Many people enjoy the ease of wearing flip-flops. They are a simple shoe, easy to wear, and designed in a variety of colors. Despite their popularity, there are foot conditions that can develop from wearing this type of shoe. Ligaments and tendons may slowly pull out of alignment, and a bunion can form. Additionally, if there is little or no arch support, this may trigger the onset of heel pain, which could be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Many flip-flops are constructed of a porous material, and this can be the perfect area for fungus to grow. This can lead to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. If flip-flops are frequently worn, hammertoe can develop as a result of the toes grasping the shoe to stay on the foot. If you would like additional information about the consequences of wearing flip flops, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

The medical condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity in the middle joint of the second toe. It may gradually bend to resemble a hammer, and can overlap onto the third toe. There are a variety of reasons why this condition may occur. These can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, genetic factors that may involve a muscle imbalance, or from a toe injury. Common symptoms that are often associated with hammertoe can consist of redness and swelling on the affected joint, pain while wearing shoes, and it can be difficult to move the affected toe. It may be helpful to wear shoes that are a larger size, in addition using insoles which may relieve a portion of the discomfort. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

A large amount of uric acid in the body may lead to a condition that is commonly known as gout. This ailment often produces severe pain and discomfort, and typically affects the big toe. Patients who are afflicted with gout may notice the pain is so debilitating, it may cause an inability to walk. Additional symptoms may include redness, swelling, and some patients may have a fever. Gout is caused by factors that can include family history, and from eating foods that have elevated purine levels. This can lead to a build-up of uric acid, which may cause sharp pains between the joints in the big toe. These types of foods can consist of shellfish, red meat, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling as well. If you have developed gout, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to find comfort, and suggest methods to possibly prevent this ailment from occurring in the future.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a form of exercise. However, as a cyclist, you must be wary of injuries to your ankle or foot. Luckily, there are preventative measures that you can take to save yourself from the pain of an injury. One of the most common ankle injuries from cycling is Achilles tendonitis, an overuse injury of the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the back of the foot. Training too much, or too hard too quickly, can increase your risk of Achilles tendonitis. To help prevent this injury, try to break up your cycling to allow adequate time for rest and healing. Another common problem among cyclists is foot numbness. This may be caused by ill-fitting shoes or a lot of uphill riding. To help prevent foot numbness, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted shoes, and add more variety to your rides so that you are not always cycling uphill. For more information on how to prevent and treat cycling injuries of the feet and ankles, talk to a podiatrist today.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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 and ankle needs.

Patients who experience peripheral neuropathy will most likely have tingling and burning sensations. It can affect their ability to accomplish daily activities and can hinder overall quality of life. Some of the pain that is often associated with this condition may be alleviated by wearing padded socks and shoes, and both should be non-constricting. There are topical treatments that may offer some relief, and these can consist of herbal neuropathy rubs. It can be beneficial to your overall health, as well as your foot health, to include vegetables, meats, and whole grains into a healthy diet, in addition to limiting alcohol intake. If you have this type of pain in your feet, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.