Items filtered by date: April 2024

Peripheral neuropathy presents a diverse range of conditions that affect peripheral nerves in the lower extremities, resulting in symptoms like numbness and weakness. Causes can include diabetes, infections, injuries, or toxin exposure, with certain individuals at a higher risk due to genetics or lifestyle factors. Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history, often supplemented by nerve conduction studies or imaging tests. Treatment focuses on symptom management and addressing underlying causes, taking certain medications, and making lifestyle adjustments, However, outcomes vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Plantar fasciitis presents a significant challenge for athletes, stemming from causes like trauma, excessive pronation, muscle strength imbalances, or tightness. It often occurs due to overuse, repetitive strain, or biomechanical imbalances during activities such as running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. It can mimic other conditions including tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinitis, making an accurate diagnosis imperative. Podiatrists play a pivotal role in providing tailored treatment strategies. However, the healing process can be lengthy, posing a significant hurdle for athletes accustomed to intense training regimes. Recovery timelines vary, with some cases resolving in a few weeks, while others may take several months. This extended healing duration can be frustrating for athletes eager to return to their sport. Treatment options encompass rest, stretching, custom-made orthotic devices, and sometimes surgery as a last resort. Alternative training methods and cross-training are often recommended to maintain fitness levels during recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in managing plantar fasciitis for athletes. If you are an athlete and suffering from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment deemed most appropriate for your situation.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail, most commonly on the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common foot issue can be caused by improper nail trimming, like cutting the nails too short or not straight across. Tight-fitting shoes that press the nail into the toe skin, injury to the toenail, or genetics that predispose someone to curved nails can also contribute to ingrown toenail development. Ingrown toenails can be a cause for concern, especially if they happen frequently or lead to severe pain and infection. If not properly treated, the infection can spread and pose serious health risks, particularly for people with diabetes or poor circulation. Early treatment and certain preventive measures, like proper nail care and wearing appropriately fitting shoes, can help avoid complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional treatment and prevention of further issues.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. 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 Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain resulting from obesity can profoundly affect biomechanics and gait, as excess weight places undue stress on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This strain can alter the way you walk, leading to compensatory movements and further discomfort. Beyond physical discomfort, foot pain caused by obesity can significantly impact daily life, hindering mobility and limiting participation in activities. Seeking help from a podiatrist offers compassionate support and effective solutions for anyone suffering foot problems related to their weight. Podiatrists understand the complexities of foot pain associated with obesity and can provide personalized care to address your unique needs. They offer a range of treatments, including orthotic devices to support proper alignment and footwear guidance to alleviate pressure. If you carry excess weight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so you can embark on a journey toward improved foot health and enhanced overall well-being.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Mital Patel, DPM from South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Corns on the feet, medically termed keratotic lesions, are areas of thickened skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. They commonly occur on weight-bearing areas like the toes and soles of the feet. Symptoms can include localized pain or tenderness, a hardened or raised bump, and sometimes inflammation or redness. Older individuals are more prone to developing corns due to factors like reduced skin elasticity and altered foot mechanics. There are three main types of corns. Hard corns are small, dense, and are usually found on bony areas. Soft corns are moist and typically form between toes where the skin is moist. Seed corns are tiny and appear on non-weight-bearing areas. Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical examination. Management involves relieving pressure on the affected area, wearing properly fitting footwear, using protective pads or cushions, and sometimes, having the corn removed. If you have persistent or painful corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Mital Patel, DPM of South Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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