Items filtered by date: February 2024

Selecting the right footwear for work is not merely a matter of style but also a critical aspect of occupational health and safety. Wearing properly fitted shoes can significantly impact overall comfort, productivity, and well-being throughout the workday. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a myriad of problems, including blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Additionally, shoes that are too tight or narrow may cause foot pain, discomfort, and even contribute to the development of long-term foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can result in instability, increased risk of falls, and potential injury. Properly fitted shoes provide adequate support, cushioning, and alignment for the feet, helping to alleviate strain and pressure on the muscles and joints. Whether standing for extended periods or engaging in physical activities, wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for maintaining optimal foot health and minimizing the risk of workplace-related injuries. If you would like more information about choosing shoes that fit correctly for your work day, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Stress fractures are hairline fractures in the foot that are caused by repetitive activity, such as running on hard surfaces. These tiny cracks, that can affect various foot bones, often cause pain and further complications if left untreated. Calcaneal stress fractures affect the heel bone, and are common among soldiers and runners. Symptoms include gradual heel pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Calcaneal stress fractures often require bone scans or an MRI for diagnosis. Navicular stress fractures are more prevalent in sprinters and jumpers. They cause a midfoot ache that worsens with exercise and is accompanied by tenderness over the navicular bone. Metatarsal stress fractures, particularly in the second metatarsal, arise from overuse and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include gradual foot pain and swelling but they are difficult to identify, necessitating advanced imaging for diagnosis. Jones fractures, occurring in the fifth metatarsal after sudden trauma or ankle twisting, cause acute pain, tenderness, and weight-bearing difficulty. If you have foot pain that may be caused by repetitive activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and suggest correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Active children often experience heel pain, a common ailment that can stem from various factors related to growth and physical activity. One prevalent condition associated with heel pain in children is Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and strain, typically during periods of rapid growth. Signs of Sever's disease include heel pain, particularly during physical activities like running or jumping, as well as tenderness and swelling in the affected area. Children may also exhibit a limp or reluctance to participate in sports and activities they once enjoyed. Parents and caregivers need to recognize these signs and seek appropriate medical attention to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. With proper rest, supportive footwear, and guided physical activity, children can recover from Sever's disease and resume their active lifestyles with minimized discomfort. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often causing discomfort and pain. These spurs typically form in response to long-term strain on the ligaments and muscles of the foot, which leads to the calcification of soft tissues near the heel. While some individuals with heel spurs may not experience any symptoms, others may encounter persistent pain, especially during weight-bearing activities such as walking or standing. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel. Inflammation and tenderness may accompany the discomfort, further affecting mobility. Seeking professional evaluation from a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and the formulation of an effective treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall foot health. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

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.