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What Causes Corns?
Corns develop on the feet as a result of increased friction that comes from wearing shoes that are too tight. Additionally, they may develop from standing or walking for the majority of the day, and this may cause the toes to rub together. Corns are most likely to form on the top of the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Some patients will notice a corn on the inside of their toes, and this can form from excessive moisture from consistently wearing socks. Mild relief can be found if corn pads are worn. These can be effective in protecting the area of the foot from the part of the shoe that caused the friction. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent corns from developing. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, and trimming the toenails frequently. If you are afflicted with a corn, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you towards the proper treatment.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Corns
Corns are hard and thick areas of skin that form as a result of constant rubbing, friction, or pressure on the skin. They are patches of dead skin with a small plug toward the center. They may appear on the tops and sides of toes and can make walking painful.
Soft corns are typically thinner with a white color and rubbery texture. Soft corns tend to appear between the toes. Seed corns are another type of corn that appear in clusters and can be tender if they are on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns usually appear on the bottom of the foot and are likely caused by a blockage in sweat ducts.
While corns and calluses are somewhat similar, calluses are a bit different. Calluses are a patch of dead skin that can occur anywhere on the body. In comparison to corns, calluses are usually a bit larger in size. However, both corns and calluses are caused by increased friction on the skin.
There are some risk factors that may increase your chances of developing corns and calluses. If you have bunions, hammertoe, or a bone spur, you are more likely to develop a corn or callus on your foot.
While Corns and Calluses tend to disappear when the friction to the affected area ceases, the help of a podiatrist may be useful in the removal process. It is important to remove the dead skin around the area and this may be done in a few different ways. Moisturizing creams may be helpful in softening and removing the dead skin around the callus. You should never use razors or other pedicure equipment to remove your corns. Doing this may worsen your corn or callus and cause infection.
In some cases, corns and calluses may be caused by abnormal foot structure or walking motion. In such a case, you should seek a podiatrist’s assistance in order to correct the issue.
What Is A Heel Spur?
Heel spurs, also known as calcaneal spurs or osteophytes, are bony outgrowths that can occur on the underside of a person’s foot. Heel spurs may be hooked, pointy, or shelf-like. There are many causes, but most often, heel spurs arise in patients with plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. The heel can also become more vulnerable with age. The pads of the heel wear down and fail to provide shock absorption. The diagnosis of a heel spur is formally made when an X-ray reflects this bony protrusion. The first steps of treatment are rest, inflammation control, icing, stretching, and orthotics. If you are conflicted with this ailment, it is recommended to speak with your local podiatrist.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Is Plantar Fasciitis Painful?
The most noticeable symptoms of the medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis are heel pain and severe discomfort. The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot, and it connects the heel to the toes. If this becomes injured, it may become inflamed, and plantar fasciitis may develop. This condition can be caused by high arches, an injury that has happened to the foot, or participating in certain sporting activities. Relief can be felt when orthotics are worn, and this may be beneficial in reducing existing strain to the plantar fascia. Some patients find it helpful to perform frequent stretching techniques, and this may also aid in strengthening the affected areas of the foot. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment options for you.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Having high arches in your feet
- Other foot issues such as flat feet
- Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
- Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
- Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Do You Take Care of Your Feet During Pregnancy?
Often times during pregnancy, your feet can bear the brunt of weight gain. The blood vessels in your toes are among the smallest in the body, which can cause fluid from the veins to leak into surrounding tissues of the legs and feet. This can cause unpleasant discomfort and swelling in the foot. So how do you care for your feet and minimize swelling? Stretching is very important, as well as wearing supportive and comfortable shoes and socks. Feet tend to swell during the day, so having proper shoes is paramount in the afternoon. Walking keeps the blood flowing instead of pooling. Drink lots of water, as this will rid your system of excess sodium, in turn minimizing the swelling. When sitting, if possible, elevate your feet. At night, you should sleep on your left side, because it keeps your kidneys humming along which helps eliminate waste and reduce swelling. Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, please consult with your local podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The Importance of Caring for Diabetic Feet
Diabetic patients may develop serious foot conditions as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. Some people experience neuropathy. Symptoms of this ailment often include a numbing or tingling sensation, and it may be painful to walk. Additionally, it can be difficult to feel any cuts or irritations on the feet, and this may lead to the formation of diabetic foot ulcers. This occurs when the cuts become infected, and if not promptly treated, gangrene may develop. People who are diabetic often notice changes in the feet. These consist of swelling, ingrown toenails, extremely dry skin, and temperature changes. If there are open wounds, it is suggested to keep the area covered and dry, and it may be beneficial to wear a supportive boot. Diabetic patients are urged to be under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat any foot condition that is associated with diabetes.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can cause two problems that can potentially affect the feet: Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, which prevents you from feeling heat, cold, or pain. The problem with diabetic neuropathy is that a cut or sore on the foot may go unnoticed and the cut may eventually become infected. This condition is also a main cause of foot ulcers. Additionally, Peripheral vascular disease also affects blood flow in the body. Poor blood flow will cause sores and cuts to take longer to heal. Infections that don’t heal do to poor blood flow can potentially cause ulcers or gangrene.
There are certain foot problems that are more commonly found in people with diabetes such as Athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts. These conditions can lead to infection and serious complications such as amputation. Fortunately, proper foot care can help prevent these foot problems before they progress into more serious complications.
Each day you should wash your feet in warm water with a mild soap. When you finish washing your feet, dry them carefully especially between your toes. You should also perform daily foot inspections to ensure you don’t have any redness, blisters, or calluses. Furthermore, if you are diabetic, you should always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Practicing these tips will help ensure that your feet are kept healthy and away from infection.
If you have diabetes, contact your podiatrist if you have any of the following symptoms on your feet: changes in skin color, corns or calluses, open sores that are slow to heal, unusual and persistent odor, or changes in skin temperature. Your podiatrist will do a thorough examination of your feet to help treat these problematic conditions.
Tips for People with Flat Feet
Having flat feet can cause pain, difficulty with exercising, and hardships for finding shoes. However, you are not necessarily stuck with the issues flat feet generate. There are a few things to do to help with this condition. Primarily, you can stretch the calf muscle, as to avoid further arch collapse. Next, you can perform exercises that strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles near the arch. While wearing shoes, you can wear inserts that align the bones of the foot properly. Conversely, going barefoot when possible could help strengthen the foot. In cases where a flat foot imposes an extreme burden on the person’s life, surgery may be an option. Surgery would be the only comprehensive cure for a flat foot. All of the other options alleviate pain and improve alignment. If you have flat feet, consult with a podiatrist to find out which treatment alternatives could work for you.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Causes and Symptoms of Bunions
A large bump at the base of the big toe may be referred to as a bunion. It may cause the big toe to turn toward the second toe. The symptoms that are most often associated with bunions include pain, tenderness, or swelling surrounding the affected area. Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons. These include shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, genetic factors, or an injury that has occurred. If you are afflicted with this ailment, mild relief may be found by wearing shoes that fit properly or putting a protective covering over the bunion. If you have a bunion that is affecting your daily activities, it is advised to counsel with a podiatrist who can offer a treatment solution.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
- Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
- Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
- Redness and inflammation
- Pain and tenderness
- Callus or corns on the bump
- Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Nighttime Foot Cramps and Stretching the Feet
Patients who experience nighttime foot cramps are aware of the pain and discomfort these may cause. When stretching techniques are performed, the muscles contract to hold the stretch, and cramps may occur if they remain in this position. Relief is found when the specific stretch is avoided for several days, and this will give the muscles a chance to properly heal. If it is possible to point and flex the foot, it may help the foot to feel better. Many patients find comfort in gently massaging the area or soaking the foot in warm water. If you have cramps in your feet at night, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend proper stretching techniques.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.