Foot massages are performed worldwide, and have been practiced for hundreds of years. They have been proven to be beneficial to different parts of the body, starting with the feet. There are specific pressure points in the feet that are connected to different organs in the body, and may be effective in releasing energetic blockages. Having a foot massage may help to reduce stress, possibly alleviate pain, and accelerate recovery from an injury. Additional benefits can include improved circulation and a reduction in the stress hormone known as cortisol. Many patients enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being and balance after having a foot massage performed, and they may sleep more fitfully. Physically, the joints in the feet may be loosened by rotating and twisting the toes and the feet. Many people enjoy the firmness of having their feet rubbed, and a scented lotion is often applied during the massage process. If you would like to learn about the additional benefits of foot massages, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Ingrown toenails are a pesky foot condition that can develop when the sides of the toenails essentially grow into the skin. Sometimes, this can result in the skin around the nail growing over the sides of the toenail. Although some people with this condition might not feel any specific symptoms, others might feel pain. There are important steps that you can take to prevent ingrown toenails. First, you ought to consider wearing shoes that fit properly. Tight shoes can lead to the squeezing of the toes. Second, you can work on trimming your toenails properly. Keeping the nails too short or in a crooked shape can ultimately encourage the surrounding skin to grow over the nail. Contact a podiatrist today to learn about more preventative measures you can take against ingrown toenails.

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 care needs.

There is no mistaking a broken foot when it happens. It produces immediate pain and may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. This can be the result of a fall, or if a heavy object drops on the foot. Prompt medical attention is suggested, and it is difficult or impossible to walk on it. In severe fractures, the bone can protrude through the skin, and appear displaced. Having an X-ray taken is the most successful method to obtain a proper diagnosis, and this can help to determine the extent of the break. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may also be used in addition to an X-ray, which may help to confirm the diagnosis. The majority of patients wear a boot or cast on the affected foot, and this is effective in stabilizing the foot as the healing process begins. Additionally, it is beneficial to elevate the broken foot as often as possible, which may reduce any existing swelling. If you have broken your foot, please contact a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for a broken foot. 

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.

A stubbed toe is usually a minor injury that occurs when one suddenly hits or jams their toe. It can happen from kicking something hard, tripping, or catching the toe on an object. Pain that is felt after stubbing one’s toe typically subsides after a few minutes but in some cases, the pain can worsen as time goes on. The toes have lots of nerves and little to no fat cushioning, which can make this injury quite painful. Stubbing one’s toe can cause fractures, sprains, broken nails, and infections, and if one of these things happens, it can be more serious. There is a possibility the toe is broken if it is excessively painful to put weight on it after the injury. Similarly, if the toe and foot swell or appear discolored, if a bone is out of place or poking through the skin, or if one has trouble moving the toe, it may be broken. If you feel you have sustained more than a minor injury to your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.