Fissures, also known as deep cracks, can develop in the skin of the heel. They can cause pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, bleeding may occur. Cracked heels can develop as a result of dry skin, but can also be caused due to a variety of reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from specific medical conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Additionally, patients who are overweight may develop this condition as a result of the added weight the feet endure. Many patients find mild relief when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper maintenance advice and possible prevention techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries that can occur. Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments that support the ankle are twisted or stretched too far and ultimately tear. The severity of the injury is determined by the amount of ligament damage at the time of injury. Common signs of a sprained ankle include swelling, tenderness, bruising, skin discoloration, pain, stiffness, and being unable to put weight on the affected ankle. Because a more severe sprain can weaken the ankle and lead to future sprains, it is important to visit a podiatrist who can help diagnose and treat your injury. Common treatments may include an ankle brace, rest, ice and physical therapy.  

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 Family Foot Care of Long Island. 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 Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ailments can become more common as we age. To decrease the likelihood of developing various foot problems, it is important to take care of your feet. Wearing the right shoes is of the utmost importance. Shoes that are too tight can increase the risk of foot pain, hammertoes, bunions, and blisters, while shoes that are too loose can lead to a fall. It is recommended that you wear comfortable, properly fitted shoes that give your toes room to move. Keeping your feet well-moisturized can prevent corns and calluses, while cutting your toenails regularly can prevent ingrown nails. Another thing that you can do to benefit your feet is to stretch them. Flex and wiggle your toes and walk regularly to help maintain foot strength and flexibility. If you develop foot problems, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Patients who consider having foot surgery performed have often exhausted other means of obtaining relief. It is considered to be a last resort for finding permanent relief, and many patients are willing to go through the recommended recovery time. One of the more common types of foot surgeries is having a bunion removed. A bunion is a bony protrusion that forms at the bottom of the big toe. It is often uncomfortable to wear shoes, and surgery may be a viable option for relief. A heel spur can form at the base of the heel and may develop as a result of enduring repetitive motion during running and jumping activities. This type of surgery is performed by reducing the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and pain in the plantar fascia may be indicative of a heel spur. If you have a foot condition that may require surgery, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right choice 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.

Joint pain can accompany the medical condition that is known as a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe and pushes the other toes toward each other. Common reasons bunions can develop can include genetic factors, and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can cause bunions to form, including certain types of arthritis, and poor foot function. It is beneficial to wear larger shoes that can accommodate the bunion, and patients may choose to wear a protective covering over it. If you are afflicted with a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.