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January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 00:00

What Causes Toe Cramps?

Just like other parts of your body, your feet and toes have many muscles. These muscles can become cramped, leading to pain and difficulty walking. The pain is usually temporary and often goes away without treatment. Possible causes of toe cramps include having tight or weak muscles, a muscle injury, wearing poorly-fitted shoes, and being dehydrated. Sometimes, toe cramps can be a symptom of a more serious problem. For example, poor circulation can make the feet and toes ache and spasm, while nerve damage can cause pain, cramps, tingling, and numbness in the toes. Both of these conditions are often seen in patients who have diabetes. Another potential cause of toe cramps is arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints, including those in the toes. If you have persistent toe cramps that are bothering you, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 care needs.

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Saturday, 22 January 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 January 2022 00:00

What Is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

The Achilles tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Though this tendon is tough, it can tear or rupture during physical activity. A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause many symptoms, including a sharp, sudden pain at the back of the ankle, difficulty walking, weakness, and an inability to raise the injured foot. Some people are able to walk or continue playing sports with a ruptured Achilles tendon due to the surrounding muscles compensating. However, this can make the injury worse. A rupture can be treated conservatively or with surgery. Conservative treatment typically involves immobilizing the injured leg with a cast to allow it to heal. Surgery repairs the ruptured tendon. If you believe that you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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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Tuesday, 11 January 2022 00:00

Can Running Shoes Be Worn for Walking?

Shoes made for walking are usually different from those designed for runners because the mechanics of each activity are different and require shoes that meet those needs. The main difference between walking and running is that when you run, there is a moment when both feet are off the ground. When you walk, one foot is always on the ground. The shift from one foot to the other is gradual, and your weight is transferred from heel to toe much more slowly. Here are some things to look for when searching for a running shoe that you can walk in. It might be a good idea to choose a shoe with a beveled, or angled heel to help with smoother landings. The outsole should have as much ground contact as possible and because the foot bends more in walking, look for a shoe with a flexible forefoot area. Also, try to find a shoe with ample cushioning in the forefoot, but guard against too much cushioning which can tire the feet more easily when walking. If you are unsure of what shoe is best for your feet, please contact a podiatrist for recommendations.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 January 2022 00:00

Signs and Symptoms of Gout

If you feel pain in the big toe that is accompanied with a burning sensation or reddened skin, you may be afflicted with a condition known as gout. The pain associated with gout tends to be the strongest when you are resting or lying down, but it may subside when you are actively moving around. Eventually, untreated gout can make it more and more difficult to perform everyday tasks that include standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body (hyperuricemia). Needle-like crystals form in the joints causing them to become red, swollen, or inflamed. This condition typically begins in the base of the big toe but can spread to other joints like the ankles and knees. Symptoms can last from one day up to a few months, but with the elimination of certain foods and other lifestyle changes, they can be managed. If you think you have gout it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and a medical treatment plan. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.

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