The feet contain one-quarter of the bones in the body, and will gradually develop from cartilage into bones. A baby’s feet may feel like a spongy material, and the arches will eventually form as their development progresses. A baby’s foot will grow three sizes during the first year of life, and it is beneficial that the feet are not restricted. When the crawling stage begins, it is helpful if the baby does this while barefooted, and this can help toes to become stronger as they try to stand up. Many parents choose to refrain from having their children wear shoes while indoors, which may help to strengthen the toes as they grip the floor. When it is time to walk outside, the first pair of shoes may consist of materials that are strong but flexible, and it is important they fit correctly. The baby’s growth will happen rapidly, and changing the shoes every few months will help to accommodate their growing feet. If you would like additional information about children’s foot health, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is when a benign tumor grows in the nerve cells in the forefoot, causing pain or irritation. It impacts the nerve under the toe bones, usually between the third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma can originate from irritation, trauma, or excessive pressure on the nerves in the forefoot. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight in the toe area and compress the forefoot and toes is one such cause. Wearing high-heeled shoes that increase pressure on the forefoot, causing the toes to be jammed into the toe box, is another. Repetitive force on the forefoot from exercises like running, and court or racket sports is yet another cause of this affliction. When one has a Morton’s neuroma, they will often experience burning, shooting, or stabbing pain in the ball of the foot. It will feel like a pebble is under the foot, and there will be numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the toes. If you feel you might have a Morton’s neuroma, see a podiatrist who will examine your foot and if needed, order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment that is right for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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.

A broken toe can be painful. It happens suddenly from dropping a heavy object on it, or from stubbing it into a piece of furniture. It is difficult to walk on, and will often be swollen and bruised. The first thing to do if you have broken your toe is to keep weight off of it. Elevating the toe may reduce some of the swelling, and a visit to the podiatrist is recommended. Mild breaks can benefit from using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This typically provides the stability that is necessary for proper healing. More severe breaks may require surgery, especially if the bone is protruding through the skin. Arthritis may gradually develop if the toe joints are affected, which can complicate the fracture. If you have broken your toe, please contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can correctly diagnose and treat a broken toe.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Many people enjoy the warmer temperatures outside when summer arrives, and the desire to wear flip flops and open back shoes may increase. This may make people more aware of how their feet look, and the foot condition that is known as cracked heels may become more prominent. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including genetic factors, and standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, the aging process and hormonal changes may increase the risk of developing cracked heels, and this may be a result of thinning fat pads that are on the heels. Relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Severely cracked heels are called fissures, and they may begin to bleed. Cracked heels is a condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is urged that you consult with this type of doctor who can prescribe the necessary medication if needed.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.