Items filtered by date: March 2024

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, affect about 18 million adults in the United States, with an additional 8 million grappling with fallen arches. Flat feet often stem from the weakening of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch of the foot. It can worsen after years of simple daily activity, like walking, running, and standing. While flat feet are normal in infants and toddlers, some individuals never develop arches, leading to persistent issues into adulthood. Distinguishing between flat feet and overpronation is important for an accurate diagnosis. With flat feet there is no visible arch whether seated or standing. Overpronation, however, is a biomechanical change in the way you walk that can contribute to fallen arches. In either case, seeking a professional evaluation from a podiatrist is essential if you suspect flat feet or experience pain related to flat feet. For a full exam and subsequent treatment plan, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For individuals with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, the threat of Charcot foot looms ominously. This complication, stemming from nerve damage, demands attention and prompt intervention to avoid severe consequences like foot ulcers or even amputation. Diabetes wreaks havoc on nerve function, impairing the transmission of signals from the brain to the lower limbs and feet. The insidious nature of neuropathy means that injuries, or bone fractures in the feet can go unnoticed, as diminished sensation impedes pain detection. Consequently, continued weight-bearing on the affected foot can deform bones and joints, setting the stage for the progression of Charcot's foot. Signs of Charcot foot include swelling, warmth, and changes in foot color and shape. If any of these indicators emerge, it is imperative to alleviate pressure on the affected foot immediately. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for managing Charcot foot. For more information on dealing with these conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Your feet contain one-fourth of the bones in the body, as well as a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It's not uncommon for one or several of these components to be in pain. If you are physically active, the chances of incurring a foot injury or other condition are even higher. It is sometimes necessary to seek medical help from a podiatrist with foot, toe, or ankle pain. Beyond just examining your feet, a podiatrist conducts a thorough assessment of your gait to understand how foot issues might be affecting other parts of your body. With expertise in foot and lower limb structure and movement, a podiatrist can diagnose foot conditions, identify underlying health issues, such as diabetes or arthritis, and tailor treatment plans accordingly. If you're experiencing foot pain, skin or nail abnormalities, foot injuries, or broader health concerns like diabetes, it may be time to visit a podiatrist. Your feet deserve the best care possible. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today to address any foot pain or other related concerns you may have.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Lateral foot pain, or pain running down the side of the foot, can happen due to various reasons. One common cause is wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the outside of the foot. Another cause could be overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, leading to strain or inflammation in the muscles or tendons on the side of the foot. Injuries such as ankle sprains or fractures can also result in lateral foot pain. Additionally, conditions like plantar fasciitis, where the tissue on the bottom of the foot gets inflamed, can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the side of the foot. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.