Items filtered by date: April 2023

Sever’s disease is a foot condition that active children and young teenagers may be prone to getting. It happens as a result of the growth plate in the heel developing faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons. Heel pain is often the first sign of Sever’s disease, and can come from repeated stress while frequently performing physical activities. Some of these can include soccer, football, and track. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may increase heel pain, and parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tip-toes. A diagnosis is generally performed that can begin with analyzing the child's gait, or walking pattern. This can be effective in ruling out an abnormal foot shape, which may include having flat feet or high arches. Treatment typically begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain, and resting the affected foot as often as possible. If you notice symptoms in your child that may indicate Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help your child to feel better.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

A broken toe is a common foot injury, and can be caused for various reasons. If a heavy object suddenly drops on it, or if it is stubbed into a piece of furniture, it may fracture. Some people gradually develop a broken toe from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and this may be considered to be a type of stress fracture. Common symptoms of a broken toe can include immediate bruising, a reduced range of motion, and it can be difficult to walk. If the fracture is severe, there may be a popping sound that is heard when the injury occurs, and the bone may protrude from the skin. Most people who have broken their toe will have a diagnosis performed that can confirm this, which is done by having an X-ray taken. Treatment for mildly broken toes can consist of using the buddy taping method. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the toe heals. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

The body’s natural defense mechanism against skin that has become damaged is to form blisters over the raw area. A blister looks like a bubble that is filled with liquid. This protects the skin while new skin has formed underneath it. When the new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, allowing the air to accelerate the healing process. It is important to refrain from popping the blister prematurely, which may help to prevent an infection from developing. Blisters form from excess friction that can happen from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. Additionally, they may develop from an allergic reaction that happens from an insect bite, or possibly from a chemical burn or a bad sunburn. If you would like to know more about the causes of blisters on the feet and how to prevent them, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

It can be essential for senior citizens to do what they can to prevent falls from occurring. When a senior falls, they may be setting themselves up for a nasty foot injury or other more serious condition. As a result, the feet may become weak, which ultimately makes falling even more likely in the future. Many senior citizens could potentially benefit from being more vigilant about preventing falls in the hallways of their homes. For example, a senior may prevent falls in the hallway by taking a number of different steps. First, a senior could have lighting fixtures installed in their hallways to increase visibility, which can ultimately decrease the chance of falling. Second, a senior could have sturdy handrails installed in their hallways if they are particularly prone to falling. This will enable the senior to hold on to something while navigating the hallways. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist today.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.