Items filtered by date: June 2022

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for the development of plantar warts. It is considered to be a contagious virus, and can be transmitted between people in public swimming areas and locker rooms. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Plantar warts are defined as small, hardened areas of skin that form on the bottom of the feet. They grow inward as a result of the constant pressure the foot endures from walking and standing. This type of wart can cause severe pain while walking, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. These warts may have tiny black dots in the center, which are blood vessels. Research has shown that plantar warts are more common among children than adults as a result of the immunity that adults develop towards the virus over the years. If the wart is too bothersome to ignore, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend correct treatment options for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.

Intermetatarsal neuroma, or Morton’s neuroma, refers to a thickening of nerve tissue surrounding a nerve in the foot that is compressed or irritated. This compression can be the result of wearing high heels or other shoes that force the toes unnaturally into a narrow space. Morton’s neuroma typically occurs between the third and fourth toes. Engaging in certain athletic activities, like court sports or running, can also cause repetitive irritation to the nerves between the toes. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include pain, or the sensation of something being under the ball of the foot. There may be numbness, burning, or tingling, or it may feel like there is a bunched up sock or pebble in the front of the shoe. As the neuroma progresses over time, the pain may worsen and permanent nerve damage may occur. That is why it is very important to have your foot examined by a podiatrist if you believe you may have Morton’s neuroma. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely it is that your podiatrist can treat the issue conservatively, rather than surgically.  

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.

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs usually caused by friction or heat. They are a common complaint of walkers and runners alike and can develop due to poorly fitting shoes, a change in footwear, or an increase in the duration of a workout. Blisters most often occur on the toes, heels, balls of the feet, or soles. Eliminating the source that originally caused the blister may aid in their prevention. The feet should be kept cool and dry, as well as thoroughly examined for spots that rub against socks or shoes. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can pinch and irritate the skin of the feet. It is important to give yourself time to break in a new pair of shoes before wearing them for long periods of time. Wear synthetic socks to prevent moisture build-up and watch for seams in socks that can rub against shoes. If a blister does develop do not pop it and cover it with a bandage. If a blister does not drain on its own or becomes infected, contact a podiatrist for treatment and additional ways to prevent them from recurring.

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 trouble flexing or lifting your foot when you walk, you may have a condition known as foot drop. Symptoms include numbness, difficulty walking, or feet and toes that slap the ground when you walk. Foot drop is caused by a pinched nerve and may result from crossing your legs while sitting or wearing a tight bandage, brace, or cast. Foot drop can increase your risk of falling and may cause changes in your gait as well. You may start to march rather than walk as a way of lifting the toes that would otherwise drag behind. Foot drop can be permanent and calls for wearing an ankle brace to hold your foot in position. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can perform specific tests to determine the severity and prescribe appropriate treatment regimens. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.