Items filtered by date: June 2024

Ankle injuries while running are common and can be caused by several factors. Overtraining often leads to fatigue, increasing the risk of improper form and accidents. Muscle strains can occur from inadequate warm-ups or sudden increases in intensity. Wearing the wrong shoes, especially those lacking proper support, can lead to instability and misalignment. To prevent these injuries, it is essential to incorporate rest days into your training schedule to allow muscles to recover. Ensuring a thorough warm-up before running can prepare muscles and reduce the risk of strains. Investing in high-quality running shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning is essential for maintaining proper form and stability. Listening to your body and avoiding pushing through pain can also help prevent serious injuries. If you have sudden or chronic ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common issue for individuals with type 2 diabetes, with nearly half experiencing this complication. This condition arises when prolonged high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves, especially in the feet and lower legs. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and muscle weakness, which can progressively disrupt daily activities. A significant concern is “diabetic foot,” where the loss of feeling and poor blood flow can lead to ulcers, infections, and in severe cases loss of limb. Diabetic neuropathy also can increase the risk of falls and fractures due to lack of sensation in the feet, impaired balance and reduced coordination. Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and cholesterol issues can further increase the risk of developing this diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Early detection and proper management are of extreme importance. If you notice unusual sensations in your feet or lower legs, especially persistent numbness or pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and recommend a 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 Dr. Rouder from S.I. 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 Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels to work every day can have a significant effect on the feet and the rest of the body. High heels shift body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and leading to conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia. The unnatural angle of the foot can cause calf muscle tightening and Achilles tendon shortening, resulting in discomfort and pain. Over time, high heels can alter posture, leading to lower back, hip, and knee pain due to misalignment of the spine and joints. Wearing high heels may seem glamorous, but it can also cause pain, blisters, and calluses. To mitigate these effects, choose heels with lower heights, opt for wedges or platforms for better weight distribution, and use cushioned insoles. It can also help to regularly stretch the calves and feet, and alternating with more supportive footwear. If you enjoy wearing heels to work and you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and care.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Heart failure presents a complex web of symptoms, one of the most visible being swollen feet. This swelling, known as edema, stems from the heart's inability to effectively circulate blood throughout the body. As the heart weakens, blood flow slows, causing fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities due to gravity's pull. This edema is not just uncomfortable, it serves as a crucial indicator of worsening heart failure. Recognizing this connection is vital for timely intervention and management. Here, the role of a podiatrist, a specialized foot care professional, becomes paramount. Podiatrists can assess the severity of swelling, provide guidance on managing edema, and offer treatments to alleviate discomfort. They work in tandem with cardiologists and other healthcare providers to address the broader implications of swollen feet in heart patients. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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