Beyond the well-known effects on your lungs and heart, smoking can also severely affect your feet, particularly through a condition known as Buerger’s disease. This disease targets the blood vessels in the arms and legs, causing swelling and reduced blood flow, which leads to the formation of clots. Consequently, individuals may experience pain, open sores or ulcers, and gangrene, which if not properly treated by a podiatrist may lead to limb loss. While the precise cause of Buerger’s disease remains uncertain, one undeniable link is tobacco use. Chemicals in tobacco irritate blood vessel linings, which then triggers inflammation and constriction. Nearly all diagnosed cases of Buerger’s disease are associated with tobacco use, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. Prevention is key, and that begins with quitting smoking and avoiding all forms of tobacco. But prioritizing your foot health is also essential, and by seeking guidance from a podiatrist you can manage symptoms and receive the needed wound care. If you're experiencing any symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

A broken foot, or foot fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the foot are cracked or broken. This can happen due to trauma from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or from repetitive stress over time. Fractures are categorized as open, when the bone breaks through the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. Treatment for a broken foot depends on the location and severity of the fracture. It may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, rest, elevation, and sometimes surgery to realign the bones and facilitate proper healing. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide expert assessment, develop a tailored treatment plan, and offer ongoing care to ensure optimal recovery and long-term foot health.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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 Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are skin growths appearing on the soles of the feet, often transmitted in warm, moist environments. Though generally harmless, they can cause discomfort and resemble different problems, necessitating careful diagnosis. Treatments vary from conservative remedies to professional interventions like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or surgery, with responses varying among individuals. Given their contagious nature, prompt treatment is advised to prevent spread. Differential diagnosis is vital to rule out more serious conditions like melanoma. Consulting a podiatrist ensures accurate identification and tailored treatment. Their expertise in foot health management, including the effective removal of plantar warts, promotes overall well-being. If you suspect plantar warts or experience foot discomfort, it is suggested that you seek professional evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist for the best outcome.

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.

Multiple hereditary exostoses, or MHE, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple benign bone tumors, called osteochondromas, on the bones of the skeleton. These growths typically appear during childhood and adolescence and can affect various bones, including those in the feet and ankles. In the feet, MHE may lead to deformities, such as toe angulation, limb length discrepancies, and altered gait patterns. This can result in pain, limited mobility, and cosmetic concerns. If you have the symptoms described here, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment. If it is an MHE-related foot and ankle issue, the podiatrist will determine if custom-made orthotic interventions that can provide support and improve foot function will be helpful, or if surgical interventions need to be performed that can correct deformities or remove problematic osteochondromas. If you have been afflicted with this rare foot condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage MHE.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.