Items filtered by date: December 2022

Various conditions can affect the feet, and erythromelalgia is considered to be a rare foot condition. Common symptoms that are often experienced with this ailment can include burning pain, increased skin temperature, and the affected area may be red. The reason this condition can occur is unknown, despite researchers discovering it may happen from abnormalities in the blood flow. Many patients who are afflicted with erythromelalgia may notice these symptoms gradually appear, and their frequency can increase over time. Patients have found mild relief when their feet are immersed in ice water, or by exposing them to cold air from an air conditioner or fan. People who are experiencing these symptoms are urged to contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose this condition, and prescribe medication for possible relief.

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.
 

Toenail fungus is undoubtedly an unpleasant, unsightly, and potentially uncomfortable condition that can affect just about anyone. Since this condition can make the nails appear discolored and in bad form, many patients of podiatrists are curious about how they might go about preventing toenail fungus from developing. The good news is that there are several steps that an individual might take to prevent toenail fungus. If a patient uses antifungal sprays or powders, then this might significantly improve the patient’s resistance to developing a toenail fungus. Additionally, when a person properly cares for their nails, this can significantly help protect the nails from becoming infected. This includes properly cutting the nails, and ensuring that they are clean. If you are worried about preventing toenail fungus, you can make an appointment with a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will help you address your problems.

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.

As one gets older, caring for the feet becomes more and more important. A daily regimen of foot care is recommended by experts in geriatrics. Inspecting the feet for cuts, bruises, and sores is something that should be done every day, either by yourself or by a caregiver. Many older people develop underlying conditions that contribute to foot problems that if ignored can have serious repercussions, including numbness, inability to feel hot and cold temperatures, and increased risk of falling. For this reason, maintaining both a healthy diet and doing low-impact exercises regularly can go a long way to keeping you mobile, independent, and able to carry out daily activities. Wearing supportive shoes with ample cushioning is suggested, and going barefoot is to be avoided if possible. If your feet are in constant pain, if they are numb, or if you have sores that take a long time to heal, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

A bunion occurs from repeated stress that happens on the outside of the big toe. Wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely may cause a bunion. High heels can fall into this category, and it is a condition that is more prevalent among women than men. It is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe and may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is known as a progress foot deformity, and many patients develop bunions for genetic reasons. It is considered to be an imbalance of the muscles and ligaments, where they are either too tight or too loose. The big toe may have a limited range of motion, and walking may be painful. It is common for calluses to form on top of the bunion, and this can be a result of the shoe rubbing against it. In addition to its obvious appearance, an X-ray is often performed that can determine the severity of it. A bunion is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and if you are afflicted with this, it is suggested you schedule an appointment as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.