A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that often occur in the feet as a result of overuse while playing sports or doing  activities that involve running or jumping. Everyday activities can also lead to stress fractures in people with weakened bones. Pain, tenderness, and swelling are usually the first indications of a stress fracture. These symptoms should not be ignored, as stress fractures may worsen over time if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture by taking a thorough medical history, completing a physical examination, and ordering imaging studies such as X-rays or bone scans. If you suspect that you may have a stress fracture in your foot or ankle, please see a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Swelling in the feet and legs during pregnancy is very common, and it usually worsens towards the end of the day and further into the pregnancy. The swelling is the result of the body holding more water than usual, and the water pools up at the lower parts of the body. This swelling is not usually harmful, but it can get uncomfortable. However, a sudden increase of swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia and should be monitored as soon as possible. Common methods to reduce lower limb swelling include avoiding standing for long periods, wearing comfortable shoes and socks that aren’t too tight, resting with the feet up, and taking regular walks. If you are struggling with swollen feet during your pregnancy, a podiatrist will be able to help provide ways to manage the situation.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Heel pain can develop due to a variety of sources or causes, and can impact everyday life. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which occurs when the plantar fascia (the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes) becomes inflamed. Heel spurs are another way heel pain may occur. This condition may occur when there is an abnormal bone growth where the plantar fascia and heel bone attach. Other painful heel conditions include calcaneal apophysitis (where the heel bone is irritated from new shoes or athletic activity), bursitis (inflammation of the sac that lines many joints), or a trapped nerve (when the nerves become compressed). Patients who are struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will assess details regarding your pain, medical history and lifestyle. A podiatrist will also examine your gait, feet, and nerves to diagnose the source of heel pain and provide the best treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

After a long winter, the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and you can finally wear your favorite flip-flops every day. Or, maybe not. Flip-flops, while relatively comfortable and easy to slip on, are not good for your feet. When you wear flip-flops, you may notice that you have to clench your toes around the edge of the shoe to keep it in place as you walk. This action is bad for the muscles in your feet and calves. The constant tension in your toes needed to keep that flip-flop on your foot can change your pattern of walking, make the toes stiff, and lead to foot and ankle injuries. Frequent flip-flop wearers may be more at risk of plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes stabbing heel pain and makes walking uncomfortable. Instead of flip-flops, try sandals that have a back and straps to keep your foot in place. If you have any foot or ankle pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for not just older adults, but also for children. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury in children from birth to about 19 years of age. Falls can result in a variety of foot and ankle injuries, from sprains to fractures and beyond. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent your child from falling and incurring a serious injury. If your child plays on a playground, check the surface under the playground to ensure that it is soft and safe, as well as supervise your child while they play. Make your home safer by using stair gates and guard rails to prevent your child from falling down the stairs. If your child participates in sports, make sure that they wear helmets, padding, or any other safety gear that the sport requires. If your child falls and injures their feet or ankles, take them to see a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat their condition.

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.