After toenail removal surgery, monitoring for infection is essential to ensure proper healing. Infection can develop when bacteria enter the exposed nail bed, often due to poor wound care, excessive moisture, or an underlying medical condition. Risk factors include diabetes, compromised immunity, and inadequate post-surgical hygiene. Signs of infection may include increased redness, swelling, warmth, or throbbing pain around the surgical site. Pus drainage, foul odor, and delayed healing may also indicate an infection. Fever or chills could suggest a more serious complication requiring medical attention. Keeping the area clean and dry, following post-operative care instructions, and avoiding tight footwear can reduce the risk of infection. If you have had this type of foot surgery and an infection has developed, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to find relief and guide you on post surgery care essentials.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Ballet places significant stress on the feet and ankles, leading to both acute traumatic injuries and overuse injuries. Acute injuries occur suddenly and may include sprains, fractures, or tendon tears from jumps, pointe work, or improper landings. These injuries often result in swelling, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Overuse injuries develop gradually due to repetitive movements and excessive strain on the foot structures. Common conditions include stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, which cause persistent discomfort and limit mobility. Weakness, improper technique, and wearing inadequate footwear can increase the risk of injury. Strengthening exercises, proper warm-ups, and rest periods help protect the feet and ankles from excessive strain. Maintaining strong, flexible muscles and using proper form can enhance performance while reducing the likelihood of injuries. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if you have endured a foot injury from ballet. This type of doctor can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Breaking in new pointe shoes properly is essential for comfort, support, and performance. The first step is to identify the natural break in the arch by gently pressing the shoe to see where it bends most naturally. Once the natural break is found, carefully bending the shank at that point helps the shoe conform to the foot’s shape. Wearing the shoe and gradually working through movements allows the heat and moisture from the foot to mold the break further. Molding the shoe by lightly massaging the arch and wings helps soften the material without weakening its structure. Softening the box can be done by gently pressing on it with the hands or using controlled movements to make it more flexible. A well-broken-in shoe provides better support, reduces discomfort, and enhances overall performance. If you have foot pain from wearing any type of new shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you further on how to properly break in shoes.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different 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

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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 type of arthritis that causes sudden, intense pain, typically in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. This leads to swelling, redness, and extreme tenderness. Gout attacks often come on suddenly and can cause the affected joint to feel hot, swollen, and stiff, making even the slightest touch unbearable. A podiatrist can help manage gout by assessing the severity of the attack and offering treatment to reduce pain and inflammation. This type of doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to ease the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, like adjusting diet and managing weight, are also essential in preventing future flare-ups. In some cases, a podiatrist might suggest custom orthotics to provide relief while walking. If you experience recurring pain or have swelling in your toe joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.