Heel spur surgery, a medical intervention aimed at addressing persistent heel pain caused by calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, is often considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure involves the removal of the bony protrusion, known as a heel spur, and sometimes the release of the plantar fascia ligament to alleviate tension and discomfort. Before surgery, patients undergo thorough evaluation and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of a heel spur and rule out other potential causes of heel pain. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision near the heel and carefully removes the bony growth using specialized instruments. Following surgery, patients typically undergo a period of rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected foot. While heel spur surgery can offer significant relief for individuals suffering from chronic heel pain, it's essential to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes with a podiatrist to make informed treatment decisions. If you have a heel spur and are considering surgery for relief, it is suggested that you seek counsel from this type of doctor who can help you make the decision that is right for you.

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.

Ankle fractures can be grouped into two types, stable and unstable. The three parts of the ankle are the inner bump, or medial malleolus, the outer bump, or lateral malleolus, and the back bump, also known as the posterior malleolus. If only one bump is broken, it is usually a stable fracture. But if two or more bumps are broken, it is considered to be an unstable fracture and may need surgery. If you have a broken outer bump, you may wear a special boot or splint. For other ankle fractures, you will likely need a splint on the back of your leg and another one around your ankle. Rest and keeping your weight off the injured foot, in addition to using crutches might be needed. Some people may continue using crutches even after wearing the boot until they can put weight on the foot without pain. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, including the type of fracture you have sustained, and proper treatment for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects approximately 10 million adults in the U.S., with about five percent of those over 50. The condition is slightly more prevalent in men. Peripheral artery disease is caused by clogged arteries that block the flow of blood to the lower legs and feet. Risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. Others are family history, chronic renal failure, obesity, and physical inactivity. Common symptoms can include intermittent pain with exercise and severe pain in legs, especially at night. Additional signs of PAD are numbness, weakness, and muscle atrophy in legs, coldness and color changes in feet, and hair loss on the arms and legs. Thickening toenails and poor wound healing, which may lead to ulcers and gangrene, are also telltale signs of PAD. Prompt recognition of symptoms and risk factors is important to prevent complications that can include tissue damage. If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD in the lower leg and feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough exam. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

The impact of wearing high heels may profoundly affect the feet. Recent studies explore the potential consequences of prolonged high heel use. Wearing high heels over an extended period can lead to increased energy expenditure and less efficient walking mechanics. The key issue for runners is the restriction of ankle dorsiflexion, the movement that allows your shinbone to pivot over your foot. This limitation not only shortens hip extension and stride but also interferes with the smooth activation of your calf and other muscles during walking. These findings align with the perspective of those advocating for minimalist shoes, emphasizing the influence of any heel, regardless of its size. When it comes to the frequency of high heel usage for runners, the ideal recommendation is to avoid prolonged periods of wear. Occasional use for short durations, such as a few hours at social events, is considered less concerning. However, habitual use during extended periods such as office hours or weekends may bring about lasting changes in biomechanics. Balancing style with foot health involves making informed choices to ensure optimal comfort and functionality for your feet when you run. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance about the long term dangers of wearing high heels.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.