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Distance runners often experience problems with their toenails, and the three main types are thick nails, bruised nails, and toenail loss. While in many cases the appearance of thick toenails can indicate a fungal infection, in runners they can also be a result of pressure from their shoes and socks, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. A toenail that looks blue or black is likely to be caused by a bruise underneath it. The change in color is caused by blood forming under the nail, often from direct trauma to the toe. In some cases, the blood will need to be drained in a medical procedure conducted by a podiatrist. Many runners are surprised when one of their toenails falls off. In most cases, a new nail will form. To avoid losing a toenail, experts recommend being sure that your running shoes fit well, keeping toenails properly trimmed, and making sure your shoes are completely dry before a run. If you notice a bruise, a thick nail, or a loose toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later, before the matter worsens and prohibits you from running. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of Americans who are 65 years or older fall every year. Physical harm may happen as a result of falling, and the feet are often affected.  A broken foot or toe are common injuries after a fall has occurred, which can limit the ability to complete daily activities. People who fall and are fortunate enough to not become hurt may develop a fear of falling. This can lead to becoming inactive and sedentary, which may be a gateway into other physical conditions. There are simple methods that can be implemented that can effectively prevent falling. These can include having routine physical and eye examinations that help update existing medications and eyeglasses. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the toilet and shower area and to improve lighting in the household. If you require more knowledge about fall prevention strategies, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful tips on foot protection.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

When a heel becomes injured, it is common for it to look bruised and swollen. This can happen from overuse or from participating in high-impact sports, and it can be painful. Resting the affected foot can often help, in addition to making sure to wear shoes that fit well. It is important to ensure that shoes have enough room in the heel area to avoid excessive pressure, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity being done. Using shoe inserts can provide extra support to cushion the sore heel, and wearing shoes with a low heel can shift the foot forward onto the ball of the foot. This is often effective in taking the pressure off the heel. If it is not possible to stay off the feet for the time required for healing, using crutches or a knee scooter can help with mobility without putting excess weight on the foot. Because there are so many reasons a heel can become bruised, it is important to be aware if the bruise worsens. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can examine your foot and administer proper treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

People who have swollen feet are often aware of the discomfort this condition can cause. It is common among pregnant women and generally begins in the second trimester. The medical term for swollen feet is edema, which is defined as fluid that becomes trapped in the body’s tissues. The feet and ankles are common areas for this to occur, and the fluids can pool in these areas as a result of gravity. Patients who have poor circulation may experience swollen feet, or it may happen to people who have endured a foot injury. Relief may be found when the feet are frequently elevated and compression stockings are worn. It is beneficial to reduce sodium intake, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

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 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.

Anyone in their senior years is no stranger to pain, but changes in the feet are often ignored. One of the ways the feet can change with aging is a loss of natural cushioning, particularly in the heel pads. At the same time, as the skin in the feet gets thinner and loses elasticity, the risk of foot injuries increases. A common injury is plantar fasciitis, which is the direct result of loss of elasticity that can cause the arch to collapse. This places more pressure on the feet to absorb shock and weight, producing foot pain. Such an occurrence, in turn, can negatively affect the legs, knees, hips, and back. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and obesity are other causes of foot pain as a person ages. Becoming more sedentary only adds to the risk of pain in the feet. Experts believe that light stretching and strength exercises are a good way to stave off foot pain. Wearing more supportive shoes that have ample cushioning can make a difference. And in some cases, investing in a pair of custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, is a solution. For more information about dealing with foot pain as you age, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Cary Golub, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

People who are afflicted with toenail fungus are often embarrassed by how their feet look. This is an unsightly foot condition that is contagious. Common symptoms that many patients experience can consist of thickened and yellowed toenails that may have separated from the nail bed. The nail may change shape or look distorted and can become brittle. People who have a weakened immune system may be prone to developing toenail fungus, in addition to patients who are diabetic or who have poor circulation. The fungus that causes this ailment lives in warm environments like shower room floors, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. If you frequent these types of places, it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes such as flip-flops or water shoes. It is also helpful to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels, and putting powder in the shoes can be a good prevention technique against toenail fungus. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition. 

For more information about treatment, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Bones in the feet and ankles are common areas for stress fractures. A stress fracture happens from repeated pressure on a bone. It is this repeated stress that differentiates a stress fracture from a typical broken bone. Runners and dancers are prone to stress fractures of the feet and ankles, especially after an increase in the level of activity. Certain other groups, such as those with osteoporosis, those with abnormalities of the foot structure or biomechanics, and those on certain medications, can have an elevated risk for stress fractures as well. A stress fracture can cause pain that is heightened with weight bearing or when direct pressure is applied to the affected bone. After such an injury, it is important to decrease weight-bearing activities to prevent a more unstable fracture from occurring. Diagnosis of a stress fracture can be difficult because it does not always show up on an X-ray. A CT scan or MRI is more sensitive to picking up these types of fractures. If you feel you might have sustained a stress fracture to your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Hikers can easily get wet feet, simply by having to cross a stream, or from a sudden downpour. Hiking experts recommend not hiking in conditions that may cause your feet to get wet. Potential problems from continuing to hike after your feet are wet include developing fungal infections and blisters. Possible infections include athlete’s foot, which can cause cracked, itchy, and inflamed skin between the toes, and toenail fungus, which can cause the nails to crumble and flake. This also can endanger the nail bed itself. Blisters are caused by friction as the side of the toe or heel rubs against the inside of a shoe. If the activity continues when a blister forms, it not only can be painful, but it can become infected. Prevention measures include wearing waterproof boots, carrying an extra pair of moisture-wicking socks, and investing in a pair of gaiters that help to keep your feet dry. For more information on how to keep your feet safe while hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Cary Golub, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.