Foot Conditions
Doctor Live Streams Operation on Periscope for Medical Education
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surgeon, Dr. Timothy Miller, recently streamed an Achilles tendon surgery on the video-streaming appPeriscope. Dr. Miller is one of the first among many surgeons using the app hoping that it will help advance medical education. In this day and age of medical education, students and residents are all equally busy which makes the viewing of cases like these increasingly difficult. The streaming session reeled in nearly 170 live viewers, was viewed more than 800 times after during the 24 hours Periscope archived the surgery, and with the help of an assistant in the operating room, five to six questions were answered during the procedure.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
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.
Miguel Sano of Minnesota Twins Sprains Ankle
Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins sustained a sprained ankle after stepping on a ball during a recent session of infield drills. The player will be reportedly sidelined for a few days to allow for his right ankle to recover. The offending ball was rolling in from the outfield when Sano stepped on it. While he may have made the injury worse running on the ankle after hitting a sacrifice fly, Sano only suffered minor swelling the next day; and an MRI exam was thankfully not required. Miguel Sano is one of the top hitting prospects in baseball today. It is hopeful that he will return to the batter’s cage within three to five days.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 can aid in prevention
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 Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Study Finds that Low Vitamin D Can Contribute to Neuropathy Pain
According to a study presented at the American Diabetes Association 2015 Scientific Sessions, low levels of vitamin D can contribute to painful diabetic neuropathy. The study included 45 patients with type 2 diabetes some with painful neuropathy, painless neuropathy, and no neuropathy. After completing questionnaires to asses sunlight exposure and symptoms, the patients went through clinical, neurophysiological, lower-limb skin intra-epidermal nerve fiber density tests. The end results showed that the painful neuropathy group had the lowest levels of vitamin D.
Neuropathy is a common and pain condition for diabetic patients. If you have any concerns about your diabetic feet, contact Dr. Moshe Hillel, DPM of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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.
Increase in Morton’s Neuroma May be Due to High Heels
Since 2004, the number of cases of Morton’s neuroma has risen by over 100%. These figures come from the UK’s Health and Social Care Information Centre. Compared to men, women are up to ten times more likely to suffer from the condition. This is speculated to be due to years of wearing high heeled or improper-fitting shoes. Andrew Craig of Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation trust stated, “We have known for a long time that the condition seems to predominantly affect females of a middling age, with speculation that high heels and other such tightly fitting and unnatural footwear—despite looking fabulous, I’m sure—may play a role.”
Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 Advanced Foot Care NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Some Children prone to Pediatric Flat Feet
Babies have many bones in their feet that need to close and grow to become a proper joint later in life. Many of these bones make up the arch that usually starts out as flexible flat feet. For 80-90% of children, those flat feet will eventually turn into arches, but for the rest pediatric flat feet occurs. Children with pediatric flat feet may experience pain, tenderness, cramping in the feet and legs and should seek treatment especially if they have difficulty walking. Treatment for flat feet includes activity modifications, such as cutting down on sports, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and surgery.
Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Foot Care NY. Our doctors will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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 Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.
Increase in Morton’s Neuroma Due to High Heels
In the past decade, the number of people diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma has doubled and many are placing the blame on high heels. Accordingly, women are nearly eight to ten times more likely to have Morton’s neuroma, especially if wearing high heels above two inches. High heels have become increasingly problematic because the shoe pushes the toe bones against the nerves where neuromas are most likely to develop.
High heel have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. 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.
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.
Cold Feet May be Related to Poor Circulation
According to Amy Rushlow of Yahoo health, your constantly freeze feet may be due to something more serious than you thought. Blood in the body is warm and is a key factor in maintaining body temperature, have cold feet regularly may mean poor blood circulation in the feet. When the feet see reduced circulation, they will not be as warm. Additionally poor circulation in the feet has been linked to a few health issues such as smoking and diabetes.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
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.
Casey Hayward of Green Bay Packers Dealing with Foot Injury
Casey Hayward, cornerback for the Green Bay Packers has been dealing with an off-season foot injury that may keep him off the field until training camp. Early in the off-season it was noted that Hayward’s foot began to experience flare ups, causing him to take training light and cautiously. “I’ll probably take it easy into camp right now,” he stated. Although the foot injury is keeping him away until camp, coach Mike McCarthy does not see the injury being a long-term issue.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
Ultrasound Effective in Treating Heel Pain
Doctors attempting to find the cause behind heel pain in their patients may be creating more problems if their examinations do not include an ultrasound. An estimated 10 percent of people will experience heel pain at least once in their lives. Plantar fasciitis is often pegged as the most common cause of heel pain. Other causes, however, including a tear in the ligament or a fatty cyst could be behind the pain.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctorwill treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
More...
Three Key Tips to Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Warmer outside weather means more people will be running outside. With that being said, Triathlete has come up with three keys in finding the right running shoe.
- Know Yourself - know what kind of ride you want and for which type running you do. If you are more of a long distance runner, a softer more cushioned shoe is best. Always pick a shoe that you know you can control at the end of the day.
- Understand a Good Fit - Running shoes should feel tighter in the heel and mid-foot. There should be no slipping or irritation. It is also important to understand that different brands will fit differently.
- Find the Right Offset - The heel-toe offset is the height difference between a shoe’s heel and forefoot. Accordingly a lower offset may mean an improvement in running posture, but dropping the foot too fast can lead to soreness.
The right running shoe for your foot type is vital in running well and preventing injury. If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles contact podiatrist Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Foot Type
Running is a physical activity although fun, can put a lot of stress on the joints, bones and ligaments of the body. Injury and stress on the foot can be an important factor on which kind of shoe you’re wearing. Running shoes should be worn based on your foot type. It is important to find out what fits you based on cushioning, stability and motion.
Determining your type
Speak with a shoe specialist or retail professional to see what your foot type is. They will be able to identify and measure your arch type, stride and gait.
Running Mechanics
When you are running or walking in your shoes, every step determines how your foot is landing. Pronation is the natural rolling of your ankle from outside to inside during foot strike.
Pronation is a correct form of walking or running. It helps absorb shock and store energy from your lower extremities. Neutral runners who pronate correctly do not need specific shoes, since they have stability and control.
Over-pronators
Those people who run with excessive ankle rolling. Over-pronators tend to have ankles that angle inward, flat feet, and or bowed legs. This can cause a series of injuries: of the knees, ankles and Achilles tendons.
Under-pronation
Is less common than over-pronation. This usually happens to those who have inflexible feet and high arches. Even though there is less rotational stress on the ankles and knees, it prevents any kind of shock absorptions. Under-pronations need shoes with increase in cushion and flexibility.
If you are unsure which shoes accommodate your feet, always speak to your foot specialist, or professional.
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.
Quality Shoe Materials can help prevent Foot Problems
Leo Faramelli of Leo’s Shoe Repair has a lot of experience selling and repairing shoes and has a vast understanding of how certain shoes can cause problems for the feet. “Older shoes are made a lot better. There’s much more real leather. Today, most of the shoe is vinyl to an extent,” Leo states. Today shoes are made with a cheaper grade of leather than is then coated with vinyl and plastic. The shoes look great but that are not as quality, putting customers feet at risk for problems such as corns. Shoes made out of real leather will mold to your feet.
Shoes that are not properly suited for the feet can cause corns and other podiatric problems. If you have any foot or ankle concerns, contact Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will attend to your foot and ankle needs.
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
Treating 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 feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Four Steps to Preventing Running Injuries
Kathleen Trotter, personal trainer and writer for the Huffington Post, has developed four steps to ensure injury free running.Step1: Make recovery top priority. Be sure schedule stretches, massages, and get enough rest for the body to recover after running.
Step 2: Listen to your body. If you are experiencing foot pain during your running session, don’t ignore the pain. Instead participate in another exercise that puts less pressure on the feet.
Step 3: Progress gradually. If you have spent all winter doing everything but running, it is not a good idea to start running at an extreme level. Instead work your way back into running for long periods of time.
Step 4: Do not just solely run. Since running is so hard on the body and puts a lot of stress on the joints, tendons, and ligaments, it is a good idea to mix up exercises by trying strength training, core training, stretching, and massaging to reduce these stresses.
Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
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 care needs.
Doctor Discusses Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
In an interview with NPR, Dr. Navan Duggal discusses plantar fasciitis as well as treatment for the condition. Two million people in the United States, with men and runners being the most prominent, suffer from plantar fasciitis every year. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band running from the toes to the heel of the feet, receives excessive strain and trauma causing pain near the heel. “Usually the problem is that patients have this pain and they haven’t really addressed it,” Duggal States. Sometimes the condition starts as mild pain in the heel or through a tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle. Duggal also states that stretching the feet as well as wearing orthotic inserts helps relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Our doctor can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a 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 contact our office in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.