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It is recommended that proper foot care is maintained as a daily habit. It is important to practice everyday foot care during the aging process, as this can help in mobility and range of motion. This is needed to enjoy walking, shopping, and generally being active. Wearing comfortable shoes is important to the overall health of the body, and it can be beneficial to alternate the shoes that are worn with a second pair. Additionally, it can help to refrain from walking barefoot, as this can prevent athlete’s foot and blisters. The shoes that are worn can help to improve balance, and decrease the risk of falling.  A good time  to purchase shoes is at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest, and they should feel comfortable from the moment they are tried on. Some patients wear custom made orthotics with existing medical conditions that can consist of arthritis and chronic foot ailments. Trimming the toenails correctly can possibly prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, and corns may be prevented by weaning shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you would like more information about the importance of maintaining elderly foot care, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Individuals may experience pain in the toes for a multitude of different reasons. For example, toe pain may arise from problems in the bones or calluses that formed on the outside of the toes. One condition that can cause toe pain is known as lesions. These can develop on more than one toe, and sometimes on both feet. Lesions can cause pain during the day and create an extremely uncomfortable itching sensation throughout the night. Another important sign of lesions on the toes is swelling around the affected area and discoloration, which can essentially turn the toe into a purple tint. What can make toe lesions all the more troubling and uncomfortable is that wearing anything on the feet, from socks to shoes, can be extremely painful. Chilblains, a related condition, usually develop on the feet when blood vessels become inflamed as a result of exposure to cold temperatures. Some cases of toe lesions have also been identified in individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, although any kind of definitive, causal relationship between the two conditions remains to be seen. If you think that you are suffering from toe lesions, consider reaching out to a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is common knowledge that being overweight can lead to heart problems and other maladies. In addition, extra body weight can also be the cause of problems with your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Research shows that the risk of a broken ankle or knee injury increases when a person's body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30-35. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the bones in the feet and ankles, which are not built to carry the amount of stress extra weight causes. Your gait, or the way you walk, may be altered. This in turn affects the legs, knees and hips, which can inhibit your ability to exercise or carry out daily activities. Perhaps the greatest risk of obesity is the onset of diabetes and/or high blood pressure, as well as the development of bunions, plantar fasciitis and other foot deformities. Paying attention to a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be the first steps in eliminating foot pain and other problems. If you are overweight and experience frequent or chronic foot pain, or if your ankles seem unstable, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer guidance and treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 are many reasons why your ankle may hurt. You may have sprained, strained, or fractured your ankle, or ruptured your Achilles tendon. Perhaps some form of arthritis has settled into the ankle joint, or you may have fallen arches. A less common reason for ankle pain is an infection. You are more susceptible to developing an infection in your ankle if you have recently had surgery or have suffered a cut or other form of trauma in the area, and bacteria entered through the open skin. A painful ankle infection is sometimes accompanied by warmth, swelling, or redness in the affected area as well as fever and fatigue. Any infection is a potentially serious condition and should be attended to promptly. If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned here, it is suggested to make an appointment with a podiatrist. They will examine your ankle and make an accurate diagnosis in order to treat the condition properly.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

The feet carry the weight of the body, and provide the foundation for positive physical and mental health. If the feet are weak, and range of motion is limited, the joints and muscles in the foot may compensate. This can result in foot pain. This can cause an increased risk in falling, and it is helpful for several reasons to maintain foot strength. Additionally, the ankles may work harder than they should to keep the body moving. An effective foot stretch is called the “folded blanket walk.” This is done by placing a blanket on the floor, and beginning to walk on it. This can be beneficial in promoting balance and flexibility. Additionally, a popular foot stretch consists of rolling the sole of the foot from the top to the bottom on a tennis ball while sitting in a chair. This is beneficial in keeping the arch of the foot strong. Toe lifts are done to strengthen the toes, and they are practiced by sitting in a chair, and lifting each toe individually. There are many different types of foot exercises that can be done daily, and if you would like more information about the benefits and how to perform them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

A plantar fibroma is a benign, noncancerous, growth that is less than one inch in size and develops in the arch of the foot. It grows in the plantar fascia, the thick, fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and stabilizes the foot arch. A plantar fibroma can develop on one or both feet. Anyone can develop a plantar fibroma, but it is most apt to occur in young or middle-aged adults and males. This growth appears on the bottom of the foot in the middle of the arch. It is characterized by small bumps that can be painless at first but become painful as the nodules grow larger. Since there is no known cause of a plantar fibroma, there is no way to prevent it. If you suspect you have a plantar fibroma, consult with a podiatrist who can make a diagnosis and provide treatment for it, or any other foot or ankle condition found.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When a child complains about pain in their leg, it might be coming from a problem with their foot. Flat feet, or feet without a well-developed arch, is common among children. While some kids might not experience any symptoms of flat feet, others might feel cramping or tenderness in their feet, lower leg, or knee. They might limp or show an aversion to athletic activities and walking because of pain in their feet. While foot pain in children might be from growing, it could be something else that deserves examination by a qualified podiatrist. They might have a structural abnormality of the foot that requires orthotics or surgery. If your child complains of foot or leg pain, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose their condition and offer treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 simplicity of wearing flip flops during the summer months is appealing for many people. They are designed in different colors and styles, and have become a popular shoe. Despite their ease, they lack structural support, and this can affect the ankles, calves, heels, and feet. They are beneficial to wear in public areas where there are swimming pools and locker rooms. They are considered to be an appropriate shoe that may help to prevent athlete’s foot and toenail fungus while worn in these types of areas. Flip flops can be purchased with cushioned soles, and leather material. Additionally, it is beneficial to choose these types of shoes that have a strap in the back, which can be helpful in keeping the shoe on the foot. When the wrong type of flips flops are worn, the gait may gradually be affected, and pain may be felt in the feet. If you would like more information about the pros and cons of wearing flip flops, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.