Our feet are body parts that are often taken for granted but they are so important to get us through life. Most people have probably suffered from foot and/or ankle discomfort at some point. The majority of ankle and foot problems are chronic and are generally caused by repetitive movement leading to overuse and strain. Overloaded tendons or joints can lead to tendonitis or cartilage breakdown and continual stretching of ligaments can lead to joint instability. Important things to consider in trying to prevent foot problems include force (compression, tension, torsion/twisting) on feet and ankles, foot type, body weight, activity, and frequency of activity. Developing a relationship with a podiatrist early and seeing such a specialist throughout one’s life can help with the prevention of foot and ankle problems and treatment of such problems if they do arise.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Flat feet are also referred to as “fallen arches.” As the name suggests, this condition results from collapsed arches or when the feet lay flat against the floor while walking. Babies and toddlers do not have arches at first, but they develop them as they grow. Flat feet can develop if arches do not mature normally. This may happen because of shoes that do not provide adequate arch support, wearing high heels, or overpronation (rolling inward) of the feet. While flat feet should not interfere with the usability of a person’s feet, the pain might be felt in the feet or calves since the feet must work harder to compensate for the lack of arches. If you suspect you have flat feet it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation, customized creation of arch supports, and any other treatment that may be required.

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.

A specific type of growth on the bottom of the foot is known as a plantar wart. It grows inward as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure from walking and standing for the majority of the day. It is known to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is contagious. The virus can enter the body through a small break in the skin and can cause an infection. These warts can form in a variety of shapes and sizes and cause severe pain and discomfort. They appear to be thickened portions of skin with small blood vessels in the center, which appear as tiny black dots. If you think you may have plantar warts, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the main targets of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is your feet and ankles. It can cause swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty walking, as well as other symptoms. It can also result in a condition known as sausage toes (where the entire toe swells up), heel pain due to the Achilles tendon becoming inflamed, flattening of the arch, and painful calluses or sores over the joints. Because these ailments can be very painful, the tendency is for the sufferer to cease activity, which can actually make the condition worse. Fortunately, you can help to manage these symptoms by changing the type of shoes you wear, doing exercises to strengthen and stretch the feet, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Anyone with psoriatic arthritis that has severely affected their feet, ankles, and/or toes, would be wise to begin regular visits with a podiatrist who can determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is when a toe joint (usually the second or middle toe joint) points up instead of lying flat and causes the toe to look like a hammer. This condition can be painful and can lead to difficulty walking. The affected joint often gets rigid, the joint stiffens, sometimes to non-movement. Sometimes a corn or callus may develop on the joint and can cause pain and swelling on the top of the bent toe. This affliction can be caused by weak foot or leg muscles which lead to the tendon pulling up the toe in an abnormal position. Hammertoes are more apt to happen to those who wear high heels or shoes that do not properly support the feet. However, foot type at birth, those with neuromuscular disease, and trauma may predispose one to develop this joint deformity as well. If you think you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is recommended that you see a qualified podiatrist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have heel pain, you may have come across the medical term plantar fascia. This is a strong, fairly inflexible connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone with the toes. When this tissue becomes damaged or torn, it is known as plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia. There is a good chance that your heel pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis, as this is the most common form of heel pain. What caused your plantar fasciitis? Perhaps you run or walk quite a bit or have the type of job that requires you to stand for all or most of the day. Maybe you regularly wear flip-flops, high heels or other footwear that does not offer adequate support or cushioning. Arthritis can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, as well as tight calf muscles, high arches, flat feet, or other conditions you may have that cause an imbalance in the biomechanics of your feet. You may even be pregnant or carrying some extra weight, which can stress the plantar fascia. Whatever the reason is for your heel pain, you should know that help is available. You don’t need to learn to live with heel pain, especially if it is caused by plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists treat people with plantar fasciitis every day, and can offer you various forms of treatment to provide the relief you are looking for.

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.

Most babies are born with feet that point either straight ahead or slightly outward, but a few have feet that turn inward, called intoeing or “pigeon-toed.” The cause may simply be hereditary or from a lack of space in the womb that curved the feet. The most common cause is called internal tibial torsion, when the leg bone is twisted inward. Another cause, excess femoral anteversion, occurs when the thigh bone twists inward. Neither condition is painful. A third cause, metatarsus adductus, is also when the toe points inward. Several braces are available to help straighten your child’s feet, but in many cases children’s feet will simply straighten out as they get older. However, if your child has difficulty standing, walking, or running, it’s a good idea to have a podiatrist conduct a thorough examination and possibly take X-rays, to determine the cause and available treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage within the peripheral nervous system, which communicates with the central nervous system (involving the brain and spinal cord). Diabetes often causes peripheral neuropathy, however, it can also occur due to genetics, infections, injuries, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness, weakness, muscle twitching or cramps, changes in nails, skin and hair, and a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs and feet. It may also be difficult to maintain balance or feel changes in temperature or pain, and you may experience disturbances in your emotions and sleep patterns. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. They can help diagnose peripheral neuropathy and manage its symptoms with oral medications, orthotic devices, regular checkups and advice on proper foot care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

If you get tired from walking or standing for long periods, you may need to perform some simple exercises to strengthen the feet and legs. This exercise can help keep your ankles active and improve circulation as well. Begin by sitting in a straight-backed chair with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg so it’s parallel to the floor and rotate your ankle clockwise in a circular motion. Repeat this motion rotating your ankle counterclockwise. Then flex your toes straight out away from your body and then back towards yourself. Be sure to alternate each leg and foot. Next with your feet flat on the floor, raise your heels and hold for a few seconds, keeping your toes on the floor. You can also try this while pressing lightly on the knees to add a bit of resistance. Another great exercise is toe raises. Instead of lifting the heels, this time lift the toes and keep your heels on the floor. Making these simple exercises a part of your daily routine can strengthen the feet and ankles over time. If you have a foot or ankle condition, or any serious health issues, please be sure to check with a podiatrist before starting any new exercise programs.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.