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Possible Foot Concerns with Aging
Because each foot consists of several bones, ligaments, and tendons provide stability to the body, there are conditions that gradually develop and affect the feet. These can include nail infections, gout, a neuroma, bunions, corns, hammertoes, and heel pain. Because of this, many older patients are concerned about foot disorders and the pain that may be associated with them. It may be difficult for older people to maintain balance which may lead to falling. Additionally, it can be challenging to climb stairs and exercise which can lead to weakness and muscle pain. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer correct treatment solutions.
If you need your feet checked, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
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.
Is My Wound Infected?
Wounds can occur on any part of the body but they are especially common on the feet and lower legs, especially in people who have diabetes. Often, a combination of diabetes, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy can lead to slow-healing wounds forming on the lower limbs and going unnoticed for a period of time due to a lack of sensation. This can increase the chances of the wound becoming infected. Symptoms of infection include increased pain, redness, warmth, and swelling around the wound, yellow or green discharge or an unpleasant odor from the wound, fever or chills, aches, pain, nausea and vomiting. If you have wounds showing signs of infection, it is strongly recommended that you seek treatment as soon as possible. If you have diabetes and are prone to foot wounds, a podiatrist can help you maintain the health of your feet.
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.
Signs Your Child May Have an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is defined as the nail on the big toe growing into the surrounding skin. Parents may notice their child is limping as this condition develops. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty walking, and may be beneficial to seek immediate treatment. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort, and often occur due to wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to the onset of an ingrown toenail. The symptoms patients can experience can include redness, swelling, extreme tenderness, and a yellow discharge oozing from the affected area. If you notice your child has any of these symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
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.
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
The Five Most Common Foot Conditions in Runners
While running is great exercise, damage to the feet and ankles are a common occurrence among runners and should be something to look out for. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are two common conditions caused by overuse. Both conditions are characterized by pain and inflammation in the ankle or foot. Another common issue in runners is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet known as athlete’s foot. Blisters, which are caused by friction from your shoes rubbing repetitively against specific areas of your foot while you run, and runner’s toe, which is a buildup of blood from burst vessels underneath your toenail, are also frequent injuries. If you are a runner and frequently experience any of these conditions, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
Causes of Nerve Pain in the Foot
Do your feet feel like they are burning, tingling, or feel like they're getting an electric shock? These symptoms are indicative of nerve pain. This type of pain in the feet can be concerning and has a variety of causes. Baxter’s neuropathy is a condition in which the nerve located just under the base of the foot’s arch is compressed. This can cause nerve pain and may be more common in individuals who have other foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bone spurs, and those who are obese. Morton’s neuroma refers to a compression of the nerves between the toes, caused by thickened tissues. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve and can result in nerve pain in both the foot and the ankle. Both peripheral and diabetic neuropathy are serious conditions that are the result of nerve damage in the lower limbs. To find out what is causing the nerve pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How to Prevent Damage From High Heels
High heels may look nice, but they can cause a variety of foot problems, including pain, injury, as well as nerve and joint damage. Still, you may be reluctant to cut high heel shoes out of your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to swear off high heels. You can take preventive measures to maintain the health of your feet and ankles by being mindful of the effects that high heels can have on these areas. High heels can weaken your calf muscles by keeping them in a shortened position for prolonged periods of time. Stretching the calves after wearing high heels can help give these muscles relief. Strengthening the ankle muscles and improving your balance with various exercises can help prevent ankle injuries and falls. For more information about how to mitigate the effects of high heels on the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
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.
How Is Clubfoot Diagnosed?
Clubfoot is a foot deformity in which one or both of a baby’s feet appear twisted inward at the ankle. Clubfoot is present at birth and can typically be diagnosed via a prenatal ultrasound. Cases of clubfoot that are not diagnosed prenatally are usually diagnosed shortly after the baby’s birth through a simple physical examination. In rare cases, an X-ray or CAT scan may be needed to make the diagnosis. Despite its appearance, clubfoot does not cause pain or discomfort, and generally responds well to treatment. Treatment usually consists of using a series of casts and braces to reposition the child’s foot. For more information about clubfoot and other pediatric foot problems, please consult with a podiatrist.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
How Can I Reduce Foot Sweat?
Excessively sweaty feet can be an unpleasant and annoying condition. There are various over-the-counter products available that can help reduce foot sweat. Antiperspirant products in the form of sprays, powders, and lotions can help keep the feet dry. Foot powders and sneaker liners can absorb excess sweat while you go about your day. Your footwear is also an important factor to consider. Wearing shoes made of breathable materials and moisture-wicking socks may help reduce your foot sweat as well. If over-the-counter treatments are not effective in managing your foot sweat, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar hyperhidrosis and recommend that best course of treatment for you.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
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.
More...
Yoga for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This can cause a stabbing pain in the heel. Stretching the foot may help reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Did you know that you can stretch the feet while doing yoga? For example, while standing, lift your right heel off of the ground and roll onto your right toes. Then place your right heel back onto the ground and repeat on the opposite foot. Do this several times to stretch the arch area. For more information about the benefits of yoga and stretching for plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
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 Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Stretching the Feet May Help Heel Spurs
A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that gradually develops on the back or bottom of the heel bone. It can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may even be difficult to walk. A heel spur can be caused by arthritis, tendonitis, or due to a heel fracture. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is rested and pain medication for inflammation is taken. Additionally, it is beneficial to perform specific stretches that may help to strengthen the overall foot. If you have heel pain, it may be indicative of a heel spur. It is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine what the best treatment is for you.
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.
Finding Relief From Gout Pain
Severe pain and discomfort are symptoms that often accompany the foot condition that is known as gout. In many patients, the pain can be so debilitating that it can cause an inability to walk. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and it is caused by excess amounts of uric acid in the blood. Gout may develop as a result of eating specific foods that have elevated levels of purines. These can include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that have a large sugar content. Frequently eating these types of foods may cause crystal-like deposits to form in the joints of the big toe, and the entire foot may become irritated and inflamed. Mild relief may be found when healthy eating habits are implemented, including eating fruits and vegetables, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. If you believe you may have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat this condition.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
- Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
- Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
- Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
- Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
- Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
- Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
- Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
- Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
- Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
- Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
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.
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
