Items filtered by date: October 2024

There are a multitude of foot and ankle conditions that can impact your daily life. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, which causes sharp heel pain, occur when the tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. A bunion, a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, can cause swelling and discomfort. Corns, which are thickened areas of skin, typically develop on toes due to friction and can be painful. Issues with toenails, such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections, can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort. While some minor problems may improve on their own, persistent pain, swelling, or changes in the nails warrant professional evaluation. Ignoring these issues can lead to further complications, so it is important to seek medical advice. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common condition typically affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. When an ingrown toenail becomes infected, it can cause increased pain and pus formation, making walking uncomfortable. To manage an infected ingrown toenail, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid tight shoes. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, professional treatment is often necessary. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you do not wait for it to worsen, but promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Bunions are painful bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort and affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include swelling, redness, and a noticeable protrusion on the side of the foot. You may also experience stiffness in the big toe, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably. Treatment for bunions often begins with wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box that can help reduce pressure on the bunion. Padding or custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and alleviate pain. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and remove the bunion. It is important to address bunions early to prevent worsening symptoms. If you are experiencing bunion pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan to restore your comfort and mobility.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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

Identifying a broken toe is important for timely treatment and recovery. One of the primary signs is a noticeable change in the toe's shape, as it may appear misaligned, crooked, or deformed. Severe pain is another common indicator, often sharp and intense at the moment of injury and persisting with movement. The affected toe might also show swelling and bruising, with discoloration appearing as a dark purple or blue hue. In some cases, there may be difficulty or discomfort when trying to move the toe. Prompt medical evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include rest, immobilization, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment.

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.

Plantar fasciitis affects millions of people every year. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repeated stress. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis typically include sharp pain in the heel or arch, particularly after periods of rest or first thing in the morning. Swelling and tightness in the Achilles tendon may also accompany this pain, which often worsens after prolonged activity or standing in shoes that lack proper support. Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include spending long hours on your feet, engaging in high-impact activities, wearing poorly supportive footwear, and having flat feet or high arches. A podiatrist can recommend correct footwear, exercises, and custom orthotics to alleviate pain. If you are experiencing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.