Items filtered by date: May 2023

Nerve tissue that forms in a specific part of the foot may indicate Morton’s neuroma has developed. This is a condition that affects the area between the third and fourth toes, and despite how painful it can be, it is generally a benign growth. It happens when this area becomes irritated or compressed, and a common cause can be from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. High heels fit into this category, and this may be a reason why women are more affected by Morton’s neuroma than men. The discomfort that is felt from this condition is in the ball of the foot. Many patients report the pain is likened to having a small pebble in their shoe or sock and often look to feel better. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to find moderate relief, in addition to having regular foot massages done. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose Morton’s neuroma, and offer you correct treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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 care needs.

A foot wound is an injury to the foot that breaks through the skin. First and foremost, diabetics must exercise special precaution with such wounds, and visit a medical professional immediately, as they are more at risk for infections. Regardless of the severity of the foot wound, the healing process begins with cleaning and covering the wound. It is important to sanitize hands prior to cleaning a wound so as not to transfer bacteria to the injury. Running water over the wounded foot for approximately two minutes is helpful in removing dirt and bacteria. This should be followed by rubbing it gently with plain soap and rinsing the area again. If the wound is bleeding, press on it with a clean towel or gauze pad until the bleeding stops. If antibacterial cream is available, a thin layer can be applied to the wound with a cotton swab. Petroleum jelly can also be used to keep the wound moist and promote healing. Cover the wound with a bandage, make sure the adhesive does not touch the wound, and change it every day. If you have sustained a wound to your foot and it is deep, continues to bleed, or looks infected, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible for further treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking is something nearly everyone learns to do as a child. As an adult, however, it is easy to ignore walking as a beneficial type of exercise. In fact, walking is an aerobic and cardio exercise that can increase strength, improve cardiovascular health, and even help you lose weight. Experts identify five types of walking that can lower blood pressure, increase energy, improve blood flow, and just plain make you feel better. Included are race or Olympic walking, brisk walking, Nordic or pole walking, speed walking, and Chi walking. Each of these walking styles differs somewhat in distance, speed, and other considerations, such as using poles. Probably the most accessible for someone starting out is brisk walking, mainly because there are few rules involved and it is easy to do with a friend. Brisk walking is done at a conversational pace and should not cause shortness of breath. Activating the core muscles is essential to proper walking in any form and also helps to reduce the chance of injury to other body parts. For more information about the benefits of walking as an exercise, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and is caused by a fungus that lives in moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. Athlete's foot is contagious so it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes such as flip flops or water shoes in these areas. Further, it is helpful to refrain from sharing shoes, towels, or socks, as this may help to reduce the spread of athlete’s foot. There are a few categories of athlete's foot, therefore, the symptoms may vary. Itchy, cracked skin between the fourth and fifth toes may indicate a toe web infection that may worsen if a bacterial infection develops. A moccasin-type infection may begin with a sore foot, followed by thickened skin on the heel. If blisters develop it might be a vesicular infection which can appear anywhere on the foot. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.