Items filtered by date: March 2019

A swollen nerve in the foot may be indicative of a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. It is described as a growth of nerve tissue that exists between the third and fourth toes.This ailment may cause adjoining tendons and ligaments to put pressure on the nerve, which may cause inflammation and pain. Additional symptoms may include numbness or tingling, and some patients may experience a burning sensation. Pain and discomfort are often felt in the bottom of the foot, near the base of the third and fourth toes. There may be effective exercises that can be performed, which which may aid in improving strength in the arch of the foot. These may include stretching the lower leg, and the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. If you feel you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Many people find it beneficial to practice daily foot stretches. Injuries may be prevented when the feet are flexible, and everyday activities may be easier to accomplish. An effective stretch is referred to as the towel stretch. This is done by sitting down and wrapping a towel around your feet and pulling gently toward you. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it may be helpful to stand on a step, and place your heels off the edge. The stretch can be felt while the heels move up and down. The sole of the foot can be stretched by standing on a golf or tennis ball and rolling it between the toes and the heels. This may help tired feet to feel better at the end of the day. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, please speak to a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

A blister is typically caused by excessive friction that occurs on a portion of the foot. It is a result of torn skin that is covered by a bubble which is filled with liquid. It is the body’s natural defense mechanism that protects the raw skin as the healing process occurs. One of the reasons why a blister can develop may be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. If there is a narrow toe area or if the heel area is too wide, blisters may begin to form. They can develop on different parts of the foot, including the side of the pinky toe, or on the bottom of the toes. If medical conditions exist such as hammer toes or bunions, blisters may form as the skin rubs against the shoe. If you have blisters that are uncomfortable and painful, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist who can discuss proper preventative measures.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

If you have athlete's foot, you may have gotten it through a contaminated surface or another person. It is caused by a fungus that is known as the tinea fungus, and typically lives in warm and wet environments. These areas may include shower room floors, locker rooms, or swimming pools. The fungus may enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet and is considered to be contagious. There are noticeable symptoms that are associated with athlete's foot. These may include a burning sensation between the toes or on the bottom of your foot, or mild to severe itching. Additionally, many patients notice cracking and peeling skin, or toenails that have become thick and discolored. If you have severe athlete’s foot, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment.

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 our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.