Podiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to manage a wide range of foot-related issues, offering both medical and surgical care. Common conditions treated by podiatrists include corns, which are thickened areas of skin caused by pressure or friction, and verrucas, which are warts on the soles of the feet caused by a viral infection. They also manage structural problems such as flat feet, which can lead to discomfort and imbalance, and heel pain, often linked to conditions like plantar fasciitis. For ingrown toenails that become painful or infected, podiatrists may perform a partial nail avulsion to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment solutions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Your feet are constantly sending messages to your brain, about temperature, pain, and pressure, until one day, they do not. Foot neuropathy occurs when nerve damage disrupts these signals, leading to numbness, tingling, burning pain, or even a complete loss of sensation. For some, it starts subtly, like pins and needles that come and go. For others, it is sharp, electric-like pain that worsens at night. Diabetes is a major cause, but injuries, infections, chemotherapy, and even vitamin deficiencies can trigger nerve damage. The danger in this is that without feeling pain, small cuts or pressure sores can go unnoticed, leading to serious complications. There is no quick fix, but early intervention helps slow progression. Managing underlying conditions, improving circulation, and using protective footwear can reduce discomfort. If your feet feel different than they used to, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Excess body weight can lead to foot pain by placing continual pressure on the feet, toes, and ankles. People with a higher body mass index, or BMI, are more likely to experience conditions like plantar heel pain, flat feet, and limited ankle movement. Extra fat mass also has been shown to affect foot posture, often leading to a low arch and increased pronation while walking. This altered foot function increases pressure on the bottom of the foot, especially under the heel and midfoot, often resulting in ongoing pain. Such changes can make walking or standing for long periods more difficult and may contribute to joint strain. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure and function of your feet, recommend ways to relieve discomfort, and discuss options if the pain becomes severe or persistent. If you have foot pain that may be connected to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.