Types of Flat Feet

Flat feet, called fallen arches, describe a foot structure where the medial arch is low or absent, allowing much of the sole to contact the ground. There are several types of flat feet, including flexible flat feet, the most common form. In this type, an arch may appear when the foot is not bearing weight but flattens during standing or walking. Rigid flat feet, which are less common, occur when an arch does not form at any time. This is often due to bone structure. Another type is acquired adult flatfoot, which develops later in life after normal arches were present. Flat feet can be linked to neurological conditions, inflammatory joint disease, or prior injury. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess gait, and determine treatment,  including custom orthotics. For help with foot pain caused by flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Causes of a Bruised Heel Bone

A bruised heel bone happens when it absorbs excessive force that overwhelms the natural cushioning protecting it while walking and standing. This type of injury often develops after repetitive impact from running, jumping, or spending long hours on hard surfaces. It can also result from a sudden hard landing on the heel. Risk factors include changes in activity level, reduced shock absorption in footwear, increased body weight, and age-related thinning of the heel pad. Symptoms include deep heel soreness, tenderness with pressure, and pain that intensifies with weight bearing. A podiatrist can determine whether the pain is caused by a bruise or another condition, assess foot mechanics, and identify factors that increase heel stress. Treatment may include protective strategies, supportive devices, and a structured plan to reduce pressure on the heel. If you feel pain in your heel bone, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Athlete’s Foot and How It Affects Foot Health

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. Unlike ordinary dry skin, athlete’s foot is contagious and can cause itching, burning, redness, cracking, peeling, and blisters. The infection often develops in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, or near swimming pools. Causes include exposure to the fungus, poor foot hygiene, sweaty feet, and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose athlete’s foot, differentiate it from dry skin or other skin conditions, and recommend antifungal treatments, proper foot care, and preventive measures. If you notice persistent itching, redness, or peeling between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wearing the Right Shoes for Office Work

Wearing the right shoes for office work plays an important role in comfort, posture, and overall productivity. Shoes that fit properly help support natural alignment which can reduce strain on the feet, knees, hips and lower back. When posture improves, many people experience less fatigue and greater confidence throughout the workday. Wearing well-fitting shoes also allows you to stay focused on tasks rather than being distracted by foot pain or discomfort. Comfortable office shoes should provide adequate arch support, cushioning, a stable sole, and enough room for the toes to move naturally. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and suggest custom orthotics, when needed. If workday foot pain is affecting your comfort or performance, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear for work.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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