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Women usually are more likely to develop bunions more frequently than men. They can gradually form as a result of wearing high heels or shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A noticeable symptom of a bunion can consist of a large and bony protrusion that is positioned on the side of the big toe. It can be accompanied by pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Some patients find relief by frequently performing specific stretches, or wearing a cushion inside the shoe. If you notice a bunion that is beginning to develop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 arch of the foot is a frequent site of foot pain. Fortunately, some of this pain can be relieved through stretching the feet. You can stretch the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot and helps form the arch, by sitting in a chair with the affected foot raised on top of the opposite knee. Firmly but gently grasp the heel in one hand and the toes in the other hand and pull your heel towards the body while pulling your toes back. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat two to four times. You should feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot. If you are experiencing persistent arch pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.  

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.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where overactive sweat glands cause an individual to sweat excessively in certain areas of the body, including the feet. If your child’s feet sweat profusely—even if your child is not hot or doing something strenuous—or their feet regularly emit an unpleasant odor, they may have hyperhidrosis. This condition can be quite uncomfortable, embarrassing, disruptive to normal activities, and may even make them more prone to developing a fungal infection due to continuously wet skin. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by physical stress or anxiety, certain medications, infections, fever, or even an underlying medical condition. You may be able to help your child manage the symptoms of hyperhidrosis by having them keep their feet clean, applying cornstarch or powder, choosing breathable materials in shoes, and wearing cotton socks that are switched out regularly. If these practices do not offer adequate relief, a podiatrist may be able treat your child’s hyperhidrosis with various procedures and medicinal therapies.

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.

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 and ankle 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 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.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by hyperuricemia—an overabundance of uric acid which crystallizes in a joint causing pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. While gout can occur anywhere in the body, it usually manifests in the joints of the big toe. Historically, it was believed that overindulging in food and drink was the leading factor of developing gout. However, heredity may put a person more at risk of developing gout than originally thought. Still, a healthy diet and other precautionary measures may help reduce the amount of uric acid in your body, and can even reduce the symptoms and severity of gout. If your family history puts you at risk of developing gout, be proactive and contact a podiatrist today.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Tendons, blood vessels, and nerves—such as the tibial nerve which provides feeling and mobility in the foot—travel through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle. When the tibial nerve gets constricted or damaged, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can occur. This condition produces tingling or numbness, pain, and a weakening in muscles and various parts of the foot. It can be triggered by swelling, abnormal growths in bones and joints, varicose veins, abnormal arches, and various systemic diseases. A complete recovery is possible if the condition is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. To avoid permanent complications such as pain, numbness, and immobility, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can provide a variety of treatments and therapies.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.