Maintaining a daily foot care routine is vital for overall foot health and comfort. Begin by washing your feet with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and prevent infections. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to avoid fungal issues. Regularly stretching your feet and ankles can enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. Incorporate simple stretches like toe raises and ankle circles into your daily routine. Trimming toenails properly is also essential. Cut them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and avoid cutting too short, which can lead to discomfort. If you have developed any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment remedies and guide you on how to care for your feet daily.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot orthotics assessment is an essential process for individuals experiencing foot, leg, or back pain. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts designed to support, align, and improve the function of the feet. They can alleviate discomfort caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arthritis, enhancing overall mobility and quality of life. During an orthotics assessment, a podiatrist evaluates your feet, gait, and posture. The process typically begins with a thorough medical history review and a physical examination. The podiatrist may use advanced techniques like gait analysis, where your walking pattern is observed and recorded. They may also take molds or digital scans of your feet to create a precise model. Based on the assessment, custom orthotics are crafted to address your specific needs, providing targeted support and correction. Properly fitted orthotics can significantly reduce pain and prevent further injury. If you are interested in getting custom-made orthotics, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate assessment and fitting.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Enhancing foot circulation is critical for overall foot health and can be achieved through several practical methods. Elevating the feet above heart level helps facilitate blood flow back to the heart, reducing swelling and promoting circulation. Managing stress levels is beneficial, as stress constricts blood vessels, impacting circulation negatively. Compression stockings provide gentle pressure that aids blood return from the feet to the heart, especially useful for those who stand or sit for long periods. Regular stretching exercises, such as ankle circles and toe curls, stimulate circulation and maintain flexibility in the feet and ankles. Incorporating daily walks or light aerobic exercises improves cardiovascular health, enhancing overall circulation throughout the body, including the feet. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a condition where a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward. Some cases are mild and others more severe. Symptoms include twisted or curved feet and underdeveloped calf muscles. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it may result from improper development of bones and ligaments in the womb. Clubfoot can be hereditary, affecting approximately one in 1,000 babies, more commonly boys. Diagnosis can occur via prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth through a physical examination and sometimes an X-ray. Early treatment is essential for normal foot growth, with the Ponseti method being extremely effective. This involves gentle manipulation and casting of the feet over several weeks, followed by bracing to maintain correct positioning. In some cases, minor surgery may be needed to lengthen the Achilles tendon. If your baby is diagnosed with clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.