Edema is a condition characterized by the buildup of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. When it affects the feet and ankles, it often causes them to appear puffy, feel tight, and sometimes become uncomfortable or tender to the touch. This swelling may worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and can make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Common causes include poor circulation, heart or kidney conditions, pregnancy, or certain medications. Edema may also result from injuries or inflammation, and the feet and ankles are especially vulnerable due to their position on the body and the effects of gravity. If your feet and ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can be treated in several ways, but two common approaches are the minimally invasive nail fixator and the more traditional Winograd technique. A nail fixator is a non-surgical device placed on the surface of the toenail to gently correct its curvature over time. It allows the nail to grow properly without digging into the skin, with little to no discomfort or downtime. In contrast, the Winograd procedure involves surgically removing a portion of the toenail and the surrounding tissue. While effective, it requires healing time and carries a higher risk of postoperative pain or infection. Nail fixators are often preferred for milder cases for patients who wish to avoid surgery. If you are experiencing recurring ingrown toenails and want to understand your treatment options, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for further discussion and appropriate treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nongenital cutaneous warts, often found on the feet and toes, are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts may appear as rough, thickened areas and sometimes grow inward due to pressure from walking. Treatment depends on the location, size, and persistence of the wart. Topical salicylic acid can help in mild cases by gradually peeling away layers of the wart. Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, is a common in-office procedure. Other methods include laser therapy, chemical treatments, or immune-based therapies to stimulate the body’s natural defense. In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required to remove deeply rooted or stubborn warts. Avoiding barefoot walking in public areas can help prevent future infections. If you have a persistent wart on your foot that is painful or not responding to treatment, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pressure ulcers develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin, often in people with limited mobility or underlying health conditions. These wounds can be painful, slow to heal, and prone to infection if not properly managed. Treatment begins by relieving pressure on the area. This might involve special cushions, offloading boots, or frequent repositioning. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized helps prevent further breakdown. A podiatrist may use dressings designed to promote healing and protect against bacteria. In more advanced cases, debridement or advanced wound therapies may be needed. Managing diabetes or circulation issues is also key to recovery. With consistent care, many pressure ulcers can heal and be prevented from returning. If you or a loved one has a sore on the heel that is not improving, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.