Tennis toe is a common sports injury where damage to the toe causes blood to collect beneath the toenail, giving the nail a black or red appearance. Other names for this condition include “subungual hematoma” and “runner’s toe,” as it is common among runners and other athletes who participate in activities that place immense pressure on the toes. In addition to nail discoloration, the affected toe may also throb, and the nail can thicken and become brittle. Although it can be painful, this condition is not indicative of a broken toe. Mild cases are treated by cleaning the affected nail with an antiseptic and covering it with a dressing to prevent infection, although it does take a few months for a new, healthy nail to grow out. Severe cases, characterized by significant bleeding, swelling or infection, may require a small hole to be drilled into the nail to drain the blood that has pooled beneath it. If you are suffering from tennis toe, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Lower limb amputations, and specifically amputations associated with diabetes, have been on the rise in the United States for several years. These include both minor and major amputations. The rates of amputation have particularly increased among people ages 18-44 and 45-64, and are more common in men than in women. Many risks are associated with amputation, including permanent disability and death. When it comes to lower limb care, focus should be on preserving the limbs. Patients who regularly see a podiatrist, even if they have severe lower limb complications, have a decreased chance of amputation. Podiatrists can provide preventive care and treatments to manage various lower extremity problems, with the goal of preserving the limb and your quality of life. If you are diabetic or experience any foot or ankle problems, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

When the nerve located between the third and fourth toes becomes compressed or otherwise irritated, the tissue surrounding it can thicken and become inflamed. This condition is known as Morton’s neuroma, or intermetatarsal neuroma. It can produce symptoms of pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot that develops over time, and some people might have the sensation of a bunched-up sock or pebble in their shoe. It may be brought on by shoes that are too tight or narrow or by engaging in athletics that are played on a court. Additionally, hammertoes, flat feet, bunions and other foot conditions may increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. If you have any symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is important to get properly diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist as soon as possible in order to avoid it advancing and possibly leading to permanent nerve damage.

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.

Research has indicated that the kitchen is one of the most common areas of the house to fall for many people who are age sixty-five or older. This can be a result of water that can spill on the floor and clutter that may gradually collect in corners of the kitchen. These types of falls may impact the feet and can cause difficulty in accomplishing daily activities. A common prevention method can include using a non-skid mat in front of the kitchen sink, as this may be helpful in preventing the area from getting slippery which can cause painful falls. Some patients find it beneficial to sit on a stool while washing the dishes, which can prove to be an effective assistive device. Strength in the body may increase when balancing and stability stretches are performed. If you would like more information about how preventive fall techniques can be used in the kitchen, as well as throughout your entire home, please consult with a podiatrist for professional advice.

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.

While searching for the right running shoe, you may have come across the term “heel to toe drop,” but what does this mean? The heel to toe drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot area of the running shoes. This is measured in millimeters. Shoes are divided into four categories based on the size of the heel to toe drop. There is zero drop (0mm), low drop (1-4mm), mid drop (5-8mm), and high drop (8+mm). The most common heel drop in standard running shoes measures about 10mm. The heel to toe drop can affect your gait, foot strike pattern, and running form, so it may be beneficial to select shoes that compliment or compensate for your gait and any foot or ankle issues that you may have. A podiatrist can examine your feet for any issues and perform a gait analysis to help determine what kind of running shoes would be best for you. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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 are many patients who suffer from outside foot pain. This can be a result of an injury that occurs to the Peroneus Brevis tendon, which is located on the edge of the foot, and connects to the fifth metatarsal bone. The pain from this injury is felt on the outside of the ball of the foot, and can make it difficult to walk. Additional symptoms can include swelling and bruising, and it may be more prominent when the sole of the foot is turned outward. There is another foot condition that is referred to as cuboid syndrome that can happen when excess pressure is put on the cuboid bone. Additionally, outside pain in the foot can be caused by sinus tarsi syndrome which can be a result of a sprained ankle. If you are experiencing pain in any part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot pain.

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.

Broken toes typically cause a variety of symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising, that will keep you off your feet. Following an injury, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s instructions and adequately rest the foot, apply ice, elevate it, and take medications to manage pain. Broken toes can be debilitating injuries, but as this injury heals, you may be able to begin working out again. Low-intensity, low-impact exercises, strength training, and stretching can help ease you back into your workout routine. You should always follow the advice of your doctor, and run your workout plans by them prior to beginning. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

The medical name for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is called dermatophytes. It attacks the dead outside layers of the skin on the feet, and can cause discomfort. This fungus is contagious, and lives in warm and moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. The fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin, and can gradually evolve into athlete's foot. It can be beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while frequenting these places, and this can be an effective prevention technique that may help to limit the spread. The symptoms that many patients experience can consist of redness between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, often accompanied by severe itching. If you are suffering from athlete's foot, it is suggested that you seek professional advice from a podiatrist who can offer you the right treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.