Connect With Us
Featured Articles
Sunday, 03 December 2023 00:00
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 November 2023 00:00
Understanding the Differences Between Adult and Children's Feet
The journey from childhood to adulthood is marked by numerous transformations, and the evolution of your feet is no exception. Children's feet, characterized by their pliability and cartilage dominance, are more susceptible to external influences. Their arches may appear flat, and the bones are still developing. As children age, these structures solidify, forming the more defined arches and shapes typical of adult feet. Moreover, the fat pads on children's feet provide natural cushioning, while adults may experience thinning of these pads over time. The growth patterns and proportions differ significantly, with children's feet being relatively wider in comparison to their length. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for selecting appropriate footwear and addressing potential concerns in either developmental stage. If you would like additional knowledge about how adult and children’s feet vary, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 November 2023 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 November 2023 00:00
Does Pregnancy Lead to Changes in Foot Size?
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about numerous changes in a woman's body. While most expectant mothers are well aware of the more obvious alterations, such as weight gain and a growing belly, the potential impact on foot size is a less commonly discussed topic. Many women wonder if their feet will permanently change in size during pregnancy. The answer, in most cases, is possibly. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly the release of relaxin, can affect the ligaments in the body, including those in the feet. This increased flexibility may lead to a temporary, and sometimes permanent, increase in foot size. Additionally, as pregnancy progresses, fluid retention and swelling, known as edema, can cause the feet to become temporarily larger. While swelling typically subsides after childbirth, some women may find that their feet remain slightly larger than they were before pregnancy. Overall, it is important for expectant mothers to be prepared for these potential changes, and consider investing in comfortable, supportive footwear during and after pregnancy to ensure proper foot health and comfort. If you would like more information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 November 2023 00:00
Foot Care for Pregnant Women
The natural weight that pregnant women gain causes their center of gravity to be completely altered. This causes them to have a new weight-bearing stance which adds pressure to the knees and feet. As a result, pregnant women often experience severe foot pain. The two most common foot issues experienced by women in their pregnancies are edema and over-pronation. It is important for all pregnant women to learn more about how to take care of their feet so they are more comfortable during their pregnancy.
Over-pronation, which is commonly referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing. This causes the person’s feet to roll inward while walking. Pregnant women often experience this due to the sudden weight they gain.
Edema, also referred as swelling in the feet, typically occurs in the later part of the pregnancy. It is the result of the extra blood accumulated in the pregnant woman’s body. The enlarged uterus puts more pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis which causes leg circulation to slow down. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat both edema and over-pronation. Edema can be treated by elevating the foot as often as possible. Wearing proper fitting footwear will also be helpful for those with edema. A treatment method for over-pronation could be orthotics. Orthotic inserts should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rear foot for your foot.
It is best for pregnant women to buy new shoes during the day, because this is the time where swelling is at its peak. Pregnant women also shouldn’t rush when buying shoes. It is always advised that you make sure your shoes fit properly but this is especially important during pregnancy.
If you are a pregnant woman, you should consult with a podiatrist in order to make sure your feet are healthy throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 14 November 2023 00:00
Treatment of Sesamoiditis
There are two sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe which aid its movement. Problems with these sesamoid bones can vary from acute injuries such as turf toe, where the toe excessively bends due to fractures. Pain may also arise from sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the sesamoids, or from arthritis affecting the toe. Symptoms of acute sesamoid issues can manifest as intense pain and difficulty in walking, while chronic conditions may cause persistent pain under the big toe, which can be aggravated by certain shoes or activities, hinting at sesamoiditis. Diagnosis typically involves examining the patient's medical history and symptoms, supported by X-rays or more detailed scans such as an MRI or CT scan. Treatment strategies for sesamoid problems range from wearing supportive footwear and activity modifications. If these measures fail, surgery might be considered, which could include removing the sesamoid bones or repairing them. If you have foot pain of any sort, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and offer treatment options that can help you return to normal activity levels.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 14 November 2023 00:00
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the joint that is just behind the big toe in the area known as the ball of the foot. It is most common in younger people and people who have just begun an exercise program. Since the sesamoid bones are like a pulley controlling the big toe, they can rub against each other and cause a gradual onset of pain. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. If ignored, sesamoiditis can lead to other, more serious problems such as severe irritation and fractures of the bones.
The cause of sesamoiditis is sudden increase in activity. The ball of your foot acts as a springboard to help you lift off when you are jogging or running. Sudden increase in the use of these bones or the tendon that controls them can cause irritation. The tendon then begins to develop inflammation and the joint begins to swell. People with smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch are typically more susceptible to this condition.
Sesamoiditis is fairly simple to diagnose since the symptoms have a gradual onset rather than a sudden impact. The symptoms begin with slight irritation around the joint shortly after the increase in activity. The discomfort eventually turns to pain with light swelling and possibly redness. Although redness or bruising are rare, this may be a symptom. After each session of exercising, the aggravated joint becomes more irritated and increases into a very intense throbbing.
Treatment for sesamoiditis can vary depending on the severity of the situation. However, treatment is almost always approached in a noninvasive way. For a case that is just beginning the doctor may recommend a very strict rest period that will limit the activity allowed on the joint. If you must be active, a recommendation for as modified shoe or insole, along with bandaging and immobilizing the big toe will be made to ensure that pressure is not placed on the joint. For severe cases, it is typically recommended that the joint and the big toe be completely immobilized to allow adequate time to heal. Ice and an over the counter anti-inflammatory may can help with the pain and discomfort while you are at rest.
When you return to your regular exercise activities, it is recommended that you use an insole that will allow even distribution of impact to your entire foot, rather than just the balls of your foot. This will prevent further aggravation of the injury.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 November 2023 00:00
Underlying Medical Conditions and Foot Edema
Swollen feet can arise due to various health concerns, including skin infections and underlying health conditions. For instance, cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection causing swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected region. Particularly vulnerable are individuals with diabetes. They often face complications due to reduced healing ability and decreased sensation, which can lead to unnoticed injuries becoming infected and subsequently causing foot swelling. Another condition, lymphedema, results from impaired lymph flow, often due to damaged or removed lymph nodes. It can be congenital or caused by factors such as cancer treatments or infections. Heart failure, a severe medical condition, results in fluid accumulation, with swollen feet as a common symptom. Prolonged immobility can cause deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clot. Kidney issues can also lead to swollen feet if fluid balance is disturbed. Additionally, liver disease, especially cirrhosis, can cause fluid accumulation in the lower extremities due to portal hypertension. If you have swollen feet that do not respond to rest, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to identify the root cause of the swelling and get treatment appropriate to what is discovered.
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 November 2023 00:00
Swelling of the Feet
There are many reasons why patients experience swelling of the feet. It is rather common and may be a side effect of pregnancy or from sitting and standing for most of the day. Gravity could also play a role in the development of swollen feet. It is known that the weight of blood volume in our bodies is exerted on the veins in the legs and feet. The veins may not work as efficiently during the aging process, and this could make the blood flow backward causing swollen feet. Relief may be found when obese patients lose weight, and it may help to engage in compression therapy by wearing compression socks, stockings, or athletic sleeves. This method can release pressure on the feet and ankles which may help to reduce existing swelling. There are patients who have controlled their swollen feet by implementing healthy lifestyle changes. These can consist of reducing salt intake, incorporating a gentle exercise regime into the daily routine, and drinking plenty of fresh water. Swollen feet may be a temporary condition that affects people who travel via airplane or automobile, so it is beneficial to walk as frequently as possible even though it can be difficult. Swelling of the feet can also be indicative of other health issues so it is important to pay attention to any type of chest pain, mental confusion, dizziness, or fever. If you consistently have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help determine the cause and how to effectively treat it.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Friday, 03 November 2023 00:00
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
