Body weight plays a significant role in the health and function of the feet. As the feet are responsible for supporting the entire body, increased weight places added pressure on the bones, joints, and soft tissues. This extra stress can lead to foot pain, fatigue, and conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Over time, excess weight may also influence foot structure by spreading the arch and increasing foot length and width. Many individuals notice their shoe size changing as a result. This connection between weight and foot size highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to support overall foot health. If you have gained weight and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment and relief.

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 one of our podiatrists from Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Sayville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, often beginning in the smaller joints such as those in the feet. In its early stages, rheumatoid arthritis may cause subtle symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Individuals might notice stiffness in the feet, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. Swelling surrounding the toe joints or the ball of the foot may also develop, accompanied by warmth and tenderness. Pain can be constant or may come and go, making walking uncomfortable. As the condition progresses, joint function can be affected, leading to changes in foot shape. If you have joint pain and stiffness in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment remedies.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Webbed toes, medically known as syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are fused together by skin, soft tissue, or bone. This condition develops during fetal growth when the toes fail to separate completely. It is a congenital trait, meaning it is present at birth and can run in families. Genetic factors play a significant role, though environmental influences during pregnancy may also contribute. Webbed toes are usually harmless and do not affect function, but in some cases, they may be associated with certain genetic syndromes. The degree of fusion varies, with some cases involving only skin while others include deeper connective tissues. If webbed toes cause discomfort or affect mobility, surgical separation may be an option. If you or your child have webbed toes that are causing any pain or difficulty in completing daily tasks, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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