Foot Conditions
Chris Clarke of Virginia Tech to Have Surgery
Virginia Tech’s Chris Clarke will be undergoing surgery for his foot injury, which occurred during Christmas break of last year. Clarke sustained a fracture while working out and he now has to wear a walking boot for recovery. He was examined by the team’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tony McPherron, and after a diagnosis and x-rays, surgery was found to be the best option for Clarke’s injury. Following the surgery, Clarke’s status for the team will be unknown.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. For more information, consult with contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Seattle Seahawks Rookie Thomas Rawls Suffers Broken Ankle
Seattle Seahawks rookie Thomas Rawls will be missing the rest of the season due to a broken ankle injury. Rawls suffered the injury and tore his ligaments during the game against the Ravens at Baltimore after being piled by a group of opposing team members. Rawls’s ankle bent under the pressure of the pile, and he had to receive medical attention following the event. Unfortunately, Rawls will not be able to continue on with this season, but it is unclear about other seasons. The status of his injury is currently unknown, and it is unsure if Rawls will need surgery.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Facts About Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia exists as a fibrous band that supports the foot’s arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained or torn, resulting in the area becoming swollen. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by several factors. Poorly-fitting shoes can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis, as well as a change in foot mechanics. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis involves resting the feet, DIY treatment at home, and physical therapy. Treating your plantar fasciitis immediately is optimal for ensuring that the condition does not become worse or chronic.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. For more information, consult with contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
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 Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Who’s At Risk for Toenail Fungus Infections?
While anyone can contract a nail fungus infection, certain people are more at risk. Older adults are at greater risk for developing nail fungus because of the reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. The elderly are also prone to slow-growing nails. Other people at risk include people who perspire heavily, such as athletes or construction workers. For unknown reasons, males seem to develop nail fungus more often than females do. Individuals with weakened immune systems or circulation troubles are also at greater risk.
While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, doing so is not impossible. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well
Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Treating Your Blisters
Blisters may look a little icky, but they serve the primary function of preventing infection when you’ve ruptured your skin’s cell tissue. Jordan D. Metzl, M.D., advises not popping a blister unless it is absolutely necessary, if the blister inhibits physical activity. Knowing how to pop your blister is important to prevent infection. You can do this by using a sterilized needle, then covering your popped blister with antibiotic ointment and waterproof bandages. Oxygen will also help speed up the healing of your blister. Opt for wearing comfortable socks and shoes during the process of healing.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel from Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Managing Diabetic Foot Care
For people who have diabetes, it’s important to manage it often to prevent further damage. Foot problems can arise as a result of poor management, and this can lead to damage of the nerves and blood vessels, or even neuropathy, the loss of feeling in the feet. Feet must be inspected on a daily basis so that injuries can be prevented. According to Nursing in Practice, “people with diabetes are at an increased risk of amputation compared to the non-diabetic population.” It’s best to see a specialist if you feel that you may have any potential issues with your diabetic feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Reasons to Stop Wearing High Heels
High heels hurt, and there are many reasons why you should swap them for more comfortable shoes. Wearing high heels alters the positioning of your feet and gait, affecting your spine posture. It upsets your body balance, and can even result in blisters, corns, and bunion problems. According to Yahoo!, “wearing high heels every day can shorten calf muscles by up to 13 percent, as well as thicken and stiffen the Achilles tendon.” A study done by Stanford University in 2014 suggests that the strain can also lead to higher risks of osteoarthritis. If you still want to consider high heels, Yahoo! recommends getting the most comfortable heels, like wedges, which have thicker heels. Shop for shoes at night, when your feet are at their largest due to the swelling of fluid during the day, and maintain a healthy calcium balance to ensure your bones and muscles are strong.
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Eat Certain Types of Food for Your Arthritis
Eating certain types of food can help with arthritis pain, says Andrea Dunn, a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator of Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute. Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. These foods and other special foods such as ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis pain.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns and Callouses
Corns and calluses often occur as the skin attempts to protect itself from excessive pressure or friction on the skin. Corns are typically smaller and include an inflamed portion of skin, making them considerably more painful. While corns can be treated at home most of the time, it is always best to seek professional attention, especially if diabetic. Wearing proper fitting shoes and socks can help reduce and prevent corns.
Corns can be a nuisance for your foot health. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel from Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Studies Show Falls in the Elderly Reduce Quality of Life
Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between falls and a reduction in overall quality of life. For those aged 65 and older who are at a higher risk for falls, this is serious news. Approximately one third of people aged between 65 and 79 fall at least once per year, while half of people aged 80 and older fall at least once per year. While elderly falls is a serious public health issue, they can be easily prevented with strategies such as installing non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers, wearing shoes with nonskid soles, keeping the home well illuminated, storing household necessities within easy reach, repairing loose floorboards or carpeting, and securing loose rugs.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel from Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
The Elderly and their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Carlos Hyde Suffers Stress Fracture in Foot
Carlos Hyde of the San Francisco 49ers has been able to play despite suffering a foot injury that debilitated him during practices in October. Hyde had shared that the foot injury was actually a stress fracture. Hyde stated, “I just put too much pressure, too much weight on it. It hurts when I put too much weight on it. It just shocked me how bad it hurt when I tried to put too much weight on it, and I just went down.”
Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles 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. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called 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
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-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 in high impact will aggravate pain.
For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Popular Spa Services for Men’s Foot Care
A growing number of men are now showing interest in maintaining glowing skin, trimmed beards, and buffed and manicured hands and feet. As more and more men brave their first visits to spas, they begin to discover that the experience leaves them feeling good and looking good. Daniel Francoeur of Bode Spa Medi-Wellness for Men shares that his spa’s more popular services involve foot care. Both the marathon runner and the office worker are prone to minor foot conditions such as corns and cracked heels, and more men are taking strides to visit spas that can relieve them.
Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctorwill provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The Right Pointe Shoe Size is Vital for Ballerina Feet
Ballerinas worldwide all struggle to maintain the right shoe size and fit of their pointe shoes. The right box, ribbon, and pinch is necessary to prevent foot problems. Noel Amend, a popular pointe shoe maker, often helps dancers find the right fit for them. “If you don’t get the shoe fit properly, the least of your worries would be blistering. It progresses from there...As in any sport, having good equipment is critical,” Amend states.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care, NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
- When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
- Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.