Items filtered by date: September 2024
Football Players and Ankle Injuries
Football players are at high risk for ankle injuries due to the sport's physical demands, including rapid direction changes, running, and jumping. Sprains are one of the most common ankle injuries, particularly among running backs and receivers. These sprains often occur when the ankle is twisted or stepped on during play, causing damage to ligaments. High ankle sprains, which involve the ligaments above the ankle, are more severe and take longer to heal than lower ankle sprains. If not treated properly, ankle injuries can lead to long-term problems like chronic instability and pain. This may impact a player's performance and ability to participate in future games. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the injury, recommending proper treatment, and suggesting ways to prevent future injuries through bracing or rehabilitation exercises. If you have an ankle injury as a result of playing football, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Paul Drucker of NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Effective Exercises for Managing Foot Arthritis
Managing foot arthritis effectively involves incorporating specific exercises to maintain mobility and reduce pain. Gentle stretching exercises, such as toe stretches and Achilles tendon stretches, can enhance flexibility and alleviate stiffness. Strengthening exercises like towel curls, where you use your toes to scrunch a towel towards you, help build the muscles supporting the foot. Additionally, balancing exercises, such as standing on one leg, improve stability and support joint function. Low-impact activities, like swimming or cycling, provide a full range of motion without excessive stress on the feet. Regularly performing these exercises can reduce inflammation, increase foot strength, and improve overall comfort. If you have foot arthritis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you better manage this condition.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Symptoms and Treatment of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often develop on the soles of the feet, leading to discomfort, especially while walking. Highly contagious plantar warts typically appear as firm, rough, and flat lesions, often with small black dots at the center. They commonly affect people who use communal showers, pools, or changing areas. While plantar warts can affect anyone, people with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable. Diagnosis of plantar warts is generally made through visual examination to differentiate the wart from similar skin conditions, like corns or calluses. Treatment provided by a podiatrist may include cryotherapy, where the wart is frozen off, or the application of topical salicylic acid to dissolve the wart over time. A podiatrist can also offer more advanced options if the wart resists initial treatment. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. 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 our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Puncture Wounds on the Foot
Puncture wounds on the foot occur when a sharp object, such as a nail or splinter, penetrates the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can lead to localized pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the puncture. In some cases, infection can develop, resulting in increased pain, pus, and fever. The presence of a foreign object may not always be visible, making proper diagnosis important. A podiatrist will typically perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays or other imaging tests, to determine the extent of the injury and whether any debris remains embedded. Timely treatment is essential to prevent complications. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.