Bunions, or hallux valgus, disproportionately affect women, significantly impacting their overall foot health.  Women are particularly susceptible due to factors like frequent wearing of high-heeled or narrow shoes, along with genetic predispositions. The risk of bunions has been shown to increase with age. The formation of a bunion starts with the big toe bending toward the smaller toes, which leads to a painful bony protrusion on the side of the foot. As bunions progress, they disrupt the alignment and function of adjacent toes. This often leads to formation of hammertoes or claw toes, altered weight distribution, corns and calluses. Research suggests that the severity of bunions correlates with increased pain not only in the feet but also in other parts of the body. Family history and flat feet are other contributing factors to the development of bunions. Addressing bunion deformity through early and effective interventions can offer significant relief and improve overall quality of life. If you are experiencing bunion-related discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.

Proper shoe fitting is important for both comfort and performance, with different needs for walking and running shoes. Walking shoes prioritize support and cushioning to handle the consistent, moderate impact of walking while running shoes are designed to absorb the higher impact and repetitive strain of running. Understanding your foot type is essential in selecting the right shoe. Neutral feet maintain a balanced stride, rigid feet need more cushioning to absorb shock, and flexible feet benefit from stability features to control excessive movement. To determine your foot type, observe your arches. Low arches indicate flexible feet, high arches suggest rigid feet and neutral arches are balanced. Additionally, examining your shoe wear pattern can reveal your tread type. In the store, ensure shoes fit well without rubbing or pinching, as these issues can lead to discomfort or injury. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized advice.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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 the world of childhood mishaps, toe injuries rank among the most prevalent, encompassing a spectrum of ailments from jammed toes to fractures. Jammed toes often occur during vigorous play or sports, where sudden stops or collisions can cause the toe to forcefully bend, leading to pain and swelling. Toenail injuries are another common occurrence, typically the result of stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the toe, causing pain, bleeding, or even toenail loss. Additionally, subungual hematoma, characterized by blood pooling under the toenail, often arises from trauma or repetitive pressure on the toe, causing discomfort and discoloration. Fractures, though less frequent, can happen due to severe impact or twisting motions, resulting in pain, swelling, and potential deformity. If your child has endured a toe injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as 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.

Custom-made orthotics are frequently prescribed for children to address various foot and lower limb issues. These specialized shoe inserts are tailored to each child's unique needs, correcting biomechanical imbalances and providing support where necessary. Orthotics may be needed to manage conditions like flat feet, overpronation, or foot deformities, ensuring proper alignment and preventing discomfort or injury. Involving parents in the orthotic prescription process is important for successful treatment. Educating parents about the benefits of orthotics and the importance of compliance ensures they understand their child's needs and can support treatment adherence. Follow-up appointments are critical to monitor progress, make adjustments as needed, and address any concerns. Encouraging compliance in wearing orthotics among children can be facilitated by involving them in the selection process, ensuring comfort and style preferences are considered. Additionally, positive reinforcement, praise for wearing orthotics consistently, and integrating them into daily routines can help foster acceptance and compliance. Fortunately, many children find orthotics comfortable and appreciate the support they provide for their active lifestyles. If your child has foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and care, in addition to discussing whether custom orthotics may provide relief.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please 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.

Managing the symptoms of foot drop requires a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing its underlying causes while enhancing stability and mobility. The main symptom of foot drop is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot when you take a step. It can stem from muscular weakness, nerve damage in the leg, or injuries to the brain or spinal cord. Treatment with the help of a podiatrist focuses on strengthening the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles to improve function and compensate for the lack of dorsiflexion. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis can also provide support by maintaining proper alignment during walking, which reduces the risk of tripping and falling. Electrical nerve stimulation offers another avenue for improvement, facilitating muscle activation and enhancing walking ability in some cases. For severe or long-term foot drop caused by muscle paralysis, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore movement. Home modifications, such as removing clutter and using non-slip rugs, play a vital role in fall prevention. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.