Items filtered by date: September 2023

Lupus patients commonly experience foot-related problems that are painful and can cause disability. These issues encompass various foot structures, including joints, skin, and nerves. Foot problems in lupus patients can originate from joint and soft tissue disorders, dermatological complications, neurological and circulatory issues, and vasculitis. Approximately two-thirds of lupus patients have foot arthritis. Imaging shows inflammatory foot joint abnormalities, with the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints most affected, essential for mobility. Dermatological issues, including corns and calluses, are common and may lead to foot ulceration. Immunosuppressive treatments increase the risk of skin infections such as fungal infections. Lupus patients face vascular problems, including peripheral vascular disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Neurological deficits affect lupus patients which may lead to sensory neuropathy, altered gait, and an increased risk of falls. Foot deformities may not always be apparent due to footwear, and foot problems in lupus cannot always be solely attributed to the disease as they are also prevalent in the general population. Management of foot issues in lupus requires a comprehensive approach and podiatry care. If you have lupus and are experiencing foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you regain quality of life.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Choosing the perfect pair of running shoes is essential for runners of all levels. Your choice significantly affects comfort, performance, and overall foot health. To make the right selection, start by identifying your foot type, such as neutral, pronated, or supinated. Next, consider cushioning, which should be minimal for a natural feel, maximum for long-distance shock absorption, or moderate for most runners. Shoe stability matters for injury prevention. Those with flat feet or overpronation should opt for stability features like medial posts, while high arches benefit from neutral shoes with cushioning. A proper fit is also important. Leave about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's front. Try on multiple pairs and take them for a test run in-store to assess comfort and stability. Also, consider the type of surface you will be running on, because road, trail, and track running require different shoe types. Running shoes can become a major investment because they should be replaced after 300-500 miles to ensure optimal performance and prevent injuries. For more help with finding the proper running shoe for your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the feet, can develop due to a combination of factors. One primary factor is biomechanical issues within the feet, such as having flat feet or high arches. These structural variations can place excessive stress on the toe joints, leading to repeated irritation of the nerve. Tight calf muscles, which limits ankle movement, are another contributor to this condition. When the ankle's range of motion is restricted, it can result in increased pressure on the balls of the feet, further aggravating the situation. Additionally, footwear choices play a significant role in developing Morton’s neuroma. Wearing narrow, high heeled or tight fitting shoes compresses the nerves and puts pressure on the forefoot. Some patients report a persistent aching or burning sensation, frequently occurring between the third and fourth toes. This discomfort is often accompanied by sharp, shooting pains in the ball of the foot, which can extend into the toes and create additional discomfort. Some patients liken the sensation to having a foreign object such as a pebble or stone, trapped inside their shoe. Tingling and pricking sensations in the toes are also prevalent and contribute to the overall discomfort associated with Morton's neuroma. If you believe you may have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A plantar wart, which is a growth on the sole of your foot, is caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although this type of infection is more common among children and young adults, it can affect anyone. You might wonder how you end up with this unwelcome visitor. It's simple, the infection is caused by direct contact with the virus through a break in your skin. Sometimes, it can take months after exposure for a plantar wart to appear. The wart often starts as a small, rough patch on your foot's sole but can expand over time. These growths disrupt the usual skin lines on your feet and might display tiny black dots due to clogged blood vessels. Treatment options vary based on how the warts bother you. Salicylic acid treatments may or may not be effective. More advanced treatment includes the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin, though this process can cause discomfort and may take several applications. If you think you may have a plantar wart, especially if it becomes painful or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This qualified foot doctor can evaluate the problem and suggest a proper course of treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.