August 2023

Ankle sprains, those unexpected and often painful disruptions, can leave us hobbling while attempting to complete daily activities. These occur when the ligaments connecting the ankle bones get stretched or torn due to sudden twists or turns. Participating in sports activities, walking on uneven surfaces, and wearing ill-fitting footwear can contribute to these mishaps. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Early intervention is crucial for effective recovery. Rest, compression, and elevation are initial steps that can help to reduce pain and swelling. Gentle exercises, prescribed by a podiatrist, can aid in restoring strength and flexibility. In severe cases, immobilization with a brace or cast may be necessary. Ensuring proper care and treatment fosters a smooth healing journey, allowing individuals to step back into their routine with renewed confidence. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

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.

Neuropathy, a complex, and often perplexing condition can cast a shadow over the quality of one’s life. This ailment stems from damage to the peripheral nerves, which can result in a range of uncomfortable sensations, including numbness, tingling, and pain. Symptoms are often noticed in the feet, possibly causing difficulty in walking. Various underlying factors contribute to neuropathy's onset. Diabetes, a common cause, can expose nerves to prolonged high blood sugar levels, triggering damage. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, impacting nerve health. Autoimmune diseases, infections such as Lyme disease, and certain medications can also contribute to developing neuropathy.  Additionally, genetics play a role in predisposition to neuropathy. Understanding these triggers is essential for effective management and treatment. By addressing the root causes, individuals can take strides toward alleviating symptoms and improving their overall well-being. If your feet begin to tingle or become numb, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer you the correct treatment techniques for neuropathy.

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 Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor 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 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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. These sharp crystals trigger sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, commonly affecting the big toe.  Anyone can develop gout, but certain factors can increase the risk. Men are more susceptible to getting gout than women, and individuals with a family history of gout have a higher likelihood of developing this condition. Lifestyle choices such as consuming a diet rich in purines, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to gout. There are effective treatments that aim to alleviate pain during attacks and prevent future flare-ups. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine are commonly prescribed to manage gout symptoms. Long-term management involves lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, weight loss, and limiting alcohol consumption. With proper management and awareness of risk factors, individuals with gout can lead healthier, more comfortable lives. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to deal with this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Ingrown toenails can cause immense discomfort and frustration. Understanding the different types and underlying causes can help prevent and address this uncomfortable foot condition. The edge of a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin is referred to as a distal ingrown toenail and is considered to be the most common type. When the nail grows into either side of the skin, this is known as a lateral ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can include redness, swelling, and it may become infected. If the toenail is not trimmed properly, it may result in a portion of the nail penetrating the skin, which is known as a partial ingrown toenail. People who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, in addition to those with a foot injury, may find they have developed an ingrown toenail. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that may include minor surgery for partial removal. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

It is beneficial for people who enjoy walking and running to learn about the differences between these two types of shoes. There are various forms of running, which can range from buying minimalist shoes that are designed for racing to cushioned shoes that are best for long-distance running. Most running shoes are made for different styles of running. These categories can include toe-strikers, midfoot strikers, and heel strikers. A person's foot structure and running type may lead to which type of shoe to choose. Research has shown people who enjoy taking a leisurely stroll may choose shoes that are designed for comfort instead of performance. Conversely, fitness walkers often prefer a flat, flexible, and lightweight shoe that does not cause the foot to slide. If you would like to have more information about the correct shoes to buy for the type of walking or running that is done, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.