March 2024

Optimal foot health is important for maintaining overall well-being, and a podiatrist is instrumental in achieving this goal. This type of foot specialist will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, followed by a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your foot, toe, or ankle problems. A podiatrist can then offer a range of treatment options, which in some cases may include surgical intervention. In addition to treating more common foot ailments, like ingrown toenails or sprained ankles, many podiatrists also specialize in managing sports-related injuries, diabetic wound care, and surgery. With their expertise in ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, podiatrists ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Podiatrists can prescribe medications for pain management, as well as provide advice for ongoing or preventive care. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, or injury, or seeking preventive care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Footcare Now. 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 Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Promoting foot care among diabetes patients is imperative for preventing complications. Podiatrists are pivotal in educating patients on proper foot care practices. Emphasizing an understanding of how diabetes affects the feet, encouraging patients to monitor blood glucose, doing daily foot inspections, moisturizing, and wearing proper footwear helps prevent neuropathy-related injuries. Regular podiatric check-ups can detect neuropathy early, reducing the risk of foot ulcers. Podiatrists also educate on managing arthropathy, emphasizing foot alignment and orthotic use. Vasculopathy awareness involves promoting foot warmth and avoiding prolonged pressure to prevent ischemic ulcers. Patients must understand the importance of prompt wound care to prevent infections and amputations. Also, inspiring regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports overall foot health. If you are a diabetic and want to make sure your feet remain as healthy as possible, it is strongly suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist for the education and treatment you need.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

A Plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. This condition typically presents as a firm nodule or lump in the arch or ball of the foot, causing discomfort and pain with weight-bearing activities. The exact cause of plantar fibromas remains uncertain, but factors such as trauma, inflammation, or genetic predisposition may contribute to their development. Plantar fibromas can vary in size and may gradually increase in size over time, potentially interfering with normal foot function and mobility. While plantar fibromas are non-cancerous and generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities if left untreated. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the fibroma and restore foot function. If you have noticed a lump or nodule on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma or whatever else might be going on.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful foot condition that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Redness, swelling, and tenderness often accompany an ingrown toenail, which can cause discomfort when walking. The big toe is the most common site for ingrown toenails to appear. Possible causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or sustaining foot injuries. People with naturally curved or thick nails can be more prone to ingrown toenails. Conservative treatments for an ingrown toenail include warm foot soaks and proper nail care, while surgical approaches may be used in more severe cases. Podiatrists specialize in treating ingrown toenails. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with this type of doctor who offers treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.