December 2024

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often from a sudden twist or misstep. While painful, proper recovery ensures you regain strength and stability. The key to healing is balancing rest with gentle movement. Start with rest, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. As swelling subsides, begin light exercises such as ankle circles or toe flexing to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness. Avoid rushing back to high-impact activities. Gradually rebuild strength with resistance exercises and balance training to avoid re-injury. Wearing a supportive brace may help during this phase. Every sprain is unique and untreated or improperly healed injuries can lead to chronic instability. If you suspect you have an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.

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.

A broken foot happens when one of the 26 bones in the foot cracks or breaks. This injury can occur from accidents like dropping a heavy object on it, falling, or twisting the foot during sporting activity. Stress fractures, caused by repetitive strain, are another common type of foot break. Symptoms of a broken foot include swelling, bruising, pain when moving or bearing weight, and sometimes a visible deformity. Immediate care is critical to prevent worsening the injury. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Minor breaks may only need rest and a supportive boot or cast. Severe fractures might require surgery with pins or plates to stabilize the bones. If you suspect you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure proper healing and recovery.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the 3rd and 4th toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing irritation or compression. The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, but factors like wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels, can contribute by putting pressure on the ball of the foot. Other causes include repetitive stress or activities that involve high-impact movements, like running or jumping. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and a feeling of something being stuck or bunched up in the shoe. These symptoms are often aggravated by walking or standing for long periods. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can successfully treat Morton’s neuroma.

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.

Allowing kids to walk barefoot offers numerous benefits for their development and overall well-being. When children walk without shoes, their feet can grow naturally, promoting healthy arch formation and improving foot strength. Barefoot walking also enhances sensory feedback, allowing children to better understand their surroundings and develop improved balance. Additionally, walking without shoes can increase safety awareness, as children become more mindful of the surfaces they walk on, which can help prevent accidents. Another advantage is that walking barefoot encourages fun and freedom, allowing children to engage more fully with their environment. By spending time barefoot, kids can also help extend the lifespan of their shoes, as they do not wear out as quickly. If you have questions or would like additional information about the benefits of your child walking barefoot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

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.

A Lisfranc injury refers to damage to bones in the midfoot, specifically the joint complex where the bones of the foot meet. This type of injury often occurs from a traumatic event, such as a car accident, sports injury, or a fall from height, where excessive force is applied to the foot. It can also happen in lower-impact scenarios, like twisting the foot awkwardly while walking or running. Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In severe cases, there may be visible deformity. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may be treated with immobilization, while more severe cases may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the joint. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a Lisfranc injury through a physical exam and imaging, and develop a treatment plan to help restore function and alleviate pain. If you suspect a Lisfranc injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for the right care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.