Items filtered by date: October 2022

Occasionally, flat feet do not self-correct during childhood but move into adulthood, which may cause pain and discomfort. Those who enjoy working out may find their workouts are compromised as a result of living with flat feet. An effective workout for the legs consists of performing squats, and flat feet may cause the lower part of the leg to roll inward, thus affecting the benefits of this exercise. Flat feet may be improved when the foot structure is strengthened to rebuild the arch. An effective exercise that may help consists of pushing hard on the bone at the bottom of the big toe while trying to create an arch as the toe is pushed down. This is an isometric exercise when held for 20 seconds and frequently repeated. If you would like to acquire more information about how having flat feet can affect your workouts, in addition to learning about strength training foot exercises, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with any questions you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

The risk of infection from a wound on the foot may be reduced when it is cleaned properly. The wound can be cleaned by rinsing it under running water for several minutes and covering it with a gauze pad. This is generally followed by applying a protective covering that is adequate to stop existing bleeding. If the wound is severe, pressure may be applied temporarily which may help to control bleeding. Diabetic patients may develop wounds on the feet more frequently than other patients. This may be a result of the inability to feel cuts, bruises, or wounds on the feet because neuropathy may be present. Wounds on the feet can be a serious matter, and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly evaluate why the wound and treat it accordingly.

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.

Podiatrists are familiar with the fact that there are a number of rare foot conditions that can impact the health of someone’s feet. Maffucci syndrome is one such rare foot condition. This condition typically impacts the hands and the feet. It is so rare that less than 200 cases have been reported since its discovery in 1881. If an individual has Maffucci syndrome, they may experience the development of benign growths on the bones of the feet. These growths are especially located at the end of the bones. This condition is potentially serious because although the growths are initially benign, it is possible that they may become malignant (meaning cancerous). Interestingly, Maffucci syndrome is not an inherited condition, and those living with the syndrome can be smaller in stature. If you want to learn more about Maffucci syndrome or other rare foot conditions, contact a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

Orthotics are insoles that fit into the shoe. Custom-made orthotics are specifically designed to the individual patient and foot condition and can be a successful method in reducing or eliminating foot pain. Wearing orthotics may help to restore ankle function, in addition to correcting foot deformities, such as flat feet. Many patients who have bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or diabetes may benefit from wearing orthotics as part of their treatment plan. There are two types of orthotics, rigid and accommodative. The latter type is flexible and cushioned, while plastic materials are used to construct rigid orthotics. The process of having custom-made orthotics begins by having a mold made of the patient’s feet, while considering their footwear needs. If you have a foot condition that may be helped by wearing orthotics, please contact a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best decision for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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