December 2020
Monday, 28 December 2020 00:00
Mild Relief Options for Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a noticeable foot condition that many people experience. It is characterized by an upward bend in the middle joint of the second or third toe, and can often cause difficulty in wearing shoes. This ailment can be prompted by having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. Additionally, many patients develop hammertoe from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Mild relief may be found when specific stretches are performed on the toes, and it may help to wear protective pads on top of the affected toes. If you have hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can offer treatment options which may include surgery that can permanently straighten the toe.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC 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 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.
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00
Diagnosing and Treating Cuboid Syndrome
There are many different reasons why foot pain occurs. The condition that is known as cuboid syndrome can cause pain and discomfort along the outer edge of the foot, making it difficult to walk. Cuboid syndrome is caused by an irritation of the cuboid bone, which may happen as a result of gradual overuse or due to a sudden injury. Common symptoms can include tenderness when the foot is touched, and the affected foot may be swollen. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally consists of having an X-ray taken, effective treatment options can be implemented. Some patients can benefit from having a cuboid adjustment performed. Acupuncture or laser treatments may be a suitable type of treatment for other patients. If you have pain along the outer edge of your foot, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right treatment for you.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
- Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
- Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
- Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
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.
Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00
Chronic Pain May Be Reduced With Shockwave Therapy
Patients who suffer from chronic pain in the feet and ankles may be interested in learning about a treatment option that is known as shockwave therapy. It is capable of transmitting shock waves through the skin to the damaged tissue. It is known to accelerate the healing process and may be responsible in providing adequate pain relief. The benefits of receiving this type of treatment can include minimal time for administering the shockwave therapy, and it eliminates the need for anesthesia. Some of the ailments shockwave therapy may be successful in treating include Achilles tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis. If you are interested in learning more about this type of treatment, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
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.
Monday, 07 December 2020 00:00
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are small, bony growths that occur on the heel bone. When the ligament that connects the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, is overstretched, pain and inflammation can result. This is due to the inflamed plantar fascia pulling on the heel bone. Over time, the body builds extra bone in this area in response to the stress, creating heel spurs. Some people who have heel spurs do not experience any symptoms, while others may feel pain and tenderness in the bottom of their heel. They may also be able to feel a bump in the bottom of their heel when pressure is applied. A heel spur can be diagnosed via an X-ray. For more information about heel spurs, consult with a podiatrist today.
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 Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
