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Diabetics are at an increased risk for serious foot injuries. Due to neuropathy, or nerve loss, diabetics may not realize that they have foot wounds. They also generally experience poor blood circulation; this means it’s harder for wounds to heal and makes infection more likely. Seeing a podiatrist before going shoe shopping is a great idea for diabetics, as he or she can also make custom recommendations. When you do go shopping, going later in the day is best as feet get larger throughout the day. If one foot is larger than the other, go with a size that provides enough space for the larger foot. A good pair of shoes should be soft and provide ample cushion and enough support. Make sure that there aren’t any seams in the shoes that can rub up against your feet, and ensure that the shoes provide space for the toes to wiggle. Finally, replace your shoes when they become worn out. Diabetes brings many challenges with it, but knowing how to take care of your feet can prevent potential harm.

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 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.

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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 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.

Children have delicate feet that are still developing as they get older. Therefore, it is up to parents to make sure that their children’s feet are healthy. There are some things a parent can do or be on the lookout for. When it comes to footwear, parents should check their children’s shoes frequently to see if they properly fit. When it comes time that your children want to get pedicures, make sure that the salon they visit is clean; this can help prevent infections of the foot from fungus. Flat feet, ingrown toenails, and warts are not uncommon among children but can be taken care of. If you see anything abnormal with your child’s feet, see a podiatrist who can diagnose them.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham of the New York Giants recently suffered an ankle sprain during a game against the Cleveland Browns. Beckham jumped up for a catch but when he came down, Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun hit him in the leg. He was able to walk off the field on his own but was later seen on the sidelines in pain. An X-ray revealed that it was either a rolled ankle or a sprain. Beckham will be tested further back in New York. He is confident he won’t be off the field for long and will be back in time when the season starts.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

While running barefoot may just seem to be the newest fad in recent years, its emergence spawned decades ago. African barefoot runners Abebe Bikila and Zola Budd both set world records back in the 1960’s and 80’s respectively. Researchers have noted there is less impact on the foot when running barefoot compared to running in shoes--that means less potential for injuries. However, it is important to consult a podiatrist before running barefoot. Furthermore, it is best to ease into running barefoot, as this will help accustom your feet to the ground and prevent any potential injuries.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

• Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
• Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

• When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
• It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
• Balance of the body is improved, and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

• No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
• Blisters may form.
• Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
• Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So, what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of 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.

Ben McLemore recently underwent surgery to repair a foot fracture he suffered in his right foot. Consequently, he is expected to miss about 12 weeks of gameplay while he recovers from the procedure. McLemore has experienced a lot of struggles in his time in the NBA, especially during his tenure in Sacramento. During his four seasons with the Kings, he was only able to average just 9.4 points and 1.2 assists. Nevertheless, the injury has opened a window of opportunity for other players, such as Tyreke Evans, Troy Daniels, and Wayne Selden, to fight for a position on the team.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

If you want to start taking care of your feet, the first step is to make sure you are wearing shoes that fit you properly. Wearing improper footwear can cause a lot of damage to your feet, and leave you in a lot of pain. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, you should be careful not to ignore it. A common source of foot pain is plantar fasciitis, but this condition can be avoided by stretching your feet and avoiding standing for long periods of time. Another tip you should follow if you want healthy feet is to get routine pedicures. Not only do pedicures help your feet feel more relaxed, but they also help them stay strong and healthy.

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 and ankle needs.

To the naked eye, a bunion appears as a bump on the side of the foot that can drastically alter its appearance. Bunions are a foot deformity that is caused when the big toe and first metatarsal bone become misaligned. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a bunion if it becomes extremely painful or interferes with your walking ability. While bunion-removal surgery is successful in a lot of cases, there is a chance that your bunion can return after having the procedure. Researchers have found a link between HVA (hallux valgus angles) and the likelihood of experiencing a bunion recurrence. Hallux valgus angles are the angles formed by the toe bone and first metatarsal bone, and larger HVAs tend to result in a higher risk of bunion recurrence.

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.

World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater recently suffered a broken foot while free surfing. After suffering the injury, Slater went toward the shore where he was able to receive treatment from medical staff. He posted a picture of his x-ray on Instagram with the caption, “Kinda' like smashing my foot with a big hammer as hard as I can.” He later announced that he would need a recovery period of six weeks after the surgery. This injury is devastating news for Slater who had been doing well in the competition.

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.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear as dark purple or blue in color and are typically found in the feet. Many believe that the cause of varicose veins is standing or sitting down for too long, since it increases the amount of pressure in the body’s lower half. Fortunately for those with the condition, there are exercises you can do in order to help treat it; the most effective one being walking. Walking is beneficial since it helps increase blood circulation and prevents it from pooling in the legs. Another exercise is to pedal as if you were riding a bike. This can be done by lying flat on your back and pedaling your legs in the air. Performing this exercise will also help increase blood circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. 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

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 and ankle needs.

Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies has been out since April with a stress fracture in his left foot. The Rockies have already been off to a tremendous start, with a record of 47-31. Gray’s return to the starting rotation is expected to help give the Rockies the extra boost they need to keep pace with the rest of the division. The team is expected to go back to a five man rotation with Gray’s return, which means one current pitcher is expected to be cut. Jon Gray’s return is expected to take place during the Rockies’ series against the Diamondbacks next weekend.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.