Plantar warts are rough growths that appear on the skin of the foot in response to a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This virus can enter the body through cuts or cracks in the skin. You can come in contact with HPV through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or through indirect contact with an infected surface, such as the towels, socks, shoes, or personal hygiene products of somebody who is carrying the virus. Warmth and moisture contribute to the virus’ growth, which is why people who wear closed shoes and socks and those who have sweaty feet are more likely to develop plantar warts. Plantar warts typically occur on parts of the foot that experience pressure and friction, such as the balls and heels of the feet. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Most people have heard of shin splints, which affect the lower leg bone as the result of hard pounding while running. But this same activity can also affect the metatarsals of the foot, resulting in stress fractures. Metatarsals are the five long bones in the foot that connect the heel and arch to the toes. The second and third metatarsals are those most likely to develop stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones. This makes sense because this is the area of the foot that takes the brunt of pounding during activity. Stress fractures are thought to be more common in women and older people. Participating in certain activities – including running, playing basketball, dancing, and marching – also increases the likelihood of developing stress fractures. In addition, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and calcium deficiency can be contributing factors. It may be hard to tell if you have stress fractures, because often the pain subsides after you stop the activity. However, if you begin to feel the pain even when you are not exercising, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can properly diagnose your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that occurs when the plantar fascia ligament, which runs along the bottom of the foot, is inflamed. This condition typically causes heel pain, particularly after a period of rest. When caught in its earlier stages, plantar fasciitis can often be remedied with conservative treatment alone. A severe or untreated case of plantar fasciitis, however, can become chronic and may require more extensive treatment. Endoscopic plantar fascia release is a surgical procedure in which the plantar fascia ligament is cut to release tension and reduce inflammation. If you have severe or chronic heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can prescribe the proper treatments for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you feel the back of your ankle, you will notice the fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. This is known as the Achilles tendon. There are two injuries that commonly affect this tendon. The first, known as Achilles tendinopathy, occurs when there is pain on the back of the heel as a result of overuse. Common signs of Achilles tendinopathy include swelling, stiffness, and pain that is worse in the morning. The second injury is an Achilles tendon rupture or tear, which commonly occurs as a result of jumping and pivoting with a lot of force. This causes the tendon to overstretch and eventually tear. Anyone who tears their Achilles tendon will notice a severe pain and a loss of both movement and strength in the tendon. If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help provide a treatment option for injuries as well as ways to prevent a rupture.

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.

Varicose veins are visibly raised and swollen blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. They are frequently seen on the lower legs, where they can be recognized by their blue, purple, or red coloration. Varicose veins are often a cosmetic concern, but they can also become itchy and painful. They are most common in women, older people, and those who are obese. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the one-way valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backwards. Weakness or damage to the valves causes blood to pool in the veins. The pooled blood raises the venous pressure and makes the veins swell and twist. If you have varicose veins in your lower legs that are painful, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.