Pitting edema refers to a visible swelling of a specific area caused by fluid buildup in the tissues. When pressure is applied to the area, it leaves a pit in the skin. While pitting edema can occur throughout the body, the feet and ankles are often affected. Beyond swelling and pitting, this condition can also cause tingling or burning sensations, pain, stiffness, numbness, and cramps. There are many potential causes for pitting edema, including poor circulation, obesity, pregnancy, dehydration, and injuries. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition, but may involve elevating the feet, wearing compression socks, or taking certain medications. If you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet are generally caused by excess friction from your shoes rubbing repeatedly against an area of skin. The fluid-filled skin bubble referred to as a blister forms to protect the raw skin underneath it. Despite being annoying and causing mild pain or discomfort, most blisters are not serious and heal on their own. However, sometimes a blister may become infected, especially if it has popped, torn, or been picked at. Signs of an infection in a blister include worsening redness, pain, tenderness, and swelling around the blister. It may also begin to drain cloudy fluids or pus, or have yellowish crusting around it. If you suspect that your blister may be infected, please see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a foot problem in which the nerves that run between the toes are irritated or thickened due to compression, stretching, or other damage to the nerves. This may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, participating in high-impact sports like running, or abnormalities in the structure of your feet. Morton’s neuroma is five times more common in women than it is in men, and middle-aged women appear to be most at risk. Morton’s neuroma is also common in athletes. Nevertheless, this condition can affect anyone of any age or gender, and is not always caused by sports injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe pain between the toes, a tingling sensation, or sharp, shooting, or burning pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For healthy individuals, over-the-counter (OTC) foam or gel insoles or rigid inserts may ease some minor foot discomfort. However, custom orthotics may be needed for those who suffer from more serious foot disorders or diseases, those who have pain in the knees or back, or those that are experiencing a gait or posture issue. Getting a custom medical orthotic starts with a thorough physical exam by a podiatrist who will then be able to diagnose the nature and cause of the pain. If it is determined that a custom orthotic will help in the treatment of your particular condition, a 3D digital scan or mold of your foot will be created and a custom orthotic will be produced just for you. If OTC insoles have not yielded relief, or you are experiencing any foot, ankle, or leg pain, contact a podiatrist today.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.