Items filtered by date: April 2023

Broken feet are also known as fractured feet, and this condition can develop in an individual for many different reasons. Broken feet can occur as a result of various types of physical activities. For example, some people who play hockey may be at an increased risk of fracturing the bones in their feet. There are many reasons for this. Specifically, hockey pucks can hit players while they are on the ice. If the puck hits the foot and the foot is unprotected, this may cause bones in the feet to break or fracture. Taking a slapshot to the foot is certainly no joke, and the consequences for the feet may be severe. If you are someone that plays ice hockey and you are concerned about the possibility of fracturing your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The arches of the feet play critical roles to the overall health of the body. For example, the arches of the feet can serve as springs, facilitating motion and absorbing shock. However, this important part of the human foot can be negatively impacted during pregnancy. Specifically, the added weight that a pregnant woman gains throughout the pregnancy can put extra pressure on the feet. As a result, the arch may sink to the floor, and the pregnant woman may develop flat feet. This is also compounded by the fact that a pregnant woman’s body releases a hormone called relaxin that facilitates the loosening of the foot’s ligaments. If you are pregnant or are planning to be, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today who can provide you with useful information regarding the health of your feet during this time.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of people that have pain in their second toe have endured an injury. It can happen if a heavy object drops on it, or from accidentally kicking something hard. Pain in this toe may cause difficulty while walking, in addition to affecting balance. The toe can become sprained, and this affects the ligament that connects two or more bones. A toe sprain can happen if the toe is twisted beyond its normal range of motion, or possibly from falling. The symptoms of a sprained second toe can include bruising, swelling, and intense pain. An X-ray can be taken to rule out a fracture, and this can be followed by beginning the correct treatment. This can consist of using the buddy taping method, which is done by taping the sprained toe to the toe next to it. This is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as it heals. If you have pain in your toes, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you to the treatment that is best for you.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heels of children. The growth plate refers to a layer of cartilage near the end of a bone and this is where most bone growth occurs. It can be weaker and more prone to injury than the rest of the bone. Sever’s disease can come on during puberty when growth spurts are common. Bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates, and if the muscles and tendons become tight, which can easily happen from sports or prolonged standing, they can pull on the growth plate in the heel. This condition often causes pain and tenderness in one or both heels. The feet may be stiff when the child first wakes up and they may limp or walk on tiptoes to deal with the pain. This is a condition that can usually be managed without chronic issues. If your child complains of heel pain or you notice that their gait is off, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.