fear of falling, causing the inability to complete daily activities. Additionally, many foot injuries can happen as a result of falling, and this can happen in the home or workplace. The majority of falls can be prevented by implementing simple methods that can make the home and working environment safer. Many people at work have to use ladders for various reasons, and it is important the ladder is on stable ground. Additionally, a locking device can secure the ladder, and wearing slip-resistant shoes while climbing the ladder may help to prevent falling. Removing worn rugs from the living environment and clearing clutter from walkways can help to keep the home safe from falling. Many people install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, which can provide security while in these rooms. If you would like information about how falling can affect the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and consists of tissues that are tightly packed under the skin. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain when these tissues become inflamed and irritated from various things. These can include standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It may also happen from weight gain, or from repetitive motion while performing specific activities. Having poor circulation may also lead to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of reduced blood flow to the plantar fascia. It is beneficial to wear shoes that have a cushioned heel, and this may help to prevent plantar fasciitis. There are also stretches that can be done which can strengthen the plantar fascia. These can include standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you find treatment and relief remedies for plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms of Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a condition that affects the heels in active children and young teenagers. Participating in running and jumping sporting events may cause Sever’s disease, as a result of, pressure on the heel. Sever’s disease is named after the American doctor James Sever, who discovered this condition in 1912. The heel pain that happens with Sever's disease generally occurs during a growth spurt and may be accompanied by swollen feet. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on their tiptoes, and this can indicate Sever’s disease. Relief can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused this condition, in addition to frequently elevating the foot. As the affected foot heals, there may be specific stretches that can be done that can strengthen the heel. If your child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease

Various Types of Stress Fractures

A stress fracture, or hairline fracture, often develops gradually. It is considered to be a break in the bone, and can happen in the foot or ankle. It can occur from repetitive overuse, and treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the fracture. Common causes of a stress fracture can include increasing speed and distance too quickly, or from running on uneven surfaces. There are four types of stress fractures, and the most common type affects the second metatarsal in the forefoot. The sesamoid bones may also fracture, in addition to the navicular or heel bone. The symptoms that many people experience with a stress fracture can include pain and swelling surrounding the affected area, and it can be uncomfortable when touched or walked on. A stress fracture requires immediate medical attention, which may prevent it from lapsing into a full blown fracture. This can require the patient to frequently elevate the foot, and to keep weight off of it as much as possible. Many people will wear a protective boot or use crutches that can help with mobility. If you have foot pain, and fear you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. 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 your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Connect With Us