Items filtered by date: February 2019

Foot surgery can sound intimidating, but it is actually common among those with foot complications. There a few common issues that when severe enough, can lead to foot surgery. Bunions are one of these issues. Usually, bunions can be treated in ways that do not require surgery, but there are some instances where surgery is the best option to alleviate the uncomfortable or painful symptoms associated with bunions. Bunions result in a protrusion under the big toe, this protrusion is caused by the joint under the big toe bending and becoming deformed. High heels are a common cause for bunions, because they contort these bones. The surgery for bunions is not too complicated, the surgeon performs an osteotomy, which is the straightening of the big toe and metatarsals. After the surgery is done, the recovery period is usually six weeks. If you are concerned about your bunion, then it is highly recommended that you speak with a podiatrist to learn about the right treatment options for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Patients who have suffered from blisters are familiar with the pain and discomfort they may cause. They may develop as a result of increased friction on a portion of the skin, which may come from wearing shoes or socks that fit improperly. When the skin becomes exposed, a blister will form as part of the body’s natural defense mechanism. This consists of a pocket of fluid which protects the affected area of skin. Additional reasons why blisters may develop may include allergic reactions to a bee sting or insect bite, or neuropathy which may originate from diabetes. If neuropathy is present, it may cause the patient to be unaware of existing blisters, and this may be a result of the inability to sense discomfort. When new skin begins to grow under the blister, it will generally drain on its own. If you have a blister on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly assist you in obtaining the correct treatment.

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 Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet bear the weight of the body, and aches and pains in the feet may be reduced when an optimum weight is maintained. If weight gradually increases, there may be foot conditions that can develop,which may include inflammation of the tendons, plantar fasciitis, or certain types of arthritis. Additionally, the style of walking may be compromised as the body compensates for the extra weight, and this may lead to problems that may affect the arch. People who are overweight may benefit by checking their blood sugar daily, and this may help them to become aware of possible diabetic conditions which can affect the feet.  If you are having foot pain and have difficulty in managing your weight, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options.

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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Corns are generally a common ailment where many people seek the advice of a podiatrist. Pressure is typically the cause of most corns, and this may be a result of pressure the toe endures. If shoes or socks are worn that are too tight, the toes may rub against the material, and a corn may develop. Some patients have hammertoes, in which the toes are bent downward, and a corn may form on top of the toe in the area where the bend occurs. There are preventive measures that can be implemented which may be successful in preventing corns. These may include wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move about, and using foam pads which may protect the skin between the toes. If you are experiencing pain that may be caused by a corn, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you in maintaining and preventing corns.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.