Strong, comfortable feet play an important role in maintaining balance during daily activities. When foot pain, deformities, or nerve problems are present, it becomes harder to move with confidence. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and nerve damage can change the way a person walks and reduce stability. Thick toenails, poor sensation, or painful calluses may also make each step less secure. For older adults especially, these issues can increase the likelihood of losing balance during routine movement. Regular foot care can make a meaningful difference. Keeping toenails trimmed, treating painful skin conditions, wearing supportive shoes, and maintaining strength in the muscles of the feet and ankles all help support steadier movement. A podiatrist can identify structural problems, recommend treatment, and provide guidance on proper footwear and foot health. If you experience foot pain, numbness, or changes in the way you walk, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 the skin on the foot is injured, the body begins a complex healing response designed to close the wound and restore healthy tissue. This process happens in several connected stages that gradually rebuild the damaged area. First, the body works to stop bleeding and protect the injury. Blood cells gather at the site and form a clot that seals the wound, preventing harmful bacteria from entering. Next, the body begins building new tissue. Fresh cells grow, small blood vessels develop, and the wound slowly fills in as healthy skin forms. During the final stage, the new tissue strengthens and becomes more organized. The skin becomes firmer and better able to handle normal pressure from standing and walking. Proper wound care, cleanliness, and reduced pressure help support healing. If a foot wound heals slowly or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you promptly see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Pinky toe pain can interfere with walking, balance, and daily activities, often resulting from injuries or repetitive stress. Common causes include a broken toe from direct trauma, a stress fracture from overuse, or a dislocated toe from sudden impact or awkward movement. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Ignoring pain in the pinky toe can lead to long-term complications, including improper alignment or chronic discomfort. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, perform imaging, if needed, and recommend splinting, protective footwear, or therapy to restore function. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty in moving your pinky toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that affects the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often develops from overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or wearing unsupportive shoes. The back of the heel may look slightly swollen or thickened, and the area can feel warm or tender to the touch. Many patients describe a dull ache that becomes sharper with walking, running, or climbing stairs, especially after periods of rest. Morning stiffness is common and may improve slightly with gentle movement. A podiatrist begins with a careful examination of the foot and ankle, evaluating flexibility, strength, and walking pattern. Imaging may be used if a tear is suspected. Treatment may include activity modification, wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the tendon. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.