November 2020

The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is often noticeable, and easily diagnosed. It typically affects the middle joints of the second or third toe, causing the joint to bend upward and the toes to bend downward. This condition often develops gradually due to genetic factors and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It is helpful to wear a larger size shoe that can accommodate the hammertoe, and mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the affected joint. Corns may form on the top of the joint from friction that can come from the shoes that are worn. If you have hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Sesamoiditis is a condition in which the tendons attached to the sesamoid bones, located on the underside of the foot, become inflamed. Sesamoiditis causes foot pain in the ball of the foot, under the big toe. The pain usually develops gradually. Sesamoiditis may also cause swelling and bruising on the underside of the foot and difficulty straightening or bending the big toe. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition through a physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

The medical condition that is referred to as an ingrown toenail can be accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain. It is an ailment that often affects the big toe, and occurs when the nail grows into the outer edge of the skin. Common reasons why this condition can occur include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in or from a toe injury. Additionally, repeated activities that involve kicking a ball may cause ingrown toenails to develop. Relief may be found when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, followed by placing a small piece of cotton between the nail and the skin. If your ingrown toenail has become infected, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Warts that develop on the bottom of the feet are known as plantar warts. They are caused by a virus and can be contagious. Symptoms of plantar warts include the appearance of potentially painful, hard, grainy, or fleshy warts on the sole of the foot. There are various treatments for plantar warts. One treatment that your doctor may use is freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. The doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to the wart, causing a blister to form there. After four to seven days, the blister will break, dry up, and fall off. Sometimes, a wart may need to be treated with liquid nitrogen several times to get full results. For more information about this and other treatments for plantar warts, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.

The therapy referred to as reflexology has been popular since the 1800s. This therapy may be beneficial in alleviating a portion of the pain that is associated with certain foot conditions. It is helpful to relax the feet before the massage begins, and this can be accomplished by pivoting the foot from side to side. Organs can be positively affected when specific parts of the foot are massaged. Some of the conditions that may be improved can include blood circulation, depression, and poor sleep. If you are interested in learning more about how to massage the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

If you are a runner, then you are likely not a stranger to blisters. Most blisters are caused by the repetitive friction of your shoes rubbing against the skin of your foot. Blisters can be painful and may make it difficult to continue running. Fortunately, there are multiple things that you can do to prevent blisters. Make sure that you run in properly fitted, supportive running shoes and socks that are made specifically for running. If there are areas of your feet that are prone to developing blisters while you run, you can place moleskin bandage, pads, or athletic tape over them. If you have calluses on your feet, you may want to keep them, as they can actually protect your feet from blistering while you run. For more information about preventing blisters and other foot and ankle injuries, consult with a podiatrist today.

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.

A bunion is considered to be a bone deformity, and develops on the outside of the big toe. It can gradually form as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Patients may experience difficulty balancing and the foot can become unstable. The big toe may be realigned when specific stretches are performed. These can include picking up an object with your toes, which may help to strengthen the arch, in addition to activating the muscles on the bottom of the big toe. Effective stretches can include lifting your toes and keeping the heel grounded while sitting on a chair. If you would like more information about how stretches can diminish the pain and discomfort from bunions, please consult with 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.