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Research has shown there may be a connection of walking barefoot and increased cognitive abilities. When children walk barefoot, they may become more aware of different textures that are walked on, which may contribute to understanding spatial awareness. There are numerous nerves in the feet, and when shoes are frequently eliminated, the opportunity to grow new neural connections may increase. The skin on the bottom of the feet will become tougher, and walking in environments with grass or sand may help to increase a sense of freedom. Toxic stress may be decreased, and walking in these types of environments may help to regulate the nervous system. Studies have shown that babies feet are preferred receptors, and emotions may possibly be regulated when children can walk barefoot while outside. If you would like more information about the benefits of having your child walk barefoot, please speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.

Many people have professions that require standing for the majority of the day. This can wreak havoc on the feet and foot pain is often felt at the end of the day. The feet can become sore and swollen, and it is common to experience general muscle fatigue. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly and are also comfortable. It may help to stand on a stress mat as well. It is suggested to elevate the feet as often as possible during a break or while having lunch, and this can help to reduce strain on the joints, ligaments, and muscles. Additionally, when positions are shifted while standing, it may give one side of the body a chance to momentarily rest. Research has shown that work productivity is increased when the feet do not hurt and the overall body is more energetic. If you would like more information about how to work efficiently while standing, please ask a podiatrist who can address concerns and answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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 and ankle needs.

It is agreed upon by medical professionals that following a daily foot care routine is a necessity for diabetics. First, it is important to examine the feet and toes each day for cuts, sores, and bruises. Don’t forget about the soles of the feet, which may be examined by holding a mirror to them. If you are unable to carry out this inspection, it is suggested that you ask a family member or caregiver to help. Look specifically for red, blue, or black areas on the feet. Redness can signal irritation from shoes that are too tight, while blue or black areas can be caused by bruising or blood flow problems. Blisters may be caused from the skin rubbing against the inside of a shoe. It is important not to pierce a blister. If it turns red, oozes, or doesn't heal after four days, it is wise to seek the help of a podiatrist. Washing and thoroughly drying the feet is essential as moisture between the toes can invite bacterial or fungal infections. If you notice sores that take a long time to heal, please consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible, as these may develop into ulcers. Diabetics are wise to have regular checkups with a podiatrist to monitor the health of their feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 and ankle needs.

There is no mistaking what a bunion is. It is a common foot deformity that can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight and is noticeable by the small bony protrusion that is seen on the side of the big toe. Bunions that are left untreated may grow and push the other toes toward each other. This can present difficulty in walking and medical attention is often sought for comfort and relief. Research has shown a bunion may also be caused by genetic factors in addition to medical conditions such as various types of arthritis. People who are afflicted with a bunion may need to purchase larger shoes to accommodate it and mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over it. Bunions do not go away on their own and it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist be consulted who can prescribe orthotics or recommend surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Athlete’s foot is a foot condition that can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm environments such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The symptoms that often accompany this can include itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot, and the skin can be white and soggy. Some people have cracked skin with this ailment, in addition to small blisters. Patients who have a weakened immune system may be prone to getting athlete’s foot, in addition to having poor foot hygiene. Some people have learned to avoid athlete’s foot by wearing appropriate shoes while in public places, and refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. It may help to use foot powder inside the shoes, which may aid in prevention. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for complete healing.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Research has shown that injuries may be prevented among runners. It is easy to experience unwanted foot conditions from running mishaps, and simple methods can be implemented to help prevent running injuries. Common injuries that affect many runners can include blisters, a pulled muscle in the lower leg, and cuts from falling. Additionally, running injuries can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and running on uneven surfaces. Many people overtrain, in addition to improperly warming up and cooling down, which are prime reasons for running injuries to happen. Helpful prevention tips can include drinking plenty of water before, during, and after running, while gradually increasing speed and mileage. Running injuries can affect the feet, and a podiatrist can inform you of effective running prevention techniques, address concerns, and answer any questions you may have.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

The overall health of the body may improve when the feet feel good. This can be accomplished by performing specific foot stretches that may help foot strength and flexibility. Research has shown that strong feet may reduce the chances of falling and getting hurt, and exercises and foot stretches can be practiced several days per week. An effective stretch is called the toe raise, point and curl stretch, and can be performed while sitting in a chair. This is done by curling the toes under the feet, followed by lifting them up. The toes can become stronger while spreading them as far apart as possible, which is effective in strengthening the muscles and tendons between the toes. A toe curl is done by picking up a towel or marble with the toes, releasing, and then repeated several times. The big toe is important in maintaining balance in the body, and can be strengthened by pulling it forward and back. If you would like to learn about additional ways to stretch the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct techniques.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Selecting the right kind of running shoe is critically important for any runner to not only feel their best during runs, but to also protect their feet from potential injury. Far more important than selecting a pair of running shoes for how they look is selecting shoes that fit. Something to be mindful of when choosing running shoes is how the ankle collar fits. This part of the running shoe wraps around the heel at the back of the shoe. The purpose of this feature of the shoe is to hold the heel in place. When selecting a pair of shoes, you might consider taking note of how the back of your foot interacts with the ankle collar. For example, notice if the padding in the ankle collar feels comfortable or if your heel is slipping out of the shoe. For more information about the ankle collar in running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 offices located in Williston Park, and Long Beach, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.