The medical condition that is known as flat feet is defined as an absent arch in the foot. Many people are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops as the aging process occurs. Patients who have flat feet may experience an achy feeling in the feet, and the feet may feel weak or stiff. Additionally, patients may find their shoes are wearing out quicker than they normally would, and it is beneficial to choose shoes that fit properly. Comfort may be found when insoles are worn inside the shoes, and this may help to provide adequate support that is needed to complete daily activities. If you or your child has flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly monitor this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

For elderly patients especially, ensuring that your living conditions are safe can help to prevent falling. Falling can be a serious issue, particularly for those 65 and older, as it can cause foot conditions. Once a patient experiences a fall, they may develop a fear of falling, which can negatively impact how they go about their day to day activities. Staying active and regularly seeing a doctor are both great ways to implement falls prevention.  Another aspect of preventing falls that is extremely important is having a safe living environment. To achieve this, some patients have grab bars installed in their home, typically in the bathroom, to help prevent slipping. Another tactic that can be helpful to make sure there are no tripping hazards in your home is to ensure all carpets and throw rugs are secured, either with double-sided tape, or by purchasing non-skid rugs. For more advice on how to best prevent falling, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

The medical condition that is known as athlete’s foot can cause the foot to become itchy and uncomfortable. It typically affects the skin between the toes and the bottom of the feet. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in moist and warm environments. These can include wearing socks and shoes that are wet, public swimming pools, and communal shower rooms. Patients may find relief when an antifungal powder is used, and this may help to relieve a portion of the itching and swelling that may accompany athlete’s foot. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, in addition to alternating shoes which can help them to dry out. If you have symptoms of athletes’ foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can offer the best treatment options for you, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.

The plantar fascia is located on the sole of the foot, and its function is to connect the heel to the toes. The chronic foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. This may cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed. A common symptom that patients often notice is severe heel pain that may be more pronounced in the morning after arising. An effective prevention technique can be stretching the calf muscles. This can be practiced by standing on a step, and gently lowering one heel at a time. Additionally, it may help to roll the affected foot on a tennis ball, and this may help to stretch the heel. If you are experiencing heel pain, it may be indicative of plantar fasciitis, and it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.