Items filtered by date: January 2025

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle toward the second toe. This misalignment leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. Bunions are often caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes that put excessive pressure on the toes. Over time, the pressure can force the joint to shift, resulting in the formation of the bony protrusion. The severity of bunions can vary, with mild cases causing minimal discomfort, while severe cases may lead to significant pain and difficulty walking. In more advanced stages, the affected toe may become rigid and inflamed. Relief options range from conservative measures such as wearing supportive shoes and using padding, to surgical intervention in extreme cases where pain and deformity are unmanageable. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor its growth, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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 is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, often in the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe. One of the primary triggers for gout attacks is the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense discomfort. Beer, a popular alcoholic beverage, is known to increase uric acid levels in the body. This is because beer contains high levels of purines, substances that break down into uric acid. Consuming beer regularly or in excess can significantly raise the risk of developing gout or triggering a flare-up in individuals already suffering from the condition. Those with gout are often advised to limit alcohol consumption, particularly beer, to help manage their symptoms. Staying hydrated and making other dietary adjustments can also help reduce the likelihood of gout attacks. If you experience symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for pain relief remedies.

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.

Limb salvage surgery is a medical procedure aimed at preserving a limb that may otherwise require amputation due to severe injury, infection, or complications from conditions such as diabetes. In diabetic limb salvage, the primary goal is to prevent amputation by addressing issues like diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and poor circulation that are common among individuals with diabetes. The procedure typically involves cleaning and debriding infected tissue, improving blood flow through vascular surgery, and sometimes reconstructing damaged bone or soft tissue. In some cases, the surgeon may use skin grafts or other techniques to promote healing. By preserving the limb, limb salvage surgery allows for better functionality and quality of life. Early intervention and ongoing care are essential for a successful outcome, as untreated diabetic complications can lead to more severe consequences. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition and discuss the limb salvage procedure with you.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, 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 Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that causes pain in the heel and along the bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. The pain may decrease after walking but can return after long periods of standing or physical activity. Common causes of plantar fasciitis include overuse, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. Additionally, obesity, aging, and activities that place excessive pressure on the feet, like running or standing for long hours, can increase the risk of developing this painful condition. Plantar fasciitis can cause pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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.