September 2020

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain. It is caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Getting a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis begins with a trip to the podiatrist. The doctor will typically conduct a patient interview and ask you to talk about your medical history, your current symptoms, and how your foot pain is affecting your daily activities. The doctor will then complete a physical examination of your foot, taking note of issues like swelling, tenderness, pain points, and range of motion. The doctor may also ask you to walk around the room to examine your gait. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, can help confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions, such as a heel fracture. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.   

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Deep cracks in the skin on the heel are known as fissures. They can be caused by standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time during the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. The skin can become dry, and the consistent pressure the heels endure for most of the day may cause this ailment to occur. Additionally, specific medical conditions including eczema and psoriasis may play a significant role in developing cracked heels. The severity of this condition may be prevented by frequently drinking plenty of fresh water, wearing shoes that have cushioned heel areas, and eliminating existing vitamin deficiencies. Relief may be found when a good moisturizer is applied to the affected area daily. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

In podiatry, vascular testing is used to evaluate the circulation in your feet and ankles and to screen for peripheral artery disease, a condition that causes poor circulation to the lower limbs. Vascular testing is generally noninvasive and painless. One common tool that podiatrists use in vascular testing is a Doppler ultrasound. A Doppler ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow through your arteries and veins. During the test, a gel will be placed on a handheld device called a transducer, and your podiatrist will then move the device against the skin of your ankles and feet. The high-frequency sound waves emitted by the device allow it to create images of your blood flow on a computer, which are then examined to determine whether or not there are any problems with your circulation. To learn more about Doppler ultrasounds and other vascular tests, consult with a podiatrist today.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, 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.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.