Podiatrists play a pivotal role in assessing vascular disease, a condition that impacts blood circulation throughout the body, including the lower extremities. A thorough examination begins with a detailed medical history, as podiatrists inquire about symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, or numbness. Clinical assessment involves inspecting skin color, temperature, and the presence of wounds or ulcers on the feet, key indicators of compromised blood flow. Podiatrists employ palpation techniques to evaluate pulses in the feet, gauging the strength and regularity of blood flow. The capillary refill test assesses the time it takes for color to return to the toenails after gentle pressure, providing insights into microcirculation. In cases of suspected vascular disease, podiatrists may collaborate with vascular specialists for more advanced diagnostic tests such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography. If you have poor circulation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat vascular disease.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
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.
Ingrown toenails, a common foot ailment responsible for approximately 20 percent of podiatric visits, can be attributed to a variety of causes. Among these, improper nail trimming plays a significant role, as cutting nails too short or rounding them incorrectly encourages ingrowth. Wearing tight shoes or high heels that exert pressure on the toes is another prevalent cause. Trauma to the toe, such as injuries, can also contribute to the formation of an ingrown toenail. Three main types of ingrown toenails are categorized by their location on the toe. The lateral ingrown toenail, occurring most frequently, involves the side of the nail edge growing into the skin at the sides of the toe. A distal ingrown toenail can occur when the nail edge grows or curls into the skin at the end of the toe, where the top of the nail meets the skin. Proximal ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the skin at the base of the toe, near the cuticle area. This type is characterized by new toenail growth pushing the old nail upwards, causing it to become thick and embedded. Avoiding excessive shortcuts and wearing well-fitted footwear can significantly diminish the risk of ingrown toenails. In instances of persistent discomfort or suspected ingrown toenails, seeking professional advice from a podiatrist is suggested. Podiatrists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the issue, determine the severity and type of ingrown toenail, and suggest suitable treatment options.
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
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.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
People can drop a heavy object on their foot, and may wonder if it is a temporary pain or something more serious like a broken toe. Broken toes are often the result of such accidents as having a heavy object drop on the foot, jamming it into a piece of furniture, or from missing a step. They can also occur due to an aggravated stress fracture, abnormal foot structure, or conditions such as osteoporosis. When a toe breaks, it causes severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Walking becomes difficult, but it is important to note that the ability to walk on a broken toe does not rule out a fracture. Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and may require X-rays to be taken. Treatment options range from rest and elevation for minor fractures to splinting or buddy taping for more severe cases. In rare instances, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing. Complications such as toenail trauma, chronic pain, stiffness, and deformity can arise if a broken toe is not treated correctly. If you suspect you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a timely and effective recovery.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
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.
Metatarsal joint pain, or pain in the ball of the foot, commonly results from misalignment of the joint surfaces. This puts pressure on the joint lining and destroys cartilage in the joints. Metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint misalignment can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that inflames the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, hammer toes can develop, which can worsen joint pain and misalignment. Fat tissue, which helps cushion the joints when bearing weight, can be pushed forward under the toes, resulting in a loss of cushioning in the ball of the foot. A lack of cushioning normally occurs as many people age. It can make people more susceptible to pain when the ball of the foot is stressed or injured repeatedly, by running or walking excessively. A loss of cushioning also may cause damage to the nerves of the foot and lead to the development of calluses. MTP joint pain can also result from osteoarthritis or stiffening of the joints of the ball of the foot, often at the big toe joint. Many people with these disorders have an abnormal motion of the foot while bearing weight and walking. Walking is painful for people with metatarsal joint pain. The skin over the joint may feel mildly warm to the touch, and swelling may be present. Over time, pain and stiffening can be disabling. If you are experiencing extreme pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This specialized foot doctor can examine the foot and suggest appropriate treatment options.
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:
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.
