Peripheral neuropathy is a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This system relays information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, controlling sensations, movements, and autonomic functions. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves are damaged, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness, often in the hands and feet. It can result from diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or even trauma. Small fiber neuropathy specifically affects the small sensory fibers responsible for pain and temperature regulation. This type of neuropathy can cause burning or stabbing pain, tingling, or sensitivity to temperature. It often occurs in conditions like diabetes, but it can also be caused by other factors such as genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases. If you are feeling symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an early diagnosis and management to prevent worsening of symptoms and nerve damage.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

Distance running, a popular form of exercise and competition, can place significant stress on the feet and ankles, leading to various injuries. One common reason is overuse, as the repetitive pounding of the feet against hard surfaces can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments over time. Improper footwear or worn-out running shoes lacking adequate support or cushioning can increase the risk of injury. Additionally, biomechanical factors, such as overpronation or supination, where the foot rolls inward or outward excessively during the running gait, can contribute to instability and strain on the ankles. Running on uneven terrain or hard surfaces without proper shock absorption can also heighten the risk of foot and ankle injuries. Furthermore, sudden increases in training volume or intensity without proper conditioning and recovery can overload the lower extremities, predisposing runners to injuries. Foot and ankle injuries are common in people who enjoy running. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment methods, in addition to effective injury prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Foot ulcers are serious, open wounds that can develop on the feet, particularly in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, and can cause considerable foot pain. These ulcers typically occur due to a combination of factors, including nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and repetitive pressure or trauma to the skin. Diabetes, in particular, increases the risk of foot ulcers due to its effects on nerve function and blood circulation, making the feet more susceptible to injury and slower to heal. Left untreated, foot ulcers can lead to severe complications, including infection, tissue damage, and even amputation. The pain associated with foot ulcers can vary depending on the severity and location of the wound but is often described as sharp, burning, or throbbing. Individuals with foot ulcers may also experience tenderness, swelling, and redness in the affected area. The majority of foot ulcers cause issues that demand medical attention. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and management strategies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Turf toe is a sports-related injury commonly associated with athletes who play on artificial turf. It is a sprain that occurs when the big toe joint is bent upwards at a significant angle. Turf toe injuries are frequent in sports that involve rapid starts, stops, and pivots, such as football, soccer, or basketball. Additionally, the hard surface of artificial turf increases the likelihood of turf toe, compared to natural grass, because it gives less cushioning for sudden movements. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement at the base of the big toe. Rest and elevation are important for mild injuries, whereas severe cases may require immobilization of the toe with taping, stiff-soled footwear, or even a walking boot. Athletes benefit from wearing appropriate footwear that offers sufficient support to minimize the risk of turf toe and other similar injuries. If you suspect a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options. 

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 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.

Heel spur removal surgery is a procedure to alleviate pain caused by heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. This condition often results in significant discomfort and can interfere with daily activities. The surgery is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. A podiatric surgeon makes an incision near the heel spur to access the affected area during the procedure. The spur is carefully removed, often along with any inflamed tissue or bursa contributing to pain. The surgeon may also address any underlying conditions contributing to the heel spur, such as plantar fasciitis. If you have a heel spur that is causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right 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.