Sometimes when we develop a cut or wound on the human body, it can be beneficial to cover up the wound with a bandage to protect the skin and help it heal. The feet are no different, and sometimes they might benefit from the use of a bandage when wounds develop. To help keep bandages held in the proper place, the use of an elastic bandage on top may be useful. These bandages give extra support to an area of the foot that is injured. Elastic bandages are usually applied to the feet by wrapping or crossing the bandage across the foot, leaving the heel exposed. It can be helpful to refrain from wrapping the elastic bandage too tightly around the foot which may help to prevent cutting off blood circulation to the feet. Elastic bandages are not for everyone. However, if you are interested in elastic bandages and believe they may help you keep your bandages in place, please contact a podiatrist for guidance today.

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 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.

A podiatrist, also known as a DPM, is a foot specialist that can identify and treat a wide range of different afflictions of the feet. These doctors are specially trained in caring for the feet and have highly specific and specialized knowledge of this area of the human body. Many podiatrists specialize in treating various groups of patients. For example, some podiatrists only treat those in the service. Additionally, some sports podiatrists specialize in treating athletes. These podiatrists are intimately familiar with the intricacies of sports injuries and how they can affect the feet. For example, a sports podiatrist can easily identify how particular injuries from participating in sports can impact the feet. These podiatrists will be able to predict and understand how susceptible an athlete is to particular foot conditions. Sports podiatrists can also make helpful suggestions about which kind of shoe should be worn by their patients to avoid or mitigate foot injuries. If you are an athlete, schedule an appointment with a sports podiatrist today. 

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 and ankle needs.

Feet play an undervalued but critical role in our lives. Feet support the body and help with stability and balance. They also make it possible to walk, run, climb, and stand. Children’s feet grow rapidly. Usually, feet stop growing around age 20 or 21, but it is dependent on when puberty begins. The earlier one starts puberty, the earlier the feet should stop growing. Genetics is a factor as well. While adults might feel their feet are continuing to grow in later life, it is usually related to age-related changes, such as weight gain, loose ligaments, or deformities like bunions or hammertoes as opposed to actual bone growth. If you are a senior, experts recommend buying shoes a half-size larger to accommodate normal foot changes. Should you have pain or other problems with your feet or ankles as you age, consult with a podiatrist who has the knowledge and skills to help you. 

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

As we age, the idea of independent living becomes a reality that must be faced. One of the chief factors in remaining independent as a senior is preventing falls. Risks of falls are directly related to muscle strength, fatigue, loss of balance, and numbness in the feet. Balance problems include dizziness when standing up suddenly, vertigo when the head turns, and feeling unsteady when walking. Actions that can be taken by seniors to help prevent falls include, using a walking aid if you are unsure about your balance. This action can give you the confidence to be more active, as becoming sedentary contributes to the loss of muscle strength. Checking prescriptions of any medication you take for side effects, such as dizziness, is a good idea. Experts also recommend having your eyesight checked to see if you may need new glasses. Balance exercises and light exercise are suggested, as long as you stop to rest when you get tired. Supportive and properly fitting footwear with ample cushioning and non-skid soles are also a good idea. For more ways to prevent falling, please consult a podiatrist.

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.

The majority of people are aware that maximum comfort in shoes starts with knowing what your correct shoe size is. This can be done by using a Brannock device, which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Many people choose to learn their shoe size at home by measuring their feet while standing on the floor, followed by using a sizing chart that can convert the inches into sizes. It is beneficial to learn about the different parts of the shoe. For instance, when buying boots, knowing the widest part of the shaft of the shoe can aid in choosing the right size. Additionally, running and walking shoes fit differently. Extra room is often needed in walking shoes, which will allow the muscles maximum room. Conversely, running shoes fit snugly, with a thumb’s width of space between the top of the shoe and the big toe. If you would like more information about how to get your correct shoe size, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.