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.

While bunions are more common in adults, they can also develop in children. Pediatric bunions often result from inherited foot structures, where genetic factors influence bone alignment. Unlike adults, children's bunions tend to be softer, although they may still cause discomfort and visible bumps on the side of the big toe. Children with flat feet or hypermobility are more prone to bunions, especially if there is a family history. Unfortunately, bunions will not go away on their own and may worsen over time, particularly as children grow and become more active. Early intervention helps prevent progression. Wearing supportive shoes with wide-toe boxes and arch support can alleviate pressure. If you have a child with a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so the severity of the bunion can be assessed, and individualized treatment options are offered for long-term foot health.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a downward curve resembling a hammer. This misalignment often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and is caused by muscle or tendon imbalances, often due to genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis. The bent toe can cause pain, swelling, corns, and calluses as it rubs against footwear, making daily activities uncomfortable. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe. For mild cases, they may recommend conservative treatments like stretching exercises, wearing shoes with a spacious toe box, and using custom orthotics to relieve pressure. Toe splints or pads may also help realign the joint. In advanced cases, when pain persists or limits mobility, a podiatrist might suggest surgical correction to straighten the toe and restore function, offering lasting relief. If you have discomfort from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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 care needs.