Items filtered by date: January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Bunions and Heredity

Bunions are essentially defined as bumps that can form on the side of the big toe or pinky toe that are bony in texture. Many patients with bunions are often interested in learning more about why they have developed this condition and what contributed to it. The answer may surprise many patients. Interestingly, heredity and genetics is one of the major contributing factors in bunions. Specifically, the shape of your foot that you inherit from your parents is a major factor that can determine your susceptibility to bunions. Unfortunately, individuals do not have control over their genetic disposition to bunions. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of individuals living with bunions have a history in their family tree of bunions. Although this may lead one to believe that they can do nothing to prevent the development of bunions, this is not technically true. There are a number of steps that an individual can take to mitigate their risk of developing bunions, such as wearing footwear that fits properly. Contact a podiatrist today for more information. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Brooklyn and New York City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Effective Tips on How to Care For Your Feet

The average person takes hundreds of steps every day, which adds up to thousands per week. This can be one reason why people have achy feet at the end of the day, and practicing everyday foot care techniques may help to alleviate the discomfort. This can begin by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Many people like to sprinkle powder on their feet, which can help to keep the feet fresh by absorbing excess moisture. It is important to keep the toenails trimmed, and this is properly done by cutting them straight across instead of in a curved fashion. This is an effective way of preventing ingrown toenails from developing. Wearing shoes that fit correctly is another way of taking care of our feet. It is beneficial to choose shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, which may be helpful in preventing hammertoe and bunions from forming. If you would like additional information and tips on daily foot care habits, please confer with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Brooklyn and New York City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

History of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most widespread afflictions of the foot that primarily affects the plantar fascia. It occurs when this part of the foot becomes aggravated and inflamed. Plantar fasciitis has an interesting history which may be helpful in knowing to learn more about this ailment. The condition was first described in the year 1812 by a man named Wood. Wood attributed the condition to tuberculosis at the time. Over the years, plantar fasciitis has gone by different names. For example, it has sometimes been called painful heel syndrome or subcalcaneal pain. As time progressed and the field of podiatry developed, modern science learned more about plantar fasciitis. Today, it is one of the most common conditions that modern podiatrists are trained in identifying and treating. If you believe that you may have plantar fasciitis, contact a podiatrist today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM  from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Choosing the Correct Running Shoe

It is beneficial to decide which type of running is desired before choosing the right running shoe. An important factor to look for is comfort and it is helpful to try the shoes on to find the most fitting pair. Various running styles can range from sprints to longer runs, in addition to types of running consisting of treadmill or street running. Shoes that have extra cushioning may be adequate for easier running and may not be suitable for sprints because of how heavy they can be. People who enjoy trail running may choose shoes that have soles with extra tread, as compared to flatter soles that are found on road shoes. When running is done on hard surfaces, it may add strain to the ankles. For this reason, shoes that have additional support features might be the better choice and may help to prevent injury too. If you are considering purchasing running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can successfully guide you in choosing the right running shoe.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

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Thursday, 05 January 2023 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Blisters and Hiking

Any hiker knows that hiking with blisters on the feet can be a significant annoyance and source of potential pain. Blisters can develop on the feet for many different reasons (typically due to some kind of pressure that is applied to an area of the feet). Blisters can be especially pernicious to hikers. Blisters are the most common foot affliction among hikers. Since hiking requires a significant amount of physical movement including walking and climbing, blisters can diminish the hiking experience. There are several things that hikers might consider doing to prevent blisters from forming in the first place. For example, hikers might consider getting hiking boots that fit correctly and do not rub up against the feet in uncomfortable ways. Hikers can also be on the lookout for the other main causes of blister formation: heat and moisture. Hikers can also be mindful about wearing thin socks to prevent the blisters from forming in the first place. Contact a podiatrist today if you are a hiker concerned about preventing foot blisters.


 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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