Items filtered by date: August 2023

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can cause discomfort and impact your overall foot mechanics. While nonsurgical treatments such as wearing orthotics, can provide moderate relief, some cases may require surgical intervention. Surgical procedures aim to correct the structure of the foot and restore its natural arch. One common approach involves realigning the bones to improve arch height. Another technique focuses on repairing or transferring tendons that can enhance arch support. The decision to undergo flat feet surgery should be well considered by taking into account the severity of the condition, lifestyle, and medical history. Recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for optimal results. Consulting a podiatrist is vital in determining whether surgical intervention is the best path to help you regain comfort and mobility. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward the treatment that is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of New York, NY. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bone fracture, such as an ankle fracture, occurs when a bone cracks or breaks due to high-force impact or stress. Even minor impacts can result in ankle fractures, especially in individuals with osteoporosis or bone cancer. An ankle fracture involves a complete or partial break in the ankle bone. Closed fractures spare surrounding tissue, while compound fractures break through the skin, raising infection risks. Fracture variations encompass avulsion, comminuted, compression, and more. Symptoms of a broken ankle differ based on age and injury severity and manifest as pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity. Causes of ankle fractures include trauma, overuse, and medical conditions. Age-related bone weakening and heightened disease susceptibility elevate fracture risk. Natural healing involves aligning and stabilizing the ankle bone with casts, plates, or rods. Healing duration depends on the fracture's severity and potential complications. Preventive measures include cautious exercising, proper diet, and addressing bone health, particularly during menopause. If you believe you have suffered a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for essential tests and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New York, NY. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, is a relentless autoimmune disorder that does not spare the feet from pain. The immune system's misguided attacks on the synovium, which is the protective lining of joints, lead to chronic inflammation in various parts of the body, including the feet. The small joints in the toes, the arch, and the ankle are frequent targets, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, RA can lead to deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and collapsed arches, resulting in altered foot structure and gait. The chronic pain can impair mobility, leading to a reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial to managing symptoms and slowing down the progression. A treatment approach involving medication, wearing orthotics, and incorporating lifestyle adjustments may help to alleviate the burden on the feet and enhance overall foot health for individuals with RA. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New York, NY. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is painful. It is caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area and it affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. High heels can fall into this category, and women can develop this condition if high heels are worn often and for long periods of time. Patients may feel this affected nerve can be malignant, however, it is considered to be a benign growth. The pain is often felt in the ball of the foot, and it may be difficult to walk. Temporary relief may be found when wider shoes with lower heels are worn. There may be swelling that accompanies this ailment, and it can be helpful to elevate the feet. In severe cases, some patients may choose surgery that can remove the nerve, and normal activities may be resumed. If you have foot pain from for Morton’s neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer the correct treatment methods. 

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 New York, NY. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It is a noticeable foot condition that causes the second and third toes to bend upward at the middle joint. These toes are often difficult to straighten out, and can become painful. Additionally, blisters and corns may form on top of the affected toes where they meet the shoe, and wearing shoes may be uncomfortable. A common cause of hammertoe comes from wearing shoes that are too tight, with inadequate room for the toes to move freely in. A proper diagnosis consists of having a physical examination performed, followed by beginning the correct treatment. Toes may be splinted to keep them straight, and specific toe stretches can be performed. This may be effective in keeping the toes as flexible as possible. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options that are best for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from New York, NY. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.