Heel spur surgery stands as a significant decision for those grappling with persistent heel pain. The surgery involves excising the bony protrusion from the heel bone, often performed under local or general anesthesia. It typically necessitates a recovery period during which mobility may be limited, demanding patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. Complications such as infection or nerve damage, though rare, underscore the importance of meticulous post-operative care. The decision to undergo surgery hinges on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and the efficacy of non-surgical interventions. Consulting with a podiatrist is essential for informed decision-making, as they can provide tailored guidance based on individual circumstances. While heel spur surgery offers relief for many, it is important to approach it with a thorough understanding of the process, potential outcomes, and commitment to recovery. If you have a heel spur that is causing pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Clubfoot, a congenital foot condition, manifests as a foot deformity characterized by inward rotation and bending of the ankle and foot. Understanding the definition, underlying causes, and frequency of occurrence of clubfoot is essential for early intervention and effective management. This condition occurs during fetal development when the tendons and ligaments in the foot are abnormally tight, causing the foot to twist inward. The exact cause of clubfoot remains unclear, although genetic factors and environmental influences are believed to play a role. While the majority of clubfoot cases occur sporadically without a family history, genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Clubfoot affects approximately one in every 1,000 newborns worldwide, making it one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomalies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, typically through casting, stretching, and sometimes surgery, can help correct the deformity and improve the child's ability to walk and participate in activities as they grow. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, is a condition characterized by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, located on the inner side of the ankle. This compression can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, burning sensations, and numbness along the inner ankle and sole of the foot. Individuals with TTS may also experience weakness in the muscles of the foot, particularly the toes, and may have difficulty standing or walking for prolonged periods of time. Symptoms of TTS often worsen with activity or prolonged standing, and may be worsened by wearing tight shoes or engaging in activities that require repetitive ankle motion. In some cases, the pain and discomfort of TTS can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities and significantly impact quality of life. Early recognition and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome is essential to prevent further nerve damage and alleviate symptoms. If you suspect you may have TTS, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that are right for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Plantar warts, medically termed Verruca plantaris, are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts typically appear on the soles of the feet, often in areas subjected to pressure or friction, such as the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts often manifest as small, rough, grainy lesions with black dots, or wart seeds, scattered throughout. These black dots are actually tiny blood vessels. While plantar warts are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing. The HPV virus enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin, making individuals who frequently walk barefoot in communal areas more susceptible to infection. Treatment options for plantar warts range from remedies like salicylic acid patches or freezing kits to medical procedures performed by podiatrists. Seeking prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of plantar warts to other areas of the feet or other individuals. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment option for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.