Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetes can lead to various foot problems due to its effects on circulation and nerve function. Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, causes numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet, increasing the risk of injuries going unnoticed. Poor circulation can impair wound healing, leading to infections and ulcers. To give themselves the best chance of maintaining healthy feet, individuals with diabetes should prioritize proper foot care. This includes daily inspection for any cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color or temperature, wearing well-fitted shoes and socks, and keeping blood sugar levels under control. Regular visits to a podiatrist are important for diabetic foot care. Podiatrists can perform comprehensive foot exams, provide guidance on preventive measures, such as proper nail trimming and callus removal, and offer treatment for foot conditions, including wound care, infection management, and custom-made orthotic devices to alleviate pressure points. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under a podiatrist’s care to prevent and manage diabetic foot problems.

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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Foot Strengthening Exercises for Runners

In the world of running, the strength and flexibility of the feet often go unnoticed. From simple toe squish and toe splay exercises to deep squats and hip mobilization techniques, maintaining optimal foot function is essential for improving performance and avoiding injuries. These foot exercises not only strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support the arches, they also encourage proper alignment and biomechanics. Additionally, incorporating jumping exercises can enhance foot elasticity and running efficiency. Whether it's fine-tuning foot mechanics or overcoming injuries, a podiatrist's expertise can be indispensable for runners striving for peak performance and long-term foot health. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose any foot problems and offer treatment options to keep you running on the right path.

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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How Balance Exercises Can Help Seniors With Falls Prevention

Balance exercises can help seniors prevent falls, leading to serious injuries. As individuals age, balance and stability tend to decline due to muscle weakness and reduced awareness of the body’s movement. These exercises focus on challenging the body's equilibrium through activities like standing on one leg and heel-to-toe walking. By consistently practicing these exercises, seniors can enhance their ability to maintain balance in various situations, such as navigating uneven surfaces or recovering from sudden movements. Additionally, balance exercises promote better posture and body awareness, further decreasing the likelihood of falls. If you are a senior interested in preventing falls, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a discussion of your current situation, and how you can incorporate balance exercises into your daily routine to maintain independence and quality of life as you age.

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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Education Requirements for Podiatrists

Becoming a podiatrist involves rigorous educational pursuits to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for foot and ankle care. Aspiring podiatrists typically embark on a journey that includes undergraduate studies, followed by enrollment in a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM program, accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, abbreviated CPME. These programs, spanning four years, encompass coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and podiatric medicine, supplemented by clinical rotations and hands-on training in podiatric clinics and hospitals. Upon completing the DPM program, aspiring podiatrists undertake postgraduate training through residency programs, where they gain specialized experience in podiatric surgery, wound care, sports medicine, and other facets of foot and ankle care. Obtaining state licensure requires successful completion of national and state board examinations, ensuring competency and adherence to professional standards. Continuous education and professional development are integral to the practice of podiatry, as practitioners stay abreast of advancements and best practices to deliver quality care to their patients. If you are interested in pursuing the field of podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

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