A baby’s feet are soft, flexible, and still developing, which makes proper care essential for healthy growth. Gently wash and dry your baby’s feet daily, and trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid wearing tight socks or shoes that restrict natural movement and allow the feet to move freely. Encourage gentle foot exercises such as kicking or grasping to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Common foot concerns in babies include in-toeing, out-toeing, and curly toes, which often improve as they grow. A podiatrist can evaluate your baby’s feet, provide guidance on healthy development, and address any concerns early. If your child has any foot pain or has symptoms of specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions.

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 care needs.

Basketball demands explosive movement, sudden stops, and powerful jumps, putting intense stress on the Achilles tendon. A rupture often happens during quick changes in direction or when a player pushes off forcefully while driving, pivoting, or landing from a jump. The injury is commonly linked to a sudden stretch of the tendon as the ankle bends upward faster than the body can react. Players sometimes describe hearing a pop or feeling as if they were kicked from behind. Immediate pain, swelling, and loss of strength follow, making it impossible to continue playing. Recovery usually involves immobilization or surgery, followed by targeted exercises  to rebuild strength and flexibility. Preventive care, such as calf strengthening, stretching, and wearing proper basketball shoes, helps reduce risk. If you are a basketball player and think you have sustained an achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you seek prompt evaluation by a podiatrist to ensure the best outcome and a safe return to the court.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Recurrent ankle sprains often occur when the ligaments that support the ankle become weakened or overstretched from previous injuries. Each sprain can stretch these ligaments further, reducing stability and making the ankle more prone to rolling inward or outward during activity. The most frequently affected ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament, which helps keep the ankle from turning excessively. Symptoms of recurring ankle sprains include pain, swelling, tenderness, and a sense that the ankle gives way. Chronic ankle instability can develop if the ligaments and surrounding muscles lose their ability to properly stabilize the joint. A podiatrist can assess the degree of ligament damage and evaluate ankle alignment through physical examination and imaging. In some cases, surgery may be required to restore ligament strength and joint stability. If you have repeatedly sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

Foot pain is common in fibromyalgia patients, with studies finding it in more than half of those living with the condition. This type of foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult, since it affects every step a person takes. Many describe burning on the bottoms of their feet, sharp pain when stepping on small objects, or discomfort when shoes press on their toes. Some even feel pain just from resting their feet on the floor. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may contribute. The band of tissue that supports the arch can become irritated, leading to heel or arch pain. Nerves in the feet can also become overly sensitive, causing normal pressure to feel intense. In some cases, the joint beneath the ankle that controls side-to-side motion may not move properly, adding to strain. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.