Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
The location of the band of tissue that is referred to as the plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes, and provides support for the arch. An injury or gradual overuse can cause a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, and can cause difficulty in walking. Tight calf muscles or flat feet can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can consist of pain and discomfort in the morning after arising, and it can last throughout the day. Additionally, the pain may increase if the shoes that are worn do not have adequate support. This ailment can be common among people who enjoy running, and it is beneficial to refrain from participating in similar activities until the healing process is completed. If you have pain in your heel or arch, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle sprains are extremely common, affecting approximately 25,000 people each day. They occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This usually happens from a sudden twisting or turning of the ankle, while waking, running, jumping, dancing, or playing a sport. Immediately following the injury, it can be beneficial to follow the R.I.C.E. acronym for sprained ankle care. R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. Rest your ankle by not putting more weight on it than absolutely necessary. Apply ice to the ankle to reduce pain and swelling. Compressing the ankle can also help control swelling, and provides support to the area, as often ankle sprains are accompanied by ankle joint instability. Elevate the foot while resting by propping it up higher than heart level. If you suspect that you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. The podiatrist will be able to diagnose the ankle sprain, determine the severity of the injury, and prescribe the appropriate treatments.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a very contagious fungal infection that causes the feet to become dry and flaky. Tinea pedis thrives and spreads in warm and moist environments such as showers, gym locker rooms, and swimming pools. There are three common types of athlete’s foot. The most common type of athlete’s foot is known as chronic interdigital athlete’s foot, which usually results in scaling and fissures. This type of athlete’s foot is usually caused by tight footwear that creates a warm and moist environment for the fungus to thrive in. The second type of athlete’s foot, known as chronic scaly athlete’s foot, is often associated with fungal nail infections and causes the skin to become dry, scaly, and tender. This type of athlete’s foot tends to spread from person to person. Lastly, acute vesicular athlete’s foot is the least common type of athlete’s foot and is indicated by painful blisters on the sole or top of the foot. If you believe that you have athlete’s foot, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method is strongly suggested.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The strength of your feet influences proper foot biomechanics, walking pattern, ankle stability, and overall balance. Therefore, it is just as important to exercise the feet as any other part of the body. There are several easy exercises that you can do to strengthen your feet, such as toe lifts. You can do toe lifts by standing with your feet firmly on the ground and then lifting just your big toe. Practice this movement on both feet until you have mastered it. Over time, progress to lifting and lowering each toe individually. This exercise can improve your toes’ dexterity, strengthening them and reducing the likelihood of toe injuries in the process. To learn more about various foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot orthotics slip into shoes and, at minimum, over-the-counter varieties provide some cushioning and support for your feet. Custom orthotics, by design, distribute body weight and various forces of walking across the foot more evenly, thereby reducing the pressure placed on any one area. They are custom-made devices that are created from either a plaster mold, impression foam, or 3D imaging of your feet to fit your individual foot structure and address your individual needs. Custom orthotics can be used to help promote proper foot alignment and to treat a variety of foot conditions including arthritis, flat feet, hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, high arches, heel spurs and deformities in the feet. They may even be used by podiatrists to help correct gait abnormalities such as overpronation (excessive rolling of the feet inwardly), and underpronation (inadequate rolling of the feet inwardly). Contact a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics may help ease any pain you may be experiencing or improve your mobility.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Painful, slow-healing foot wounds are unfortunately a common occurrence in people who have diabetes. Left untreated, these wounds can grow and become diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). About 1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer at some point in their lives. Why are foot wounds so common among diabetics? The answers lie in the way that blood glucose levels affect the nervous system and circulation. High levels of glucose can damage peripheral nerves. These are the nerves responsible for sensation in the lower limbs. When they are damaged, your ability to feel pain and other early signs of a foot injury are diminished. This means that many cuts, sores, and scrapes on the feet are left undetected until they begin to cause more serious symptoms. Another complication of high glucose levels is poor circulation or blood flow to the lower limbs. When blood moves more slowly towards the feet, it cannot deliver nutrients quickly enough to heal wounds efficiently, thus slowing down the healing process. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor the health of your feet to avoid foot wounds, DFUs, and all of their associated complications. A podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.
Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.
Gout is a type of arthritis which causes uric acid crystals to form on joints—most commonly in the big toe. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation, redness, and limited range of motion. Gout was first identified around 2640 B.C. in ancient Egypt, and has been studied by countless scientists and physicians dating back to Hippocrates who called it “the unwalkable disease”. Uric acid crystals from a gouty deposit were first seen under a microscope in 1679, and the 19th century chemist, Emil Fischer’s, work established the relationship between uric acid and purine—which can raise levels of uric acid in the body. Some famous people who may have experienced gout include King Henry III, Sir Issac Newton, Ben Franklin, Sir Lawrence Olivier, David Wells, Jim Belushi, and Jared Leto—after gaining 60 lbs. for a movie role. Risk factors include eating a diet high in purines, a family history of gout, obesity, certain medical conditions and medications, and more. If you have pain or inflammation in your big toe, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors 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
Risk Factors
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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When the digital nerve—which is responsible for sensation in the toes—becomes compressed and persistently inflamed, a thickened mass of tissue may form around the irritated part of the nerve. This growth typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, and may make you feel as if you are walking on a marble. This condition is known as Morton's Neuroma. Other symptoms may include pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, or a burning pain in between the toes. Because high heels and pointy-toed shoes can squeeze the toes together and compress the digital nerve, women who wear these types of shoes on a regular basis—as well as those who engage in activities that put repeated pressure on the nerve—are more likely to develop Morton’s Neuroma. To reduce your risks, wear lower-heeled shoes with ample space in the toe box, treat foot conditions like bunions and hammertoe, and avoid repetitive motions that apply pressure to that area. If you have any of the symptoms associated with Morton’s Neuroma that last for more than a few days, contact a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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