Many diabetics are at risk of developing foot ulcers that are typically found under the big toe and the ball of the foot. If an ulcer goes undetected, it can lead to a deterioration of the skin, right down to the bone. And if infected, it can become life threatening. About a quarter of all diabetics develop ulcers, but there are ways to keep them from forming in the first place. It’s important to check your feet daily, looking for skin tears, calluses, blisters or any open cut, sore or wound. Keep your feet clean by washing them in warm soapy water and thoroughly drying them, especially between the toes. Apply lotion to keep the feet from drying out and cracking. Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks. Some other tips include, wearing shoes that fit properly, taking prescribed medications, checking sugar levels and exercising regularly. If calluses or corns have formed on your feet, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can safely remove them and check your feet for any other skin 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 and ankle needs.

While severe ankle pain is most typically caused by fractures and sprains, it may also be the result of a ruptured Achilles tendon. An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the three bones of the ankle. Along with intense and immediate pain, a severe ankle fracture may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight or walking, and an obvious deformity. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligament that supports the ankle becomes overly stretched, or partially/fully torn. When you severely sprain your ankle, you may experience many of the same symptoms as an ankle fracture, and you may even hear a popping sound at the moment of injury. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when this large tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone tears partially or is fully torn away from the heel bone. This condition typically causes severe pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, bruising, tenderness and an inability to stand your toes. If you have suffered one of these injuries or are experiencing any pain in your ankle, it is suggested that you seek immediate treatment from a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 bones in the ankle are connected by a variety of ligaments. Ankle sprains occur when these ligaments become either overstretched or torn, usually because the ankle is twisted. Mild ankle sprains mean that the ankle is tender and swollen, but more severe ankle sprains can make the ankle unstable and unable to support any weight. Patients who believe they may have sprained an ankle would be wise to consult with a podiatrist, because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to those of a broken ankle, and an x-ray may be necessary. Recurring or severe sprains can also cause long-term weakness and joint pain. Upon the diagnosis of an ankle sprain (or fracture), a podiatrist will be able to provide a treatment plan for the injury.   

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Plantar fasciitis is often associated with certain factors that can cause the band of tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) to become stressed, damaged, or even torn. These factors include engaging in physical activities that stretch the plantar fascia, such as running, tennis, step aerobics, and volleyball. Other factors include being obese or pregnant, wearing footwear with poor support in the arch and heel, or having flat feet, high arches or other structural issues of the feet. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain and stiffness, which is often more intense in the morning or after periods of rest. A podiatrist can often diagnose plantar fasciitis—and distinguish it from other conditions that cause heel pain—by considering the patient’s symptoms and history, performing a physical examination, and analyzing X-rays and other imaging tests. If you feel pain in your heel, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to get your issue properly diagnosed and treated.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

You can help your teenage daughter strike a healthy balance between foot health and fashion. Encourage them to wear more supportive footwear (which can still be cute) on a daily basis, while reserving high heels for special occasions. Explain that wearing high heels regularly can damage their muscles and even change their gait. Go over modifications that can help mitigate any damage caused by high heels while still satisfying their desire to be fashionable. For instance, 1 or 2 inch heels can cause fewer foot issues than 4 inch heels. Wider high heels help distribute body weight much more evenly than stilettos, and wider toe boxes avoid toes being squished from pointy or narrow-toed shoes that place excessive pressure on the bones of the foot. When you take them shoe shopping, help them choose footwear that fits well and is comfortable right then and there, rather than buying tighter shoes with the hope of stretching them out at home. Most flip flops do not provide adequate support either and should only be worn getting to and from the beach, in public places that are wet (around pools, in locker rooms and public showers, etc.) and for short periods of time. For more tips on proper footwear and foot care for your teenager, contact a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Shoes made for walking are usually different from those designed for runners because the mechanics of each activity are different and require shoes that meet those needs. The main difference between walking and running is that when you run, there is a moment when both feet are off the ground. When you walk, one foot is always on the ground. The shift from one foot to the other is gradual, and your weight is transferred from heel to toe much more slowly. Here are some things to look for when searching for a running shoe that you can walk in. It might be a good idea to choose a shoe with a beveled, or angled heel to help with smoother landings. The outsole should have as much ground contact as possible and because the foot bends more in walking, look for a shoe with a flexible forefoot area. Also, try to find a shoe with ample cushioning in the forefoot, but guard against too much cushioning which can tire the feet more easily when walking. If you are unsure of what shoe is best for your feet, please contact a podiatrist for recommendations.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

A variety of underlying issues can cause heel pain, including bone disorders, soft tissue problems, and systemic diseases. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This occurs when the plantar fascia, the long band of fibrous tissue on the sole of the feet, gets damaged, torn, or inflamed. Other soft tissue disorders which may lead to heel pain include Achilles tendonitis (an inflammation of the tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone) and bursitis (an inflammation of the bursa sac that protects the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel). Bone issues that can cause heel pain include traumatic injuries or stress fractures of the heel bone, osteomyelitis (bone infection), osteoporosis (bone disease), and heel spurs—which are hardened calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone due to repeated stress. Certain systemic diseases can also present heel pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). If you have any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the origin of your heel pain through a physical examination, diagnostic imaging and other evaluations, and treat your condition accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Ingrown toenails can cause a great deal of pain and far more serious problems, especially if left untreated. Ingrown toenails can develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin of the toe. Common causes can include wearing tight shoes or socks that increase pressure on the big toe, and activities that overuse the toes, like football, soccer, or ballet. The most common symptoms are pain when you touch your big toe or put on your shoes, and a buildup of fluid around the affected toenail. Soaking the feet for 20 minutes several times a day can help, but feet should be kept clean and dry as much as possible afterward. Wear shoes that have more room in the toe box and cease any activities that aggravate the condition. If your toe becomes infected – indicated by increased pain, redness, swelling or pus – it is suggested that you seek medical treatment options from a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

A small hairline fracture is also referred to as a stress fracture. While stress fractures can occur in the pelvis, thigh bones, and shins, they most commonly occur in the lower legs, particularly affecting the bones of the midfoot. Stress fractures may occur in the foot because it is no longer able to bear weight. They are not commonly a result of a specific injury, but they are usually a result of overuse or repetitive motion. Because of this, athletes like runners, soccer players, and dancers are more likely to develop stress fractures. A common sign of a stress fracture is a sharp pain that is felt when bearing weight that will persist overtime or get worse as the fracture also worsens. Those who are experiencing foot pain and believe that they may have a stress fracture should consult with a podiatrist for treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.