February 2023

My Big Toe Hurts

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

An injury that occurs to the big toe can wreak havoc on people who enjoy running. Toe pain can be a common injury that may cause difficulty maintaining leverage while running. There are several joints in the big toe, and they work together to create balance. Older people may experience toe injuries more frequently than younger runners due to degenerative joint changes that occur with aging. There are various reasons for big toe pain, including a form of arthritis known as hallux rigidus. A bunion can also cause big toe pain as the toe may gradually shift toward the smaller toes. Additionally, the condition known as turf toe can be more common among athletes and may cause damage to the ligaments. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat your ailment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Thursday, 23 February 2023

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Swelling and Achy Feet During Pregnancy

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

It is a well-documented fact about pregnancy that the pregnant woman’s feet may be negatively impacted in some way. For example, a pregnant woman’s feet may commonly swell or become achy. If you are a pregnant woman experiencing these issues with your feet, seeing a podiatrist can help you treat these problems. Specifically, a podiatrist may recommend to you several different things for swelling or achy feet. First, the podiatrist might recommend that you reduce swelling in the feet and lower legs by elevating the feet. Second, the podiatrist might recommend that you wear more comfortable shoes that fit better. Third, the podiatrist might recommend that you use some kind of cooling cream made for the feet during pregnancy. Some of these creams are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients and promote anti-swelling. Some of them also create cooling sensations in the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Chunky Heels May Be Ideal for High Heel Wearers

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Many women enjoy wearing high heels for the style. Studies have even indicated that women who frequently wear high heels have sensed a renewed confidence level, in addition gaining a few inches in height. Despite these seemingly positive aspects, high heels can be uncomfortable, possibly causing painful foot conditions. These types of shoes come in various shapes and colors, and it is possible that stylish, yet comfortable high heels can be worn. This can be done by choosing a shoe that has a lower heel and a platform under the toe, which can be successful in giving the illusion of wearing a larger heel. The chunky heel, also known as the block heel, is a popular choice among women who wear high heels for the majority of the day. The feet often feel better in these types of shoes, and harmful foot conditions may be prevented. If you have questions about what type of high heel is best to wear for the health of the foot, please ask a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

Ankle Joints
Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
Balls of the Feet
Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

Corns
Calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Morton’s Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

Are Bunions Painful?

Tuesday, 07 February 2023

Bunions are more of a nuisance than they are painful. They can be uncomfortable while wearing shoes, and larger shoes may need to be purchased, which can accommodate the bunion. They are defined as a small bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. It grows gradually, and many patients will eventually seek medical attention to restore normalcy. Swelling and redness can often accompany a bunion, and it may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. A bunion can be caused by genetic reasons, abnormal foot structures, or from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight. Some patients wear a pad on the side of the bunion, which may help to protect it while wearing shoes. If the bunion is severe and causes difficulty in completing daily tasks, surgery may be considered as an option for permanent removal. Bunions are treated by a podiatrist. If you are afflicted with one, please contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery

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.