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October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

Finding Shoes for Problem Feet

Many problems with the feet, such as blisters, corns, and calluses, are either caused by or adversely affected by the type of shoes you wear. A shoe that fits well can not only help to alleviate foot pain, but also keep it from getting worse. The choice of proper footwear is largely dependent on knowing what is wrong with your feet. To find out exactly what you need, you may want to see a podiatrist, who is medically trained to deal with problems of the feet and ankles. The doctor can perform tests and examine the biomechanics of your feet to determine treatment options and offer guidance on footwear choices. If you have bone deformities, such as bunions or hammertoe, these must also be taken into account while making your footwear decisions. As a rule, when buying shoes it is a good idea to measure your feet accurately and purchase the size that fits the larger foot. If you need orthotics, inserts to correct problems such as fallen arches and overpronation, you will need to bring them with you as you try on shoes. If custom orthotics are necessary, your podiatrist can have them created to address your particular foot problems.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 19 October 2022 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

All About Surgery for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be an annoying and potentially painful affliction of the foot. This condition occurs when the side of a toenail essentially grows into the skin of the toe. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to resolve the issue. For example, a surgical procedure might involve removing a part or all of the nail. Sometimes, before a surgical procedure of this kind, you might need to receive local anesthesia to numb the affected toe. Additionally, the procedure may take about an hour in time. Following the operation, your toe might need to be protected with some sort of bandage. The medical professional performing the procedure might then give you instructions on caring for your toe following the operation. If you have a persistent or infected ingrown toenail, contact a podiatrist today for help.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. These can include swollen feet, a changing sense of balance, and sleep disorders. While these may be temporary changes, some methods can be implemented which may help to alleviate some of the foot discomforts. These include elevating the feet as often as possible as this can be effective in reducing swollen ankles. Performing a gentle exercise routine may help in improving blood circulation and have a positive effect on swollen ankles and legs. It is beneficial to sleep on the left side as this helps to keep pressure off the veins that bring blood back to the heart. Some pregnant women prefer to wear compression stockings if they are on their feet for extended periods. This type of stocking can help to distribute excess fluid from the feet and legs to the body. If you have foot pain for any reason while you are pregnant, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine the reason and provide you with various relief tactics.

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 Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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 Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Causes of Numbness in the Toes

Numbness in the toes can be temporary or long term. Chronic toe numbness can impede your ability to walk and increase the chances of wounds and other injuries. When the nerves in your toes are compressed, damaged, or irritated the result is often a feeling of numbness and tingling. Some people experience these symptoms after long bouts of high-impact exercise or other physical activity. In these cases, the numbness generally subsides when the activity is over. Other causes of numbness in the toes can be the result of a serious neurological event, such as a seizure or stroke. More common causes include chronic alcohol abuse, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or diabetic neuropathy. Nerve compression syndromes, like Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, may also cause toe numbness. People with chronic toe numbness would do well to practice good foot hygiene and have frequent foot examinations with a podiatrist who can best detect the underlying cause and offer treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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