BLOG
Tuesday, 19 September 2023 00:00
Recovery From Bunion Surgery
Recovering from bunion surgery may take several months but often leads to having pain-free feet. Bunions, bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, can cause considerable discomfort and limit your mobility. Surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments, such as orthotics and changes in footwear, are no longer able to provide relief. Immediately after the bunion surgery procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling. Your podiatrist may prescribe some type of pain medication to manage this and recommend keeping the foot elevated during the first few days post-surgery to reduce swelling. For the first few weeks, keeping weight off the operated foot is extremely important. A special surgical shoe or boot may be provided to protect your foot from injury, as well as minimize stress on the surgical site. Gradually, supportive footwear may be advised by your podiatrist, along with custom orthotics if needed. Patience is key during the recovery process from bunion surgery. It’s important to avoid high-impact activities, follow up with your podiatrist for monitoring, and adhere to their instructions. With dedication to your recovery plan, you'll increase the likelihood of enjoying pain-free, comfortable feet once again.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors 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 North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 19 September 2023 00:00
Bunions
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out. As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.
There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.
The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis.
Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.
Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Friday, 15 September 2023 00:00
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 00:00
Foot Swelling During Pregnancy
Edema, the swelling or puffiness of body parts, can be a common discomfort during pregnancy. It typically affects the feet, ankles, and legs. This condition can also result in discomfort, potentially limiting the range of motion in your ankles. Edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body's tissues. Several factors can contribute to this buildup, including gravity, diet, medication, and certain medical conditions. Fluid is naturally pulled down into your legs and feet, and sitting or standing for prolonged periods, especially in hot weather, can make swelling worse. Excessive amounts of salt can lead to fluid retention. Edema is not contagious, nor does it have a genetic predisposition. Regular exercise, such as walking, can aid in reducing edema by working the calf muscles, which assist in fluid circulation. It is also a good idea to elevate your legs as often as possible and wear some type of compression socks. Edema during pregnancy is a common occurrence, but it can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medical intervention. For more information on edema in the feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 00:00
Pregnancy and Foot Health
Many pregnant women complain about foot pain while they are expecting. Foot pain can primarily be caused by weight gain and hormonal changes taking place in the body. By understanding how pregnancy impacts the health of a woman's feet, a pregnant woman can take action to keep her feet as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Because a woman's weight changes during pregnancy, more pressure is brought to bear on both the legs and the feet. This weight shift can cause two major foot problems: over-pronation, also known as flat feet, as well as edema, which is swelling of the feet. Over-pronation occurs when the arch of the foot flattens, causing the foot to roll inwards when the individual is walking, and can aggravate the plantar fascia tissues located along the bottom of the feet. If these tissues become inflamed, a pregnant woman can experience pain in the heel of the foot as well as severe foot pain while walking or standing. Swelling of the feet, or edema, often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by slow circulation and water retention, and may turn the feet a light purple color.
To keep feet in good health and prevent over-pronation, pregnant women should avoid walking barefoot and be sure they are wearing shoes that offer good arch support. A device known as an orthotic can be added to regular footwear in order to provide additional support for the feet during pregnancy. Any expectant mother whose feet hurt should first check to see if the shoes she is wearing are old, worn out and not offering the proper support necessary for distributing the weight of her body during pregnancy.
To treat edema of the feet, a good start is to wear quality footwear which offers support and good circulation. Keep feet elevated whenever possible by using a foot stool while seated. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent water retention in the feet. Any swelling that occurs in only one foot should be examined as soon as possible by a doctor.
Good foot health during pregnancy can help expectant mothers avoid foot pain that leads to other health problems. Massaging the feet and doing regular gentle exercise like walking aids foot health by contributing to good circulation. Supportive shoes are also a good investment that will support foot health during pregnancy.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 05 September 2023 00:00
Dealing With Lisfranc Injuries
Lisfranc injuries, though rare, can have debilitating consequences if not properly managed. These acute and traumatic injuries affect the tarsometatarsal joints in the midfoot, ranging from mild sprains to severe dislocation fractures. These joints help to transfer force between the rearfoot and forefoot during walking. Recognizing Lisfranc injuries involves noting diffuse pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight around the midfoot. The pain peaks when the midfoot becomes a rigid lever for weight transfer. Dismissing these injuries as mere bruising can lead to complications like post-traumatic arthritis and chronic pain. Staying off the foot, stability, and strengthening can lead to recovery. Exercises and orthotics can also help. Treatment may include wearing a special boot and controlled weight bearing. Lisfranc injuries are complex but manageable. To regain proper mobility and prevent long-term complications from Lisfranc injuries in the foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 05 September 2023 00:00
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
One out of ten broken bones is reported to be in the feet. When an object crushes, bends, or stretches the bone beyond acceptable ranges, bones break. A break in the foot is either a fracture or a straight break.
The location of any break can tell you how the break happened. Toes, for instance, break typically as a result of something being kicked hard and with great force. Heel breaks almost always are a result of an improper landing from a tall height. Twists or sprains are the other two frequent occurrences. As with all usual breaks, they result from unexpected accident or sudden injury. As with stress fractures, breaks form as a process over time from repeated stress on already present cracks. Runners, dancers, and gymnasts are the usual athletes who receive this type of break. Stress fractures result from incredible pressure on the feet. It is no surprise these athletes bear the majority of reported fractures.
Pain, swelling, bruising, and redness are all indicative of the typical symptoms from a broken foot. Severe pain—to the point of not being able to walk—usually depends on the location of the break in the foot. Toes are on the lower scale of pain threshold, but heels are high, as are a few other particular bones. As the severity of the broken foot increases, symptoms like blueness, numbness, misshaping of the foot, cuts, or deformities will become apparent. These symptoms indicate the need to see a medical professional with access to an x-ray facility.
Prior to seeing a specialist, precautions should be taken to reduce pain and swelling. Elevate and stabilize the foot, and refrain from moving it. Immobilization of the foot is the next priority, so creating a homemade splint is acceptable. Keep in mind that while creating a splint, any increase of pain or cutting off blood circulation means that the splint should be removed immediately. Use ice to decrease swelling and relieve pain symptoms.
When dealing with a medical center, the patient should note that the treatment can vary. The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and the cause of the break. Crutches, splits, or casts are common treatments while surgery has been known to be used in more severe cases in order to repair the break in the bones.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 29 August 2023 00:00
The Power of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, abbreviated ESWT, is a proven treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. This therapy is done for injuries persisting for over six weeks, where the body struggles to heal itself. ESWT prompts an irritation at the injury site, transitioning it from chronic to acute, which facilitates natural healing. It is often combined with other therapies such as offloading and strengthening exercises. ESWT is particularly effective for plantar fasciitis, which previously necessitated extended rest, cortisone shots, or surgery. ESWT involves delivering low and high energy shockwaves to the plantar fascia, stimulating the body's self healing mechanisms. It enhances blood circulation, encourages cell regeneration, and reduces nerve sensitivity. It is noninvasive and has no side effects. Typically, four to six sessions spaced a week apart are needed for optimal results, with symptom improvement often noticed after just two sessions. Healing continues for up to three months post treatment. If you have plantar fasciitis and are interested in learning more about this type of treatment, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if ESWT is right for you.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 29 August 2023 00:00
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an alternative treatment method that is used for bone and soft tissue disorders in the foot and ankle. EWST is a noninvasive option for pain relief and it was originally created to help dissolve kidney stones. This therapy works by focusing impulses to target the area in pain. This method has been proven to show a reduction in the amount of nerve fibers that transmit painful impulses, which leads to a reduction in pain. Shockwave therapy can also expedite the tissue which would, in turn, increase the amount of new blood vessels that are formed.
Conditions that can be treated with shockwave therapy include Achilles pain and heel pain. People with plantar fasciitis may opt for this therapy and the results are usually great after 18 months. Additionally, this method can also be used to treat fractures that have failed to heal correctly. Anesthesia is not required to perform this treatment. It usually is not painful, but it can be uncomfortable.
The duration of treatment sessions usually lasts 5-15 minutes each. This procedure is safe since there is no risk of infection from wound complications, if you are looking to try shockwave therapy to heal plantar fasciitis, it may take 3-4 sessions to start working. After treatment, patients typically notice a dull pain in the area which was treated. However, this pain rarely lasts more than 24 hours.
Nevertheless, there are pros and cons that come along with Shockwave Therapy. The most obvious pro is that this treatment is noninvasive, meaning surgery will not be required. Another upside is that there have been very little complications that have been found with this procedure. On the other hand, those who opt for surgery are at risk for continued pain, wound problems, and infections. The biggest con for ESWT is that it is very expensive; it typically costs around $1,000 before insurance. Another con is that the effectiveness of the treatment is questionable. Usually, if this treatment is helpful, the difference is small.
If you are curious about Shockwave Therapy, you should talk to your podiatrist to see if this treatment method is right for you. At times, patients will find that there are other treatment options that are more efficient for their individual cases.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 22 August 2023 00:00
Understanding Why Women's Heels Crack
In the intricate world of skincare and beauty, cracked heels is a perplexing issue that often plagues many women. These unsightly and often uncomfortable crevices can leave anyone feeling puzzled and frustrated. The culprits behind this phenomenon, however, are not merely superficial. Dry skin, a common cause, occurs as a result of factors such as climate, footwear choices, and lack of proper moisturization. Additionally, prolonged standing or walking can exacerbate the problem, leading to excessive pressure on the heels. Neglecting foot care routines and failing to keep feet adequately hydrated can also contribute to getting cracked heels. While these factors affect individuals differently, a combination of preventive measures consisting of regular exfoliation, wearing appropriate footwear, and moisturizing can help bid farewell to cracked heels, ensuring that each step is a comfortable and confident one. If you would like more information about cracked heels and effective prevention methods, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under