Arthritis is a painful condition that can affect the feet. There are several forms of arthritis and each one can develop in different parts of the foot. Osteoarthritis can cause bony spurs on the bottom of the big toe as a result of damaged cartilage. This can often lead to bunions developing and many patients have to purchase wider shoes. Inflammation of the joints in the ball of the foot may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. This may result in ligaments that become loose which may help the bone to push against the skin of the sole. Mild relief may be felt when a portion of leather is placed in the shoe, and this may be helpful in moving the pressure to the center of the foot. An extremely painful form of arthritis is known as gout and can develop from genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods may cause excess uric acid and can lodge in the joints of the big toe. If you have foot pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose arthritis in the feet as well as offer treatment methods.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It also creates the arch in the foot. One of the first symptoms of plantar fasciitis is heel pain and it may be worse upon arising in the morning. It can develop as a result of repetitive stress that is common among runners, or it may happen from overstretching. People who have flat feet or high arches may be prone to developing this condition, in addition to being obese or pregnant. It may also happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The symptoms that many people have can consist of severe pain, swelling, and redness in the heel area, and it may be difficult to walk. If the condition is mild, relief may be found when specific stretches are performed. Additionally, custom-made orthotics may be worn so daily activities can be completed with little or no pain. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent relief. If you have heel pain, it is advised that you seek counsel from a podiatrist who can properly diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer you the correct treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As the aging process occurs, the feet need special care and time to maintain overall foot health as this can positively affect the rest of the body. Many people enjoy soaking their feet in warm water due to its soothing effect. After the feet are thoroughly dried, many patients prefer to apply a good moisturizer on them and may choose to sleep with cotton socks on their feet. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep the toenails properly trimmed as this may help to avoid painful ingrown toenails from developing. The feet will feel good when the shoes that are worn fit correctly, and it is important to have the feet measured when new shoes are purchased. Any sores, blisters, cuts, or wounds that have developed on the feet may need immediate attention to ensure proper foot care is received. The feet will feel better when they are frequently stretched, and this can also help to strengthen the feet to prevent falling. If you would like more information about the type of care that elderly feet may need, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you notice a bump on the arch of your foot, it may be a plantar fibroma. It is defined as a benign growth that develops in the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the toes to the heels, and contributes to stabilizing the arch. A plantar fibroma can gradually increase in size, and can be present on one or both feet. It may begin as a lesion, and can lead to plantar fibromatosis, which is also known as Ledderhose disease. The common symptoms that many patients experience can be painless bumps in the beginning stages on the arch of the foot, and may eventually become worse if left untreated. It may be uncomfortable to walk or stand for an extended period of time, and wearing shoes may cause friction. Research has indicated it may be unknown why a plantar fibroma may develop, despite possibly being connected to specific medical conditions. These include diabetes, liver disease, or epilepsy. There are several treatment options for this ailment, and it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you with a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.