February 2019

Many children may endure foot and ankle injuries if they are involved in sporting activities. These may include basketball or football, which may involve a sudden change of direction. Gymnasts may have increased chances of having foot or ankle problems, and this may be a result of jumping up and landing on the foot. Many adults may fall due to reduced muscle strength and vision loss, which may result in a broken foot or sprained ankle. If a tendon should become torn in your heel, you may have what is known as an Achilles tendon injury. Heavy objects that fall on your foot may lead to a fractured a bone, or broken toe. If you are experiencing foot pain that is a result of an injury, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you toward proper treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you notice pain in the bottom of your foot under the toes, you may have a condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma. It is typically caused by a nerve that has become irritated and inflamed. This may happen if the nerve becomes compressed, which may often be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Symptoms that many patients experience may include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, a numbing or tingling feeling, or possible swelling. Additionally, pain that may come from that area of the foot may cause difficulty in walking. Mild relief may be found by performing stretching techniques which may help to loosen the affected tendons and ligaments. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC 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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients that have bunions may notice a bump that has formed on the side of the big toe. This may happen when the big toe leans in toward the other toes, causing the bone to gradually protrude. Many patients may notice soreness at the base of the bunion, in addition to skin that has become hardened and callused. Research has indicated that bunions may be genetic, or may develop as a result of medical conditions that may include gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, bunions may develop if incorrect shoes are worn which may not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely. Treatment options may include wearing custom-made orthotics, or cushioning the area with a bunion pad. If you notice a bunion developing, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC 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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones located in the toes are small and delicate, and they may easily break if the toe is stubbed, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. This will typically cause extreme pain, and the toe may appear deformed if the fracture is severe. Some of the symptoms that are associated with broken toes may include swelling, bruising, or an inability to move the toe.  Mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated and resting, and this may help to alleviate some of the swelling. Some patients find it beneficial to tape the toe to the one next to it, and this is referred to as buddy taping. This method may provide the stability that is necessary to keep the toe from moving. If tingling or numbness is noticed, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat your broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.