Items filtered by date: January 2025

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Common Causes of Swollen Feet

Swollen feet can be caused by several factors, often linked to underlying health conditions. One common cause is leaky veins, where blood flows backward due to weakened valves, leading to fluid buildup in the lower limbs. This condition, known as venous insufficiency, is often accompanied by discomfort and swelling. Another factor to consider is the side effects of medication. Certain drugs, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the feet. Dependent edema is another possible cause, particularly for individuals who spend prolonged periods standing or sitting. This condition results from gravity pulling fluid into the lower extremities. Lastly, inflammation due to injury, infection, or conditions like arthritis can cause swelling in the feet. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is, and offer effective relief and treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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Flat foot surgery is a procedure designed to address the discomfort and functional limitations caused by flat feet, a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly. This can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty walking. The surgery aims to restore the arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve associated pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may involve various techniques, such as tendon repair or repositioning, joint fusion, or the insertion of implants. In some cases, bone realignment or lengthening may be necessary to correct deformities and restore normal function. Flat foot surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like orthotics and pain management do not provide relief. The goal of flat foot surgery is to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring foot function. If you have flat feet that are causing chronic pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the correct treatment option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery
Wednesday, 15 January 2025 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Managing Foot Blisters

Blisters on the feet are small, fluid-filled pockets that form beneath the outer layer of skin, often caused by friction or pressure. These painful lesions can occur from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive movements during activities. Blisters on the feet are typically filled with clear fluid, though blood-filled blisters can develop if a nearby blood vessel is damaged. While small blisters often heal on their own when kept clean and covered, larger or infected blisters require attention, particularly if accompanied by redness, warmth, or drainage. Popping a blister is not recommended as it can lead to infection and further complications. A podiatrist can provide safe and sterile treatment to treat the blister, reduce pain and prevent infection. This foot doctor can also assess your footwear and recommend methods to minimize friction to prevent future blister formation. If you have a painful blister that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Managing a Broken Toe

A broken toe can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the break, along with pain in moving the toe or bearing weight. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or out of alignment. The most common causes of a broken toe are direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports-related injuries. High-impact activities and wearing improper footwear can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment typically involves rest or buddy taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe for support. In more severe cases, a splint or surgical intervention may be needed to realign the bones and ensure proper healing. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

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