There are 26 bones, more than 30 joints, and nearly 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in the foot – and an issue with any of these can lead to foot pain. Depending on the source of the pain, different conditions can be indicated. For example, pain at the bottom of the foot can be a sign of plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or neuropathy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed or partially torn. Metatarsalgia can affect the ball of the foot (the metatarsal region). Usually, this pain is a result of the metatarsal heads becoming inflamed and applying pressure on the bones at the front of the foot. Another common issue to the bottom of the foot is neuropathy, which occurs when there is nerve damage that causes a tingling, burning, or stabbing sensation. It’s suggested that anyone who struggles with foot pain consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

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.

During hammertoe surgery, the deformed toe is straightened to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. General recovery from hammertoe surgery usually takes around six weeks. After your surgery, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions so that your toe can heal properly. At home, elevate and rest your foot as often as you can. Wear wide, comfortably fitting shoes that give your toes plenty of space and avoid high heeled shoes. You may be prescribed medications to relieve pain and prevent infection, which you should take as directed. You may also be asked to avoid certain activities to keep pressure off your foot. For more information about surgical aftercare, please consult with your podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are poorly healing wounds that can form on the feet of people who have diabetes. These wounds require treatment, as they are at an increased risk of infection, which can have serious consequences. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of treatment in which a person is placed in a special room or small chamber to breathe almost pure oxygen. This treatment has shown to be promising in treating a variety of conditions, including poorly healing DFUs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help encourage the formation of new blood vessels around the wound and supply the area with more oxygen and nutrients, something these wounds are typically missing due to the effects of diabetes. This can help the body generate new, healthy tissues. To learn more about HBOT and other treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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 Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Sprained ankles are a common injury, particularly among athletes. They cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, a limited range of motion, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle. Ankle sprains occur when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. There are two main types of ankle sprains – high ankle sprains and lateral ankle sprains. While their symptoms are similar, treatments can vary. Because of this, getting a proper diagnosis is very important. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of ankle sprain that you have by completing a thorough physical examination of the ankle. Imaging tests may also be used. If you suspect that you may have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Heel pain can occur at any age, and it can come from a variety of causes. Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain. It occurs when the band of tissues that connects the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This condition can then cause the plantar fascia to pull on the heel and give it stress. It can also lead to heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel bone and become painful when bearing weight. Fat pad atrophy is another common source of heel pain. It occurs when the fat underneath the heel begins to wear away. Growing children who are active between the ages of 8 and 13 are susceptible to Sever’s disease. This is a result of the calf muscles growing faster than the Achilles tendon and causing the muscles to pull on the heel. Because of how debilitating heel pain can be to everyday life, patients who are struggling with any of these conditions may wish to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed, symptoms such as foot and ankle pain, burning, tingling, and numbness can arise. This condition is typically treated through conservative methods. These include resting and icing the affected foot, taking over-the-counter pain medications, wearing orthotics, immobilizing the foot, physical therapy, and steroid injections. In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, decompression surgery may be needed. To learn more about tarsal tunnel syndrome, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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 large tendon located at the back of the ankle, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle, is known as the Achilles tendon. It is the largest tendon in the body, allows you to stand on tiptoe and bears a lot of stress. Activities such as running, jumping, or standing for a long period of time can cause the Achilles tendon to swell, stiffen and become painful. This condition is known as Achilles tendinopathy. Factors such as older age, being overweight, tightness in the calf muscles, poor limb alignment, and stiff joints in the foot can contribute to Achilles tendinopathy. Because of the severity of an Achilles injury, patients who are struggling with pain or tenderness in this tendon would be wise to visit a podiatrist for an evaluation.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Many diabetics are at risk of developing foot ulcers that are typically found under the big toe and the ball of the foot. If an ulcer goes undetected, it can lead to a deterioration of the skin, right down to the bone. And if infected, it can become life threatening. About a quarter of all diabetics develop ulcers, but there are ways to keep them from forming in the first place. It’s important to check your feet daily, looking for skin tears, calluses, blisters or any open cut, sore or wound. Keep your feet clean by washing them in warm soapy water and thoroughly drying them, especially between the toes. Apply lotion to keep the feet from drying out and cracking. Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks. Some other tips include, wearing shoes that fit properly, taking prescribed medications, checking sugar levels and exercising regularly. If calluses or corns have formed on your feet, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can safely remove them and check your feet for any other skin problems.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.