Items filtered by date: August 2022

Charcot foot is a condition that causes weakened bones in the foot. This can occur in people who have significant nerve damage or neuropathy in the foot. Neuropathy decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain, or trauma. Because of this, a person with Charcot foot may continue walking and exacerbate the condition. The bones become weak enough to break, and if walking is continued, the foot will eventually change shape. As time goes on, the condition causes joints to collapse and the foot to take on an abnormal shape, like a rocker-bottom appearance. If one has this ailment, they will feel warmth in the affected foot, notice redness and swelling in the area, and experience pain or soreness. It is a serious condition that can lead to disability and even amputation. Those who have diabetes, a disease often associated with neuropathy, or those with a tight Achilles tendon are at more risk for developing Charcot foot and should take preventative measures. You should contact a podiatrist as soon as signs or symptoms appear, as successful treatment is dependent on early diagnosis.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. 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 offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Plantar fasciitis is among some of the most common conditions that negatively impact the feet. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs underneath the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes strained and inflamed. Some individuals might be more at risk than others of developing plantar fasciitis or getting worse symptoms of the condition. Cyclists and bikers fall into this category. Some cyclists incorrectly position their feet in the pedals when cycling, which can cause plantar fasciitis complications. Specifically, the feet are supposed to point straight when in the pedals. Generally speaking, the toes ought not point outward or inward, as this can put strain on the foot, potentially aggravating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, biking with a saddle that is positioned at an incorrect height can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Oftentimes, the saddle is positioned far too low, which can prohibit the legs from fully extending when cycling. If you are a cyclist, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to help you determine how to avoid developing or aggravating plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the foot specialists  from Certified Foot Care. 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 offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among gymnasts throughout their careers because of the high impact on hard floors and repetition required in the sport. Research shows that over half of injuries incurred by gymnasts are in the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Overuse injuries, like ankle sprains, are particularly prevalent among gymnasts. However, more severe injuries, such as tendon ruptures and fractures are common as well. Impact injuries to the feet and ankles come from tumbling, punching, bounding, sprinting, and/or landing in gymnastics. As might be expected, the forces of gymnastics generally range from 15 to 18 times one’s body weight. It can take several repetitions to master movements and short or awkward landings can lead to further injury. Also, their growth plates are wide open and vulnerable to injury. These young people are often asked to specialize in gymnastics and not participate in other sports, as well as train year-round which can have deleterious effects on their potential for injury. Prevention of injury in gymnastics can be helped by proper strength training, skill technique, and recovery. If you or your child participates in gymnastics, you might consider consulting with a podiatrist who can help develop a plan of prevention for foot and ankle injuries and be on board in case an injury of this nature is sustained.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with the foot specialists from Certified Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although having smelly feet is not always necessarily cause for serious concern, bad-smelling feet can be bothersome. If your child is complaining about their feet producing a foul odor, there are several things that you need to be aware of. The odor that is being emitted from your child’s feet is caused by bacteria. After your child spends a whole day sweating in a pair of sneakers, for instance, that sweat facilitates the multiplication of bacteria. If your child is not wearing socks, typically this only exacerbates the extent to which the bacteria can grow in your child’s shoes. In certain cases, your child’s shoes might even be home to a type of bacteria named Kyetococcus sedentarius. This bacteria can produce especially foul odors because they release volatile sulfur compounds. If you are concerned about your child’s smelly feet, be sure that they wash their feet and wear a new, clean pair of socks every day and alternate shoes regularly, especially if they get wet or sweaty. See a podiatrist for more ways in which you can protect the health of your child’s feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. 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 offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

By the time you reach the age of 50, experts say that you will have walked around 75,000 miles. As a result, the general wear and tear on the feet becomes more apparent. Fat pads, skin, and bones get thinner. Feet that have been pushed into tight shoes for years become deformed. Tendons and ligaments lose strength and fail to rebound as quickly. Arches are apt to fall, causing flat feet that can result in longer feet and toes. But many older people continue to wear or buy the same shoe size. Osteoarthritis often sets in, causing inflammation in any number of the foot’s 33 joints. Older people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may develop neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, both of which can cause other serious foot problems. All that said, there are ways to lessen the effects of aging on your feet. Consider custom orthotics to counteract the natural decline in foot efficiency. Be on the lookout for sores that do not heal properly. Stretch or do mild exercises to promote circulatory health. Wear shoes that fit properly and offer ample support and cushioning. Pay attention to unusual or new foot pain. Finally, it is wise to consult a podiatrist for regular exams. 

If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. 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 offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.