Pickleball, a fusion of ping-pong and tennis, has captivated players of all levels, particularly drawing beginners to its dynamic gameplay. Foot and ankle injuries, prevalent among pickleball players, often stem from muscle strains, ligament sprains, and in some cases broken bones. Notably, seniors over 60 years of age, predominantly male, account for nearly 80 percent of these injuries, often due to undetected underlying health conditions. For those who have been less physically active, easing into pickleball activities is a good way to prevent foot and ankle injuries. Also, incorporating a thorough warm-up routine is paramount, particularly for older players. These exercises may include jogging, jumping jacks, arm circles, shoulder rotations, and leg swings. Coordination drills, like the side-to-side shuffle and cross-step drill, help to enhance agility and reduce the likelihood of sudden movements causing harm. Selecting appropriate gear, including the right footwear for the playing surface, is essential. Specialized shoes for indoor and outdoor play also contribute to injury prevention. Additionally, investing in durable shoes and extra socks can help to prevent blisters and foot injuries. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury as a result of playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.

Diabetic wounds are a common complication of diabetes, resulting from neuropathy and vascular disease. Nerve damage diminishes foot sensation, making it challenging to detect an injury. Vascular disease impairs blood flow, which reduces the speed of healing wound. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most prevalent type of wound. They are open sores on pressure points, typically caused by neuropathy, trauma, and pressure. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent infections and potential limb loss. Diabetic neuropathic wounds stem from nerve damage, leading to a loss of protective sensation. These wounds may appear as calluses, corns, or blisters, requiring specialized care to prevent infections and further damage. Ischemic wounds arise from an inadequate blood supply, often due to peripheral artery disease, or PAD, which is exacerbated by diabetes. Characterized by poor circulation and delayed healing, ischemic wounds pose an increased risk of infection. If you are experiencing frequent or stubborn foot wounds that will not heal properly or seem infected, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist for care.  

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Approximately 60,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually in the United States in patients with diabetes. This fact makes ulceration, infection, and gangrene a prevalent foot and ankle issue for diabetics people. Many amputations can be prevented through daily foot care habits and regular visits to a podiatrist to monitor foot ulcers. These experts suggest adopting an everyday foot care routine of inspecting the feet thoroughly for any changes in shape, color, sensation, or skin integrity. To prevent complications, podiatrists also recommend a gentle cleaning that involves washing feet in lukewarm water with mild soap, avoiding soaking, and ensuring thorough drying, especially between the toes. Nail care includes trimming nails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners. Callus management suggests gently reducing calluses with a foot file or pumice stone, rubbing in one direction to avoid skin tears. Diabetic patients should opt for cushioned, breathable shoes with soft uppers. Choosing cotton or natural fiber socks over synthetic materials is recommended. If you have diabetes, and are experiencing foot ulcers, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who is medically trained to manage this condition.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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 intricate structure of the human foot, including bones, muscles, and tendons, is susceptible to deformities that either are present at birth or develop over time. Splayfoot, characterized by the widening of metatarsal bones, increases pressure on the forefoot, resulting in pain, calluses, and a heightened risk of developing bunions. Fallen arches, where the foot's arch is flatter than usual, can cause pain over time due to weak foot muscles, abnormal strain, unsuitable footwear, and joint inflammations. Pronated feet, marked by an inward-leaning heel, may arise in childhood, potentially causing issues later in life, particularly in overweight or knock-kneed individuals. People who have high-arched feet, may shift their weight to the ball of the foot, leading to pain, calluses, and an increased risk of ankle injuries. Equinus foot, where the foot points downward and the heel cannot touch the floor due to shortened calf muscles, presents challenges in walking and standing. Clubfoot, a severe congenital deformity involves the foot pointing downward and inward, restricting normal standing and walking. Causes of foot deformities also include abnormal strain, tight footwear, injuries, inflammations, being overweight, and underlying diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. For assistance in managing any of these foot deformities, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your medical team and schedule an appointment for an exam and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Blisters, characterized by fluid-filled bubbles on the skin, often arise from friction or injuries like burns, spider bites, or pinching, and are occasionally due to infections. In most instances, managing blisters at home is feasible. Small, intact blisters, even blood blisters, generally heal naturally. Foot blisters in children should not be disturbed if unbroken. The exception is covering it with a bandage or moleskin pad and having the child avoid activities that provoke the blister formation. If your child has a blister that ruptures, persists, causes pain, or appears infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.