If you frequently wear high heels, you may be prone to having sore and aching feet. This may be a result of the unnatural position the feet are in while wearing these types of shoes. There may be specific foot conditions that can develop from wearing high heels. These can include ingrown toenails and hammertoes, which can happen if there is a limited amount of room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, it may be easier to fall, which may cause an ankle injury. If you choose to wear high heels, it may be beneficial to alternate days by wearing shoes with a lower heel. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to perform gentle stretches, which may help to strengthen the calves and to keep the feet strong. If you would like additional information about the possible dangers high heels can have on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 shown the aging process may cause toenails to gradually become brittle, and the feet may lose cushioning. Additionally, seniors may experience circulation issues, which may cause existing wounds to heal slower. It is beneficial to walk frequently throughout the day and perform gentle stretching exercises that can help to improve circulation. It’s important for elderly people to wear shoes that fit correctly, assuring there is ample room for the toes to move freely in. This may be helpful in preventing painful foot conditions from developing, including bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. The feet will generally feel better when a moisturizer is applied daily, and appropriate shoes are worn in warm and moist environments. These practices may be helpful in preventing cracked heels and athlete’s foot. If you would like additional information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

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.

The medical term that is known as plantar hyperhidrosis is more commonly known as feet that sweat excessively. Patients who have this condition sweat without any exertion, and it may soak through their socks and shoes. Research has indicated it may be caused by overactive sweat glands, and can worsen under stressful situations. Relief may be found if specific medications are taken, and anxiety may be controlled by psychotherapy techniques. If you suffer from this ailment, it is important that you wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, in addition to airing the feet out as frequently as possible. Please consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with plantar hyperhidrosis, so you can learn about possible treatment options.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 are experiencing any type of foot problem, you will most likely seek the counsel of a podiatrist. These types of doctors treat conditions that are related to the feet, and are referred to as doctors of podiatric medicine. People who are interested in pursuing a career in this field of medicine are required to complete four years of undergraduate work, in addition to three years of training in clinics and hospitals. There are several branches of podiatric medicine. These can include specializing in foot care for children, performing surgery to correct foot deformities, or practicing sports medicine. Many people seek the services of a podiatrist to treat common foot conditions that can include ingrown toenails, flat feet, or the painful arthritic condition known as gout. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly answer any questions you may have about the field of podiatry.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

A common condition that many patients suffer from is known as toenail fungus. There are noticeable symptoms that exist with this condition and they often consist of yellowed and thickened toenails. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, and can eventually fall off. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in moist environments. These areas can include public swimming areas, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is considered to be contagious, and measures can be implemented that may help in preventing this condition. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, and it is helpful to avoid sharing towels and shoes. There are several treatment methods that can be used for toenail fungus, and it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can provide the best options for you.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.