March 2020

An injury that has damaged the ligaments of the ankle is often referred to as an ankle sprain. If the ligaments completely tear, the sprain is said to be severe, and can produce extreme pain and discomfort. If the ligaments become irritated, you may have endured a mild ankle sprain, and this may happen as a result of overstretching. Once the injury has occurred, a proper diagnosis is typically performed, which can be helpful in ruling out a broken ankle. Many patients find it beneficial to wrap the affected ankle in an elastic bandage, as this aids in providing necessary support as the healing process occurs. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can effectively treat this condition.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Children who participate in running and jumping activities may be susceptible to developing Sever’s disease. This condition can target young adolescents, and affects the growth plate in the heel. It can occur as a result of increased running activities, or during a growth spurt. Common symptoms that are associated with Sever’s disease can consist of pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding area, and the Achilles tendon may become tight, possibly causing difficulty in walking. Research has indicated it may help to cease the activity that caused this condition, in addition to performing specific stretching exercises which may be beneficial in strengthening the affected foot. If your active child is exhibiting heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

A corn will typically develop as a result of excessive pressure. They can emerge between the toes, or on the bottom of the feet. Corns are described as a small area of skin that has become hardened, and can often be painful and uncomfortable. This ailment may be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from medical conditions that can include hammertoes or bunions. Hard corns typically develop on the top of the outer three toes, and soft corns will form between the toes. Walking may also become difficult when a corn has formed. Some patients have found relief by wearing small pads over their corns, which may help to ease the friction. In addition, covering the corn and wearing shoes that leave ample room for the toes to move freely in, can also be helpful in alleviating some of the pain. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend proper corn removal options for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor 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 doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

An uncomfortable ailment that causes the feet to sweat excessively is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. This condition may lead to foot odor, as well as medical conditions that can include toenail fungus or athlete’s foot. Hyperhidrosis occurs as a result of sweat glands that produce large quantities of sweat, which in turn, may cause embarrassment among affected patients. Research has indicated there may be methods that can be implemented which can help to manage this condition. These can include wearing the right socks for the corresponding season, choosing shoes that are made out of breathable materials, and applying an antifungal powder on a regular basis. Additionally, it may be beneficial to drink plenty of water, as this may help to maintain the normal body temperature. If you are afflicted with plantar hyperhidrosis, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist for professional care and treatment.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.