As people age, the feet undergo natural changes that can affect comfort, stability, and overall mobility. Skin becomes thinner, circulation may slow, and conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or balance issues become more common. Regular foot exams help identify these changes early so small concerns do not turn into painful or limiting problems. A podiatrist checks skin health, nail condition, joint function, and sensation to detect issues that may not yet cause symptoms. These visits are especially important for adults living with diabetes, vascular problems, or a history of foot pain. Early detection of pressure points, calluses, or subtle wounds can prevent complications and support safer walking. Foot exams also provide guidance on proper footwear, activity levels, and strategies for maintaining strong, healthy feet. If you or a loved one experience persistent discomfort, numbness, or skin changes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are a frequent foot issue where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. The area may look red or shiny, and in more advanced cases there may be drainage, infection, or overgrown skin along the nail border. It often feels sore at first, then progresses to sharp pain, throbbing, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight or narrow footwear, and genetic factors. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the condition and determining whether infection is present. Treatment options include proper nail care, reducing inflammation, and relieving pressure. In-office procedures may be employed to remove the ingrown portion of the nail, followed by preventive guidance and long-term solutions in more severe cases. Prompt care helps relieve pain and prevent complications. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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

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 care needs.

When a newborn’s foot will not flex easily, it can be concerning for parents, but early evaluation helps ensure healthy development. Limited foot motion may be related to positioning in the womb, tight tendons, or a structural issue such as congenital clubfoot or metatarsus adductus. A podiatrist begins by gently assessing the foot’s range of motion, checking muscle tone, and noting whether the stiffness changes with soft stretching. Most flexible positional conditions improve with simple hands-on therapy, guided stretching, and monitoring as the baby grows. When the foot remains rigid or shows signs of deformity, treatment may include splinting, casting, or other corrective techniques to support proper alignment. Early care makes a significant difference in long-term mobility and comfort. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly if your newborn’s foot does not move or flex as expected.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 care needs.

Wearing high heels regularly can change the shape of the foot by placing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, shortening the Achilles tendon, and altering natural gait patterns. Over time, this can lead to bunions, hammertoes, arch strain, and overall foot discomfort. Keeping feet flexible and muscles strong is essential to counteract these effects. Stretching the calves and arches, performing toe and foot exercises, and alternating footwear with supportive, low heeled shoes can help maintain mobility and strength. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending exercises, providing custom orthotics if needed, and advising on safe footwear choices. If you enjoy wearing high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and can guide you on more appropriate shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of 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.  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. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 care needs.