Most people who are diabetic know the importance of checking their feet daily, even when their feet feel good. Neuropathy is a common condition that can affect diabetic patients, and it is defined as being unable to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that have developed on the feet. It can happen as a result of damaged nerve endings from increased levels of insulin in the blood. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly is essential in diabetic foot care. It is suggested to refrain from walking barefoot and to wear comfortable shoes. Additionally, trimming the toenails correctly may help to prevent ingrown toenails, and engaging in a mild exercise routine can help to control blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can frequently check the condition of your feet and offer you correct management techniques.
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 Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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
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 Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. It occurs when the long band of fibrous tissue that spans the sole of the feet (plantar fascia) becomes overly stressed and inflamed. Podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis with a variety of methods. In certain cases, your podiatrist may suggest using Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This non-invasive treatment has been FDA-approved for plantar fasciitis, and has been successful in reducing pain and stimulating the body’s natural healing process. ESWT sends targeted high-energy sound waves to the plantar fascia, which breaks up scar tissue, and stimulates new tissue cell growth. ESWT is similar to shockwave lithotripsy, which has been used for years to break up kidney stones. ESWT treatments are safe and can be administered in approximately 30 minutes per foot. Your podiatrist may need to repeat ESWT sessions three to five times before you begin to feel relief. Reach out to your podiatrist to see if ESWT is an option to treat your plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Blisters can affect many parts of the body including the feet, and they occur when small amounts of liquid accumulate in between layers of skin. Dyshidrotic eczema is an important type of blister to be aware of that can affect the feet. This condition can form small, itchy blisters on the toes and the bottom of the feet. Dyshidrotic eczema can take form on the hands as well. If you are suffering from this condition, you might experience several different symptoms. You may notice that the affected area on your feet has changed color, becoming red. You might also notice that the skin has changed texture, becoming scaly and dry. The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema remains somewhat elusive. However, it may be connected to conditions like hay fever. Of course, dyshidrotic eczema is just one kind of blister that can take shape on the feet. Many other kinds of blisters can develop on your feet through friction being applied, for example, by wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin. Blisters from dyshidrotic eczema or any other condition are nothing to take lightly. Talk to a podiatrist if you have blisters on your feet. They can help you address the issue.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
Morton’s neuroma is a noncancerous swelling along a nerve in the foot that carries sensations to the toes. Once the swelling begins the bones and ligaments nearby put pressure on the nerve causing more irritation and inflammation which in turn causes pain, numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the toes. Some people feel the sensation of a lump, like a fold in a sock or a pebble between the toes. It usually develops between the 3rd and 4th toes and less often between the 2nd and 3rd toes. It is also rare for Morton’s neuroma to happen in both feet at the same time. While reasons for this condition are unknown, it is more apt to develop in women than men, likely a result of wearing high-heeled, narrow-toed shoes. These shoes shift the bones into an abnormal position. It is also more likely to impact obese people due to the pressure of excess weight put on the foot. Usually, pain can be temporarily relieved by removing shoes, flexing the toes, and rubbing the feet. You may need medical intervention to ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma or it may masquerade as a different condition altogether, such as arthritis, nerve or muscle problems, or previous injury to your foot or leg. It is important to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide treatment options.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, ways to improve and maintain good foot health is to regularly perform stretches and exercises for the feet. These stretches are important for several reasons. Most importantly, regularly and intentionally stretching the feet is an excellent way to improve the strength of the muscles in the feet. When the muscles in the feet are stronger, this can make the foot more stable and agile. This benefit of increased stability and agility can be especially important for runners who can benefit from this the most. For example, when someone runs, they can put up to two to three times their natural body weight onto one foot at a time. Therefore, strengthened foot muscles from stretching can help runners go faster and further. Additionally, stretching can help your feet by making suffering an injury less likely. When your feet are stronger and the muscles are more fortified, rolling your feet inward becomes less likely. Stronger feet are also more protected against conditions such as plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and stress fractures. Again, runners stand to benefit because suffering from an injury or foot affliction can make continuing to run difficult. If you are a runner or simply want to improve the strength of your feet, consider consulting a podiatrist who can teach you helpful stretches for the feet.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
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.
