Items filtered by date: September 2022

Drop foot is caused by an inability to lift the foot enough to clear the ground as you take a step. It results in a shuffling or dragging type of gait. To counteract that, a person tends to over-lift the knees on each step, resembling a marching gait. Experts find that drop foot is usually a sign that something else is wrong. Causes may be anatomical, muscular, or neurological. Nerve injury, such as damage to the peroneal nerve, is a common cause of drop foot. Symptoms are pain and numbness. It may be brought on by a sports injury, childbirth, or sitting with your legs crossed for a long time. Certain muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy may also be the cause. Electronic imaging tests can be used to detect the underlying cause behind drop foot and treatment options depend on the source of the problem. Many find that custom orthotics, light braces, nerve stimulation, and possible surgery can be helpful. For more information on drop foot and how it may be treated, please consult a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are different ways in which an individual may injure their achilles tendon, the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel bone in the lower leg. For example, an individual can tear or rupture their Achilles tendon when it is strained or stretched beyond its limits. There are several signs of an Achilles tendon injury to be aware of. Namely, you might experience pain when walking up staircases because the Achilles tendon essentially enables you to lift your heel off of the ground. In the same vein, you could experience difficulty trying to stand on the tips of your toes. Additionally, if you have an Achilles tendon injury, you might notice different types of pain. You can experience sharp pain at the back of the ankle or leg. Snapping or cracking sounds might be heard if you have experienced some kind of Achilles tendon injury. If you suspect that you have developed this kind of injury, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, a foot care specialist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches, and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are different ways in which an individual may injure their achilles tendon, the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel bone in the lower leg. For example, an individual can tear or rupture their Achilles tendon when it is strained or stretched beyond its limits. There are several signs of an Achilles tendon injury to be aware of. Namely, you might experience pain when walking up staircases because the Achilles tendon essentially enables you to lift your heel off of the ground. In the same vein, you could experience difficulty trying to stand on the tips of your toes. Additionally, if you have an Achilles tendon injury, you might notice different types of pain. You can experience sharp pain at the back of the ankle or leg. Snapping or cracking sounds might be heard if you have experienced some kind of Achilles tendon injury. If you suspect that you have developed this kind of injury, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, a foot care specialist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot and plays an important role in foot movement. Namely, the cuboid bone can act like a pulley during downward foot movement. However, this area of the foot is susceptible to cuboid syndrome, where the ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone become injured. Individuals that have cuboid syndrome can experience a variety of different symptoms, including limping and feelings of pain. To treat cuboid syndrome a medical professional may engage in manipulation treatment. For example, a professional may choose to perform a procedure known as the cuboid squeeze. Through this technique, an individual will have their toes pressed downward while pressure is applied to the area around the cuboid bone. This may be repeated until regular movement is regained. If you have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to treat your condition and answer any questions you may have about techniques like the cuboid squeeze.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot and plays an important role in foot movement. Namely, the cuboid bone can act like a pulley during downward foot movement. However, this area of the foot is susceptible to cuboid syndrome, where the ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone become injured. Individuals that have cuboid syndrome can experience a variety of different symptoms, including limping and feelings of pain. To treat cuboid syndrome a medical professional may engage in manipulation treatment. For example, a professional may choose to perform a procedure known as the cuboid squeeze. Through this technique, an individual will have their toes pressed downward while pressure is applied to the area around the cuboid bone. This may be repeated until regular movement is regained. If you have cuboid syndrome, contact a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to treat your condition and answer any questions you may have about techniques like the cuboid squeeze.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

As your toddler grows and matures, their feet are also growing and developing at the same time. Since your child’s feet are an important part of their body, selecting the right kind of shoe is imperative to maintaining overall foot health. This is true especially because the bones in a young child’s feet are still soft and ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate any existing foot deformities in a toddler. There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for your child’s shoes. First, you can be mindful of selecting shoes that have velcro straps. This can help ensure that both you and your child can keep the shoes fastened onto the feet. Second, you can look for shoes that have a spacious toe box, which will not crowd the child’s toes. Lastly, in terms of material, it can be important to select shoes that are made of breathable material, such as leather or mesh. This mesh is comparable to that used in running shoes. You may notice that a child will tend to grow out of their shoes at a seemingly rapid pace. However, it is nonetheless important to find shoes that are of high quality for your child. If you are concerned about your child’s shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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