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.

Hammertoe, a condition where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer, can result from various causes. One major factor is ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes with a tight toe box or high heels, forcing toes into a bent position and causing muscle imbalances. Individuals with longer toes, flat feet, or bunions are more susceptible, as are those with a family history of the condition. Hammertoe symptoms include toe deformity, pain, calluses, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and X-rays, and treatment options depend on toe flexibility. In early stages, nonsurgical approaches like proper footwear, exercises, and splints can help. Surgery may be necessary if the toe becomes rigid. Early intervention is essential to manage hammertoe effectively. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for the best treatment option for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Managing plantar fasciitis can make mornings difficult, as stepping out of bed often brings heel pain. This common condition causes discomfort in the heel or foot arch, hindering activities such as exercising and walking. Plantar fasciitis stems from various causes, including excessive exercise, repetitive motion, or from wearing ill-fitting footwear Additionally, conditions that can include high arches, flat feet, weight gain, diabetes, and arthritis may also lead to developing this condition. These factors can lead to inflammation in the plantar fascia. Custom-made orthotics, tailored to your foot's biomechanics and gait, can be an effective treatment. These devices, fitted in your shoes, can aid in recovery from stress or tears and mitigate movements causing inflammation. If you suffer from persistent plantar fasciitis pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can design orthotics for you to help manage your heel pain.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.