Items filtered by date: May 2025

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:00

Recovering From a Broken Ankle

Recovering from a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the fracture. A podiatrist can assess the injury and recommend proper treatment, which may involve immobilization using a cast or walking boot. In more complex cases, surgery might be necessary to reposition fractured bones and stabilize them with screws or plates. A broken ankle can take several weeks to heal, and additional time may be required to restore full ankle motion and strength. If the ligaments or tendons are also affected, this can lengthen recovery. A podiatrist will monitor your progress, evaluate healing through imaging, and determine when it is safe to begin gradual weight-bearing. Improper healing can lead to long-term instability, pain, or limited function, so close medical supervision is important. A podiatrist can also help prevent reinjury through supportive devices or orthotics and ongoing monitoring of the foot and ankle during recovery. If you have fractured an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

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Wednesday, 21 May 2025 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 00:00

What Is a Curled Toenail?

Curled toenails, also known as involuted or pincer nails, occur when the sides of the nail begin to curve inward, sometimes digging into the surrounding skin. This condition can be caused by genetics, wearing improper footwear that puts pressure on the toes, or fungal infections that can gradually distort nail shape. Other causes may include trauma or long-term neglect of proper nail care. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes. The skin around the nail may become red, tender, or swollen, and, in some cases, an infection may develop. A podiatrist can assess the severity and underlying cause of the curled toenail. Treatment options include trimming and reshaping the nail, treating fungal infections, recommending proper footwear, or using special devices to gradually correct the nail’s shape. In more severe cases, partial nail removal or minor procedures may be necessary. If you are experiencing this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

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Tuesday, 13 May 2025 00:00

Living With Midfoot Arthritis

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the arch of the foot, where several small bones meet. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, especially during walking or standing. This condition often develops from wear and tear over time, past injuries or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pain may feel worse in the morning or after activity, and shoes may start to feel uncomfortable. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joints. Wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications may help manage symptoms. In some cases, targeted exercises or steroid injections provide relief. When pain does not improve, surgery may be considered to fuse the affected joints and restore stability. If you feel pain or stiffness in the middle of your foot that affects daily movement, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

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The feet can often reveal early signs of liver problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. One common indication is the appearance of spider veins, which are small, visible blood vessels that can form on the feet and ankles when the liver is not properly filtering blood. Cracked heels may also suggest liver dysfunction, as poor circulation and dehydration associated with liver issues can lead to dry, splitting skin. Another sign to watch for is white nail beds, which can signal a lack of healthy blood flow or low protein levels caused by liver disease. These changes in the feet may seem minor at first, but they can provide important clues about underlying liver health. If you notice any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you if an underlying health issue is a concern.

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.

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