When is comes to podiatric care, podiatrists strive to exhaust all nonsurgical treatment options first. However, there are times and many reasons why people may need foot surgery. Some of these include bunions, which are bony bumps that form on the base of big toe. Surgery may involve straightening the big toe if symptoms continue for a long period of time. Permanently bent toes, also called hammertoes, can be eased by removing the deformed joint between the toes, which improves flexibility. Rheumatoid arthritis can leave the joints in the foot damaged by inflammation. The exact procedure will depend on the severity of this condition, but surgery is commonly performed on the big toe in order to make walking easier. If the ankle is damaged, ankle fusion may be necessary to fuse the talus bone to the tibia, thereby relieving pain in the ankle. Screws are used to hold the bones together, and will heal for 12-14 weeks. Normal shoes can be worn soon afterward and it will be easier to walk. Please consult with a podiatrist to discuss all options when it comes to foot-related conditions.

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.

The purpose of sweating is to regulate the body’s temperature. When this happens excessively, it’s known as hyperhidrosis. Most of the millions of people affected by this condition often feel a loss of control because sweating can occur independent of physical exertion. It may begin in childhood and is thought to be a genetically inherited condition. In severe cases, sweat can drip from the feet, possibly causing social situations to be uncomfortable. Anxiety, depression, infections and skin irritations may occur, resulting in difficulty in handling this condition psychologically. Typically, it helps to identify specific conditions that lead to excessive sweating. To reduce discomfort, keeping the feet dry is advised. Medications and surgery are possible treatment options to regulate this disorder. Please consult with a podiatrist if you have questions about excessive sweating from the feet.

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.

The feet may feel cold when there are environmental stresses, such as the temperature dropping. This may cause oxygen deficiency and turn the feet blue in color, a condition called cyanosis. When the natural circulation is restored, this condition disappears. There are other causes of poor blood circulation, including the inability to produce normal levels of red blood cells, commonly known as anemia. Typically, improvement may be achieved through diet, in addition to taking nutritional supplements. Diabetes may be another cause, and this disease can have very serious effects on the feet. It may result in nerve damage, causing the feet to feel cold. If your feet feel cold a lot of the time, a consultation with a podiatrist may be advised.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 ailment that many diabetics have are foot problems; managing blood glucose levels, however, may help to keep the feet healthy.  When nerve damage occurs in diabetics, it may cause pain and tingling, including possible numbness in the foot.  Serious infections may be the result of this and can possibly lead to gangrene.  It’s important to manage your diabetes; this may involve following a foot care plan.  It’s crucial to check your feet daily, which will enable you to notice problems before they get worse.  Some conditions to look for may be cuts, sores, or ingrown toenails. Washing your feet regularly will help you become aware of these issues.  Trimming the toenails straight across the toe with clippers can help prevent the skin from being cut and can keep the toenails healthy. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to learn of the treatment options available for diabetic feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight may lead to hammertoe, which is a painful foot condition resulting from a muscle imbalance in the toes. This causes the ligaments and tendons to become tight and causes the toes to curl. Hammertoe can further possibly lead to conditions such as sores, calluses and corns. Typically the second, third or fourth toe are affected, and wearing lower-heeled shoes can help ease the pain. One can avoid developing a hammertoe by choosing the right pair of shoes for you, ideally where the top of the shoe is wide enough to accommodate the hammertoe. Another option is a toe splint, which can reduce friction and is specifically designed for this condition. Gel toe shields and caps are also recommended to provide comfort and and relieve pain. Please consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options if the pain persists.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.