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Fracture of the Pinky Toe
The pinky toe is the smallest toe on the foot, and it is located on the outside of the foot. It can easily be involved in an injury and be painful to deal with when broken. A broken pinky toe will often appear to be bruised, and can turn red and purple. Some patients experience swelling, as well as misalignment of the affected toe. An effective diagnosis may involve undergoing an X-ray, which can help to determine what type of fracture it is. A hairline fracture can be treated by resting the affected foot, and relief may be found when an elastic bandage is worn. Patients who are over sixty-five may be prone to enduring a dislocated toe, meaning separation of the bones in the toe. If you feel you may have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment options.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are pointy calcium deposits on the heel bone that develop after there is repeated inflammation at the site where ligaments or tendons attach to it. You might be asking what causes this inflammation? Strain injuries due to athletics, chronic inflammatory disorders, and arthritis that affects tendons and ligaments all can play a factor in the development of heel spurs. Heel spurs can be associated with other conditions as well. For instance, spurs on the back of the heel bone may be associated with Achilles tendonitis, and spurs on the bottom of the heel bone may be associated with plantar fasciitis. While heel spurs don’t always cause symptoms, in some cases they have been known to create tenderness and pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone, or where the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of the heel bone. By using x-rays and other diagnostics, a podiatrist can identify the bony outgrowth and heal the underlying condition with a variety of treatments and custom orthotics.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
What Are the Treatments for Foot Corns?
Corns are small lumps of thickened, hardened skin that occur due to friction or pressure on an area of the foot. They are most often located in between the toes, on top of the toes, or on the soles of the feet. Corns can be uncomfortable or even painful, but non-surgical treatment is usually successful. Most of these treatments work by off-loading, or taking the pressure off of, the corn. Your doctor may ask you to wear a padded corn sleeve over the corn if it is located on your toe. If the corn is located between the toes, you may be asked to wear a toe spacer between the affected toes to take pressure and friction off the corn. A corn donut, which is a padded, donut-shaped device, can be placed around the corn to off-load it. If it is associated with a large callus, your doctor can also trim the corn. If you suffer from painful foot corns, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Is My Foot Broken, or Sprained?
A fractured foot and a sprained foot can be difficult to tell apart as both conditions share several symptoms. A broken foot is typically more painful than a sprained foot, and the pain tends to last longer. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are associated with both fractures and sprains, but are usually more severe in fractures. At the time of injury, you may hear a crack if there is a fracture, but a popping sound may occur if there is a sprain. Both fractures and sprains are likely to cause difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. If you have injured your foot, a podiatrist can use a combination of physical examination and imaging studies like X-rays, to determine the type of injury you have endured and which course of treatment is best for you.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout and Diet
Small urate crystals that can lodge in the joints of the big toe, causing severe pain, can be indicative of gout. Gout is a form of arthritis, and is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. It may develop as a result of genetic factors, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and drinks that are made with sugar. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment consist of pain and swelling in the big toe and surrounding area, and the condition may worsen at night. Patients who have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or who may be obese are more likely to develop gout. Relief may be felt after making positive lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications that may consist of eating more fruits, vegetables, and drinking plenty of fresh water. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
What to Do About Your Toenail Infection
Toenail infections are very common and are caused by bacteria and fungi growing on or underneath the toenail. These fungi often thrive and grow in warm and moist environments like public pools, locker rooms and showers. Signs of a fungal nail infection include the nail thickening, turning yellow or brown, becoming crumbly, pain or the nail separating from the nail bed. Patients who notice these symptoms should consult with a podiatrist for treatment options, especially diabetic patients since the infection can lead to further complications. Upon visiting a podiatrist, they will check the nail and suggest a treatment option. Common treatment options include antifungal medications, removing the nail, or antifungal nail paints.
For more information about treatment, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Tenosynovitis?
Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of a tendon and its synovium, or lining. This condition can affect the feet or ankles and occurs due to injury, repetitive overuse, excessive pressure on the tendon, or an infection. Symptoms of tenosynovitis in the lower limbs include pain, redness, or swelling, clicking, locking, or snapping in the affected foot or ankle, a grating sound or feeling, stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion. When tenosynovitis affects the toes, there may be a noticeable bump on the toe. If you are experiencing the symptoms of this condition anywhere around your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
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 Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Practical Tips for Preventing Running Injuries
As a runner, taking good care of your feet can help you perform at peak levels while reducing your risks of injury. First and foremost, choose the right running shoes. Get fitted by a professional, and take into consideration your style of running, fitness goals, and the type of terrain you’ll be running on. Get your feet used to new shoes by wearing them around the house first. Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry and to avoid athlete’s foot and blisters—which can also be prevented by applying petroleum jelly or body glide on areas of friction. Reduce swelling and help your feet and muscles recover by icing and massaging your feet. Keep your toenails trimmed at the right length and straight across to avoid bruised or ingrown toenails. Do strengthening exercises to build up muscles in your feet. For more tips on avoiding running injuries, strengthening foot muscles, and choosing the right shoe for your feet, consult with a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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How to Guide Your Baby to Their Best Foot Health
Your baby’s early foot development is important to their future health. You can help put them on the path to healthy feet as an adult with proper care now. Check their feet regularly for anything abnormal. To avoid ingrown toenails, trim toenails straight across—not rounded or too close to the skin. Give your toddler’s toes enough space to move and grow by keeping socks, footed pajamas and booties roomy. Let your baby go barefoot (supervised) during the day to exercise and strengthen their foot and toe muscles. Later, as they are learning to walk, being barefoot will help them grip the floor and figure out balance. Their first pair of shoes for outside walking should be flexible, lightweight, and fitted by a professional. If you notice anything unusual about your child’s feet, or are concerned about their development, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How People with Diabetes Can Help Prevent Foot Wounds
Foot wounds are an unfortunate reality for many people with diabetes. Detecting and helping to prevent foot ulcers from occurring—and seeking treatment if they do—is extremely important for anyone with diabetes. Because diabetes can reduce circulation and feeling in the legs and feet, detecting a foot wound can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to examine your feet every day—particularly the bottom of the feet where ulcers can often develop. Early detection of cuts, cracks, sores, blisters or other changes in the skin can help prevent these minor abrasions from devolving into a wound. Foot wound prevention also includes wearing comfortable shoes that fit well, keeping your toenails trimmed straight across and not too short, and wearing compression socks that can help blood flow, and keep feet dry and bacteria-free while reducing pain and swelling. It is also suggested that people with diabetes seek the professional care of a podiatrist who can provide additional prevention measures—and treat any wounds if they do occur.
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 Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Effective Prevention Techniques May Help to Prevent Falling
Research has indicated that elderly people may benefit from having assistive devices installed throughout the home. These can be helpful in preventing falls, which can cause serious injuries. Additionally, falling may invoke a loss of independence, as the fear of falling can precede everyday activities. Some of the safety measures that can be used in an elderly person’s household can include grab bars in the shower and toilet area, a non-slip bath mat, and improved lighting. Additionally, it may be beneficial to use a walker or cane while inside the home, and a stair lift may be needed for seniors that reside in a home with stairs. Falling can be debilitating to the feet and can cause accomplishing daily activities to temporarily cease. If you would like to know more information about how falling can affect the feet, and learn about effective preventive strategies, please speak with a podiatrist.
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 Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.