There are several different types of foot conditions that may require surgery if relief is not found using traditional methods of treatment. One type may include bunion surgery in which removal of the protruding bone may aid in diminishing pain that is often associated with it. If you have severe arthritis, you may want to consider fusion surgery, which joins the bones together and this may prevent painful rubbing. A foot condition that is known as hammertoe can cause pain and difficulty in walking, and surgery may be required that can straighten the toes. Plantar fasciitis will typically affect the heel of the foot, and many patients experience severe pain and discomfort if they are afflicted with this foot condition. Surgery is typically successful in removing the portion of the tissue that is causing the pain. If you have these or any other foot conditions, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can help you determine if foot 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.

Research has indicated there are several different forms of ankle pain. Many people will experience some type of ankle pain throughout their lives, and this may come from a variety of reasons. These may include medical conditions such as arthritis, or from an injury. Ankle sprains are considered to be one of the most common forms of ankle pain, and this typically occurs when the ligaments in the ankle and surrounding areas are overstretched. This may happen as a result of tripping or falling, which may cause the ankle to roll inward toward the ground. Other reasons patients may have ankle pain may include infections in the joints of the ankle, nerve damage, or blood vessels that may be blocked. When ankle pain is first noticed, it’s important to rest the foot by taking the weight off of it. If it appears swollen, elevation may bring a mild form of relief. Please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you toward feeling better.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

If you are experiencing a tingling sensation or a loss of feeling in your feet, you may have a condition that is known as neuropathy. It may be indicative of general health issues in the body that may cause the peripheral nerves to become damaged. Typical symptoms may include muscle weakness, or burning sensations. Possible causes of neuropathy may originate from diabetes and autoimmune disorders, in addition to certain types of chemotherapy. Patients who are older or are chronically ill may find they have symptoms of neuropathy, or it may have developed as a result of an injury. Research has shown treatments may vary based on the source of this condition, and steps can be implemented that may achieve a moderate level of relief. If the neuropathy is caused by diabetes, it is suggested to lower the insulin levels in the blood. Additionally, taking the correct supplements may heal a vitamin deficiency, which may be a cause of this condition. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment.

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.

If the nail on the big toe should grow into the surrounding skin, you may have what is known as an ingrown toenail. Common reasons why this painful condition should occur may include improper nail trimming and wearing shoes which do not fit correctly. Some patients have toes that are deformed, and this can exert excess pressure on the nail. There are several symptoms that may accompany this ailment, including redness, tenderness, swelling, or a possible discharge coming from the affected nail. Soaking the nail in warm water may lead to partial relief, in addition to gently massaging the nail and surrounding area. If you are afflicted with diabetes or nerve damage, it is important to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can aid in treating the nail and possibly preventing an infection from developing.

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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 and ankle needs.

If you experience pain in your calf muscle, you may have injured your Achilles tendon. It connects the heel bone to the calf muscles, and is known to be the largest tendon in the body. An injury may occur as a result of partaking in specific sporting activities. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that may cause an Achilles tendon injury, which may include gout or other forms of arthritis. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany this type of injury. Some patients feel pain in the heel area of the foot, and may have difficulty in pointing the toes downward. After a correct diagnosis is performed that confirms a torn Achilles tendon, correct treatment may begin, which may include surgery or non-surgical options. If you feel you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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.