Items filtered by date: January 2023

The importance of practicing exceptional foot care for diabetic patients is crucial in preventing dangerous foot wounds from developing. It is beneficial to implement a simple, daily foot care routine. These can include washing and drying the feet, followed by checking the soles for any cuts or bruises that may have happened. Many people find it helpful to use a mirror to accomplish this, or it can also be done with the help of a family member or caregiver. Diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugar levels, and many times can be controlled by implementing healthy eating habits. Additionally, it is suggested for diabetic patients to stop smoking, as this can contribute to foot wounds. The risk can be reduced for an ingrown toenail to develop by properly trimming the toenails once per week. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, and guide you toward additional foot care practices.

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 Nassau Foot & Ankle. 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The outside of the foot is generally where pain is felt from cuboid syndrome. This is a foot condition that happens when the small cuboid bone becomes partially dislocated. This can occur suddenly, after an ankle is sprained, or gradually develop from repetitive use. The cuboid bone connects to the heel bone through ligaments and joints. The surrounding soft tissues may be damaged by an injury, and this may trigger the cuboid bone to move out of alignment. Research has shown that cuboid syndrome may be prevalent among people who have flat feet, which may affect the alignment of this bone. Patients can experience symptoms that can include swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the foot. Walking may be difficult, and the pain may become worse when physical activity is pursued. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome and offer the treatment that is best for you. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual engages in running, it is possible that they may develop some kind of foot injury if the necessary measures are not taken. For instance, if the runner does not use proper form, they may be setting themselves up for a foot injury. However, runners may also be increasing the risk of injuring their feet by quickly or suddenly changing the nature of their workout. Namely, if a runner suddenly and dramatically increases the mileage of their daily run, then this might yield detrimental consequences. Instead of dramatically doubling or tripling the mileage, a runner might consider slowly and gradually increasing the mileage by 10% increments. This ensures that the feet are able to adapt to the longer distance. If you are a runner and are interested in protecting the feet, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Chemotherapy is a way in which modern science has enabled doctors to treat cancer patients. Essentially, chemotherapy is a way to kill cancer cells that grow and multiply in the body rapidly. Chemotherapy is associated with many different changes in the body, and one of those changes is a noticeable difference in the health of the nails. For example, chemotherapy can sometimes be associated with toenail fungus. Pre-existing nail fungus, like that common to the toenails, can exacerbate nail changes produced by chemotherapy. Importantly, sometimes chemotherapy can induce changes to the nails that then can lead to the development of some kind of toenail fungus. If you are someone who is living with cancer, it is important to understand the effects chemotherapy can have on the health of your toenails. A podiatrist can help you navigate these potential effects on your feet.  

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

One of the best ways to heal from an ankle sprain is by using a brace. These orthotic devices not only accelerate healing, but they may help to prevent re-injury. An ankle sprain brace allows you to move the ankle, which is deemed important to the healing process, while providing stability to the joint. Research shows that moving the ankle joint stimulates the repair of injured tissue. A brace allows you to move the joint while simultaneously protecting the ligaments from becoming over stretched. These types of devices help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing the joint’s ability to know where it is, called proprioception. At the same time, a brace allows the ankle to move up and down, but prevents it from moving inward or outward. As a result, you can walk without reinjuring the sprained ligament. Because there is not a one-size fits-all ankle sprain device, choosing the one that is best for you can be a challenge. In order for your sprained ankle to safely heal, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance in choosing an ankle sprain bracing device. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. 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?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

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 Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.