Items filtered by date: April 2023

Some people suffer from a condition that is known as hyperhidrosis. It is an uncomfortable ailment that can affect the feet and causes intense sweating. Patients may notice their shoes and socks become wet and are hesitant to wear sandals in warm weather. Their feet may also feel cold from the constant moisture, which may cause embarrassment. It is considered to be a medical condition that affects the sweat glands in the feet, and there may be methods that can be implemented for relief. Wearing shoe inserts may help to absorb some of the moisture, and can help the feet to refrain from slipping. Additionally, applying powder in the shoes and socks may also reduce moisture, and putting an antiperspirant in shoes may achieve similar results. Botox injections may be an option for some patients. If you have plantar hyperhidrosis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can choose the best treatment method for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

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Sunday, 23 April 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

What Causes Gout?

There is no question about how painful gout can be. It is a foot condition that is classified as arthritis, which happens when crystals form in the joints of the big toe. This is caused by having excess uric acid in the blood, which can come from the type of foods that are eaten. These can include foods that are laden with purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Genetic factors may also contribute to getting gout, and patients may want to be aware of what they are eating if it runs in their families. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include swelling surrounding the affected joint, and it may be warm and tender when touched. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing gout. These can consist of diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you have bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Children’s Foot and Heel Pain

Children’s foot and heel pain is common and can happen throughout any growing stage, especially growth spurts. The pain occurs around the heel bone and inside the foot. It can also aggravate children who participate in a lot of physical activity, like running and jumping. In children, when there is a growth spurt, and the bones grow quicker than the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, there can be pain and tightness in the calf area. The calf muscles form the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon can pull on the heel bone with intense physical activity and can cause pain. Also, active kids often have flexible flat feet until they grow older. The combination of these things can cause a pulling on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and further irritate the heel. If your child has heel or foot pain or walks on their toes or limps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer a treatment plan to restore them to comfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Though children’s feet may be small, they are complex structures. Taking care of them well early on can set children up for better foot health as they grow older. This is especially important if they play sports. The most important things to tend to in caring for children’s feet are well-fitting footwear, washing and drying feet well, and proper toenail cutting. Shoes that are the right size, comfortable, and appropriate for the activity are crucial to children’s foot health. Similarly, socks should fit well, be made of breathable material, and be changed often. Footwear should not be shared with other children to avoid the spread of infections and viruses that can impact feet, such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts. Kids should be taught to wash their feet thoroughly and dry them well to help prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Kid’s toenails should be cut straight across to ward off ingrown toenails. If you want to set your child up for a lifetime of foot health, particularly if they play sports, it is suggested that you take them to a podiatrist for regular checkups and to learn more about how to properly care for their feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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