Blood clots that form in the feet and lower leg can be extremely harmful to your health. Here are some symptoms that you may have a blood clot, also known as a thrombus. When a clot forms in a vein, the vessel becomes enlarged and feels firm to the touch. Muscle cramps in the lower legs and feet can cause the blood flow to these areas to decrease and lead to the formation of a clot. Having a blood clot in the foot can obstruct the blood flow to certain tissues, which results in numbness, tingling, burning, and prickling sensations. This is typical in diabetics and people with peripheral artery disease. A blood clot in the foot can cause the toes to turn bluish or purplish in color, depending on whether the clot is in a vein or artery. Another characteristic of a clot is inflammation, causing a feeling of warmth and redness in the area. Blood clots can be knocked loose and travel through the system, and that may become life threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of blood clots in the foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist immediately for a thorough exam.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As a person ages, their reflexes, stability, and coordination are likely to diminish. Additionally, they lose strength, and their eyesight generally with time declines. When taken as a whole, these factors can sharply increase the risk of a senior citizen falling. One way of helping to reduce the chances of falling is to improve balance. Experts believe that by spending between 20 and 30 minutes a day to build up muscle strength and improve coordination, a senior may walk more independently and be less likely to fall. One simple exercise to improve balance is by standing on one leg, while lightly holding onto a chair back or wall for stability, for 30 seconds. Then switch legs. Over time and with practice, the goal is to balance for up to one minute. The shuffle step involves lateral movement. Start with your feet together and take a step with the right foot. Then slide the left foot to it. Repeat by traveling to the other side of the room. Reverse. In time, try to increase speed. You may wish to have a healthcare worker or friend be there for support if needed. For more information on exercises to increase stability, strength, and coordination, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Exercise is important for everyone, as it positively impacts health, boosts mood, and increases self-esteem. If a person is overweight, exercise can be particularly important given that excess weight can increase health risks. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, and an array of foot problems. Beginning an exercise program can be daunting in the best of cases, but when one is overweight, it can feel especially difficult. Wearing proper workout gear and shoes for the activity to be achieved comfortably is a critical first step. Walking is a good form of exercise for those who are confronting the number on the scale because no special equipment is needed and it can be done anywhere. It also can be done at varying levels based on intensity, fitness level, and it can be easy on the feet. Starting for five to 10 minutes of walking and gradually building up to a 30 minute walk per day is an optimum goal. Speed and pace need not be a concern at the beginning, just consistency. If you have foot pain or have sustained a foot injury and want to exercise to lose weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for help.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are certainly no fun. When the side of a toenail grows into the skin, and the skin essentially grows over the nail, irritation can ensue. Ingrown toenails are also associated with redness of the skin. If you are someone that is living with an ingrown toenail, you may consider visiting a podiatrist to get the toenail cut. It is important to note that removing the ingrown toenail is typically a remedy that is saved for more severe cases. If a medical professional cuts the nail, they normally use the correct method of cutting the nail straight across using nail clippers. They also may use tweezers or other tools to get the nail to grow in the proper direction. However, the nature of trimming the toenails will vary from case to case, as each ingrown toenail is unique. If you are living with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the best way to cut your toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, which can become injured for various reasons. It is considered to be the strongest tendon in the body, and provides the ability to walk, run, and jump. A common reason for this type of injury to occur can be from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, or from experiencing a trauma. This can consist of getting a deep cut over the tendon, possibly causing it to tear. Additionally, people who do not warm up and cool down properly before and after exercising may be prone to developing an Achilles tendon injury. Taking certain antibiotics, and becoming older may also lead to having this injury. Relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated, and the activity that caused the pain is temporarily stopped. If you have this type of affliction, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.