Items filtered by date: September 2021

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that bind and support the ankle joint become stretched beyond their limits. Having good balance as well as strength and flexibility in your feet, ankles, and lower legs can help prevent ankle sprains from occurring. Stretching your calf muscles before and after engaging in physical activity is important. From a standing position with your hands (at arm’s length) placed on a table or a wall, put one leg behind you. Keeping both heels on the ground, lean forward gently until you feel the stretch in your calf muscles. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat the stretch with your other leg behind you. A podiatrist can provide additional stretching techniques and ankle strengthening exercises that can be applied in combination with other preventative measures to help you avoid a sprained ankle. These methods can also help to heal a sprained ankle should one occur.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can form anywhere on the body.  Most blisters on the feet and toes are caused by friction from shoes or socks rubbing repeatedly over a concentrated area of skin. The top layer of skin separates from the layers of skin underneath it and the empty space fills with a fluid called serum or plasma. The fluid cushions and protects the raw skin underneath the blister.  Most blisters are clear and filled with serum. Sometimes, a blister can appear red or black. This is indicative of blood vessel damage, in addition to skin damage. Infected blisters may have a white or yellow tinge due to pus forming and collecting beneath the blister. Most blisters heal on their own, but if you have a blister that appears to be infected, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.  

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament is damaged, usually through repetitive overuse, it can become inflamed and lead to heel pain, arch pain, swelling, and tenderness. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to prevent plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide cushioning and arch support, or wearing orthotic inserts, may give your foot the protection it needs to avoid injuries. Foot stretching and strengthening exercises can increase the flexibility and strength of your feet, making injuries less likely. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with being overweight or obese, as extra weight can strain the feet. For this reason, maintaining a healthy weight is also suggested. One of the most important things that you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis is to exercise appropriately. Increase the duration and intensity of your workouts slowly over time, give your feet time to rest following a workout, and stop if you begin to feel pain. To learn more about plantar fasciitis, please consult with your podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Fallen arches is a term used to describe flat feet that develop during adulthood. This is in contrast to flat feet that are present from early childhood, when the arch of the foot simply doesn’t form. Fallen arches, on the other hand, are not caused by the arch of the foot not developing, but rather by the arch forming and then collapsing over time. This is often due to weakening of the ligament that supports the arch. When the ligament loses its strength, it can no longer hold up the arch and the arch slowly lowers, creating a flat foot. Fallen arches can occur slowly due to the natural wear-and-tear caused by aging, or may be related to an injury. Another common cause is pregnancy, where hormones relax ligaments throughout the body, including those in the feet, which can lead to structural changes. Fallen arches can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to significant chronic pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sayville Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.