Items filtered by date: November 2022

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 00:00

The Less Common High Ankle Sprain

A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments and shin bones, which are located above the ankle. It is defined as the tearing or stretching of these ligaments, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, ankle stability may be affected from potential damage that can happen to the surrounding tendons and muscles. An ankle sprain can occur as a result of twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion, which can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. People who have endured a high ankle sprain generally feel pain when the foot is flexed upward, such as in climbing the steps. The ankle can feel weak, and walking may be difficult. An X-ray is necessary to help determine if the ankle is sprained or fractured. The squeeze test is also an effective method of detecting a high ankle sprain, which is performed by squeezing the patient’s leg under the knee. If a high ankle sprain is present, it may cause pain to radiate down to the ankle. If you have experienced an ankle sprain, please contact a podiatrist who can begin an effective treatment method.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Ultimate Foot Care . 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Is Morton’s Neuroma Painful?

An inflamed nerve found between the third and fourth toes is indicative of Morton’s neuroma. It is a benign condition, despite it causing severe pain and discomfort. This condition is often caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Women who frequently wear high heels may be afflicted with Morton’s neuroma and medical attention is often sought for pain relief. The pain comes from an irritated nerve that gradually becomes compressed, which can affect the entire foot. There may be existing medical conditions that lead to the development of Morton's neuroma. These can consist of bunions, hammertoes, or arch abnormalities. Additionally, participating in running and jumping sporting activities may put pressure on the ball of the foot, resulting in this type of neuroma. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

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 Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Ways to Avoid Ankle Sprains When Running

Runners are always at risk of ankle sprains, but some experts have identified ways to help prevent them. The first is to improve your balance and proprioception. Second is to wear the proper shoes for the type of running you are doing, and last is wearing some kind of supportive device on the ankle when needed. Proprioception is simply being aware of the position of your body within your surroundings, key to avoiding sprains. Improving balance and coordination through specific exercise is thought to be the best way to achieve this. Footwear for runners is paramount. Lightweight, comfortable, and being suited to your foot shape are the main considerations. Shoes needed for long-distance and trail running may differ, but ankle support is a large factor in each. Research has indicated that ankle wrapping and bracing can help to prevent ankle sprains, especially if you have incurred previous injuries. For more information, please visit a podiatrist.    

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Can Gout Be Prevented?

People who experience gout often have severe pain and discomfort. It is a form of arthritis that affects the joints in the big toe. The pain comes from inflammation that occurs in these joints and is often debilitating. Gout attacks may occur due to genetics or consuming specific foods. These foods include red meat, organ meat, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages. Existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disorders may also contribute to the onset of gout. There are effective prevention techniques that may help to reduce gout episodes. Incorporating a gentle exercise routine and changing eating habits that can accommodate healthy foods are generally successful in reducing further attacks. If you have had one or several bouts of gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Swelling of the Feet in Hot Weather

When your feet become swollen, bodily fluids accumulate in the feet and ankles, which can make your skin look puffy and cause sensations of stiffness when putting weight on the feet. Swelling of the feet has numerous causes, however one often overlooked cause is hot weather. Some individuals might be particularly susceptible to what is known as heat edema, which is essentially swelling that comes about when standing for a prolonged period of time in hot environments. To avoid heat edema, you might consider keeping your body cooler in temperature by staying in the shade when outdoors. Additionally, it might be important to stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water to combat heat edema. This is done to reduce your body's concentration of salt and can ultimately lower your retention of bodily fluids. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about heat edema and feet swelling in hot weather.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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