Items filtered by date: November 2022

Having flat feet is when one stands on a flat surface and their entire foot is in contact with that surface, with no visible arch. This condition used to be considered a problem and even used to bar one from military service. While flat feet can be an indicator of poor biomechanics or walking style, they do not always cause problems. Babies are born with flat feet and do not have a foot arch until it is filled with fat as they develop. If the arch drops later in life, it is known as acquired flat foot.  This is sometimes associated with problems, like excessive pronation or the foot rolling inward and lowering the arch closer to the ground. Problems with the feet can lead to problems elsewhere in the body, such as knees, hips, and the back. If you have flat feet and they cause you pain, see a podiatrist for an examination and guidance.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most painful foot conditions is considered to be an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the sides of the skin instead of over it. The noticeable signs that an ingrown toenail has developed can include pain when the affected nail is touched, swelling, redness, and a discharge may come from the nail. There are various reasons why an ingrown toenail can develop, consisting of wearing shoes that are too tight, having feet that sweat profusely, or cutting the toenails incorrectly. Some patients find it helpful to soak the affected foot in warm water, and this can make it easier to pull the nail away from the skin. This is a temporary solution, and should not be confused with consulting a podiatrist for permanent relief. This type of doctor can prescribe an antibiotic for an existing infected nail, and offer treatment that may include surgery. It is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you the best way to find permanent relief. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When a woman carries a baby to term during pregnancy, her body undergoes a variety of different physical changes. Many of these changes concern the feet. If you are expecting, you might consider being especially mindful of the extent to which the pregnancy might be affecting fluid retention in the feet and lower legs. For example, during pregnancy, blood circulation to the feet may be diminished, which can cause excess fluid retention. Certain factors may increase one’s susceptibility to this condition. Namely, consuming food that is high in salt and exercising may increase a pregnant woman’s fluid retention and result in swollen feet. Please contact a podiatrist if you are concerned about fluid retention in the feet during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injury nationwide. A lower ankle sprain is experienced by most people who endure this type of injury, and this is defined as damage that is done to the tendons and muscles below the ankle. Conversely, a high ankle sprain affects the ligaments that support the leg bones which connect to the ankle. This can happen as a result of the foot twisting outward and stretching beyond its normal range of motion. The common symptoms that can accompany a high ankle sprain can include pain while walking upstairs, as the foot flexes upward. The ankle may also feel weak, and this can make walking difficult. Performing a squeeze test is often successful in determining an existing high ankle sprain. This is done by squeezing the patient’s leg under the knee, and observing if there is pain that radiates to the ankle area. Relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and existing swelling may be reduced when the foot is wrapped in compression bandages. If you have this type of injury, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat an ankle sprain.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Runners who run on tracks or other smooth surfaces may have the perfect shoes for that environment. However, if a runner switches to trail running, the old footwear may not fill the requirements. Running experts suggest that trail runners wear shoes that include extra protection against sharp objects and provide soles with extra grip. Lug patterns on the bottom of the sole may differ for runs on muddy or rugged terrain. A wide forefoot in the shoe is important for running long distances or for runners who have wide feet. The weight of the shoe is another factor that must be considered, depending on how far you plan to run. Having a padded collar and tongue can also cushion the feet and provide support. For more information on protecting your feet during a trail run, it might be a good idea to consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.