March 2022

The metatarsals, which run from the base of the toes along the bottom of your foot, are the most commonly injured bones in the foot. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th metatarsals are frequently fractured during sports activities. Some breaks can be caused by sudden impact, like dropping something heavy on the foot or hitting a hard object. Other common causes are twisting the ankle and landing improperly from a jump. These injuries are termed acute and can be extremely painful. Further, if the bone breaks through the skin, the injury is even more serious because it may also affect the soft tissues of the foot and be more prone to infection. Other metatarsal breaks take a longer time, usually a result of repetitive action, such as running for long distances or jumping, which gradually cracks the bones. These are known as stress fractures: hairline cracks that damage only a portion of the bone. Conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause stress fractures. If you have injured your midfoot area, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 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.

Selecting shoes that fit properly is critical for comfort and prevention of foot problems. Making sure shoes fit right is especially essential to children, people who are on their feet a lot, or have arthritis, diabetes, or other foot disorders. Correct shoe fit is achieved when the shoe shape matches the foot shape and shoe size accommodates the widest part of the foot – the first metatarsal joint – so toes can spread out comfortably. Steps that will best ensure shoes fit right are: trying them on later in the day when feet are more swollen, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes (or thin socks if socks will not be worn with them), fitting a finger in the back of the shoe comfortably, making sure there is adequate room between the shoe and the big toe (as feet move forward when walking), and walking in the shoe to check for friction, pinching or any other discomfort. Seeking advice from a podiatrist before and after purchasing shoes can help in proper shoe selection and evaluation so that complications can be avoided.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

If you feel pain in the joint of your big toe, especially while you are active, it could be “big toe arthritis” or Hallux rigidus. This arthritic condition typically impacts people over age 50, is more apt to affect women, and is the most common arthritic condition of the foot. The hallux metarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint connects the head of the first forefoot bone to the base of the first toe bone and to two tiny bones under that joint. Signs of this problem are swelling of this joint and limited movement and bending of the big toe. A bump, like a bunion or bone spur, can develop on the top of this toe joint, which can get further aggravated by rubbing against the inside of a shoe. Causes for this condition are not known, however prior injury to the big toe, differences in foot anatomy, and genetics can play a role in its development. Treatments can range from being prescribed a rigid orthotic to a cortisone shot, and as a last resort, surgery. A podiatrist can properly diagnose and offer alternative treatments to lessen the pain associated with Hallux rigidus.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A walking boot is an orthotic device used to protect the foot or ankle after an injury. The boot helps keep the foot stable and in the right position so that it can heal properly. Walking boots can also help keep weight and pressure off of an injured area. Injuries that may require wearing a walking boot include broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, and shin splints. Most walking boots have two to five adjustable straps that hold the boot in place over the injured leg. How long you will need to wear the walking boot will depend on your specific injury and its severity. For more information, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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 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 and ankle needs.

The metatarsals are the five long bones located in the middle of your foot which connect the toes to the rest of the foot. When any of these bones break, it is known as a metatarsal fracture. There are several types of metatarsal fractures. Stress fractures occur when a bone develops one or more tiny cracks due to it being unable to bear the load placed on it. A Lisfranc fracture-dislocation occurs when the second metatarsal bone is broken and knocked out of place. A fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone, the most common type of metatarsal fracture, occurs when excessive stress or overuse causes the bone that connects your pinky toe to the rest of your foot to break. If you have symptoms of a broken foot bone, such as pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 and ankle needs.