Items filtered by date: April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Cutting an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are certainly no fun. When the side of a toenail grows into the skin, and the skin essentially grows over the nail, irritation can ensue. Ingrown toenails are also associated with redness of the skin. If you are someone that is living with an ingrown toenail, you may consider visiting a podiatrist to get the toenail cut. It is important to note that removing the ingrown toenail is typically a remedy that is saved for more severe cases. If a medical professional cuts the nail, they normally use the correct method of cutting the nail straight across using nail clippers. They also may use tweezers or other tools to get the nail to grow in the proper direction. However, the nature of trimming the toenails will vary from case to case, as each ingrown toenail is unique. If you are living with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the best way to cut your toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, which can become injured for various reasons. It is considered to be the strongest tendon in the body, and provides the ability to walk, run, and jump. A common reason for this type of injury to occur can be from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, or from experiencing a trauma. This can consist of getting a deep cut over the tendon, possibly causing it to tear. Additionally, people who do not warm up and cool down properly before and after exercising may be prone to developing an Achilles tendon injury. Taking certain antibiotics, and becoming older may also lead to having this injury. Relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated, and the activity that caused the pain is temporarily stopped. If you have this type of affliction, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Three Types of Corns

Corns on the feet are generally uncomfortable. They are defined as small, hardened layers of skin that develop as a result of excess friction. This is often caused by the shoes and socks that are worn and rub against the feet. Corns can form on the side of the pinky toe or on the bottom of the feet. Hard corns are considered to be the most common type of corns on the feet, and they are found on top of the toes. Corns that form between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and seed corns are on the soles of the feet. An effective method of preventing corns consists of wearing shoes that have enough room for the toes to move in freely. It is beneficial for people who enjoy wearing high heels to choose a shoe with the lowest heel height possible, in addition to refraining from wearing pointy shoes. Relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, which can make it easier to use a pumice stone that can gently exfoliate it. If you have corns on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you additional prevention techniques, and guide you toward the correct treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

What Do Plantar Warts Look Like?

Plantar warts are a particular kind of condition of the foot that can be unsightly and potentially diminish the health of one’s feet. These warts can develop on the bottoms or soles of the feet. Many patients will often ask what plantar warts look like and how a person might go about identifying a plantar wart. The answer is that plantar warts on the feet fortunately all basically look similar, even though they may vary in size. For example, most plantar warts on the feet will be somewhat round in shape. Additionally, a plantar wart will most likely be flat as opposed to being raised. The plantar wart can also have an outer layer to the wart that is rough and tough in texture. Lastly, plantar warts will have a black dot at the center of the wart. If you are someone that is living with plantar warts it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts

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