While the feet can withstand significant stress and pressure every day, their intricate structure makes them more vulnerable to various injuries. If you experience pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, these could be indicators of more severe foot problems. The Podiatrist Hauppauge NY, just 20 min from our Plainview location; at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of foot problems. Our team would like to discuss potential causes of foot pain and how you can tell if it’s serious.
Is My Foot Pain Serious?
Occasional pains and aches in your feet are not uncommon, especially if you spend lots of time on your feet. The feet contain a significant percentage of the bones in your entire body, so many structures can sustain damage. Foot pain can be attributed to some of the following conditions:
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Hammertoe
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fracture
Foot pain tends to resolve itself over time with rest and anti-inflammatory medications. However, if you are enduring severe foot pain, ignoring it could lead to long-term issues. Some signs that you’re dealing with severe foot pain include:
- Trauma to the foot.
- Wounds.
- Pain in both feet.
- Swelling, warmth, and redness in your foot.
- Visible foot deformity.
- Inability to bear weight.
If you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms or excruciating pain in your foot, seeking treatment from Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York should be your next step. Managing your foot pain on your own can be a challenge, especially if you can’t walk normally or enjoy your usual activities. Our team will examine your symptoms to determine the cause of your serious foot pain and help you find relief.
Contact Us
Here at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, Podiatrist Hauppauge NY, we utilize the latest podiatric techniques at our Plainview location, just about 20 min from Hauppauge; to manage all causes of foot pain that plague our patients. To learn more about signs of severe foot pain, be sure to contact our team today!
Since your feet are such an integral part of everyday life, they experience significant wear and tear. Chances are, you may develop foot pain throughout your life. At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, Podiatrist Hauppauge NY- about 20 mi from Plainview, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sports-related and chronic conditions that affect the feet and ankles. If foot pain has been interrupting your daily life, our team would like to share some vital information about the different types of foot pain. Continue reading to learn more.
Different Types of Foot Pain
Pain can strike in several areas on the feet. Foot pain can occur in the ball of the foot, toes, arches, and bottom of the foot. Certain conditions are commonly associated with pain in these areas. Here are some of the most prevalent conditions that can contribute to foot and ankle pain:
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
The posterior tibialis tendon runs down the inner lower leg and attaches to the bottom of your foot close to the inside of the arch. This tendon supports your foot’s natural arch. Pain and irritation here can limit your walking ability and cause flatfoot.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that a Podiatrist Hauppauge NY, close to Plainview sees. The pain is most often felt in the morning when getting out of bed or after sitting for long periods, and it diminishes with movement. The plantar fascia can be irritated by tight calf muscles, flat feet, overpronation, and shoes that don’t fit well or lack appropriate arch support.
Sprains
Sprains are common foot injuries that can occur when the ligaments in the feet and ankles stretch, tear, or rupture. Active individuals are more susceptible to sprains, especially those who participate in activities requiring running, pivoting, jumping, or kicking. Even an everyday mishap, like an awkward landing off a step, can result in a sprain.
Strains
Foot strains represent damage to muscles and tendons rather than ligaments. Many people experience a strain from overuse, failure to warm up properly, or wearing poorly fitting shoes.
Fracture
A fracture in your foot can present similar symptoms to those of sprains. You may experience foot pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the affected foot. The fracture can also feel tender to the touch.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can injure nerves throughout the body but tend to affect the nerves in your feet and legs more. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and numbness in your feet. This loss of sensation can be dangerous since you might not notice wounds in your feet, which can lead to infection and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Treating Foot Pain
Treatments for foot pain and conditions depend on the cause of the problem. Superficial injuries or pain in the soft tissues of the feet can often be treated at home with rest and ice. However, severe pain and injuries require closer examination. Our Podiatrist Hauppauge NY can recommend custom orthotics to support your foot and help alleviate pain. Exercises can also help strengthen the foot muscles and promote healthy blood flow to the lower extremities. If more conservative treatments fail to bring you relief, surgery may be the best course of action. Our team will evaluate the cause of your foot pain and outline the best treatment for your needs.
Contact Us: Podiatrist Hauppauge NY
At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, Podiatrist Hauppauge NY- about a 20 min drive from Plainview, we use surgical and non-surgical means to treat foot conditions. Our goal is to help our patients return to pain-free mobility and strength as quickly and painlessly as possible. To learn more about how we can address different types of foot pain, be sure to contact our team today!
Diabetes is a prevalent problem that is often undertreated and neglected and can lead to severe problems in the feet and ankles. Since February is National Heart Health Month, Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, a Podiatrist Hauppauge NY, would like to discuss how diabetes can affect your ankles and what you can do to prevent these problems from interfering with your quality of life at our Plainview office.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Those unfamiliar with the complications associated with diabetes may be surprised to learn about the effects high blood sugar can have on the body. Long-term exposure to high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage in your feet and ankles. The medical term used by a Podiatrist Hauppauge NY- just about 20 miles from our Plainview office; this damage is neuropathy. Unfortunately, some patients may not notice that anything is wrong until considerable nerve damage has occurred. Some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include:
- Numbness.
- Reduced ability to feel temperature changes or pain.
- Sharp cramps or pain.
- Burning or tingling sensations.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Foot problems like ulcers, joint pain, and infections.
Foot and ankle problems are common complications of diabetic neuropathy, but you can prevent several of these issues by maintaining good foot and ankle health. It’s essential to check your feet and ankles every day. Check for blisters, bruises, cuts, redness, and swelling. It’s also crucial to wear comfortable shoes that fit well and support your ankles.
Edema
Another prevalent ankle problem that can occur with diabetes is swelling in the feet and ankles. Excess swelling of the ankles is generally caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues. This condition is called edema. Many people experience swelling after sitting in one position for extended periods or after eating salty foods, but diabetes can also cause edema. Swollen ankles in people with diabetes are usually a result of the following factors associated with diabetes:
- Poor circulation.
- Obesity.
- Heart problems.
- Kidney problems.
- Medication side effects.
- Venous insufficiency.
Diabetes causes the body to use insulin improperly. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and helps your cells absorb sugar. When your body doesn’t use insulin properly, high blood sugar levels can accumulate and damage the lining of smaller blood vessels and result in poor blood circulation. When blood does not circulate properly, fluid can get trapped in the legs, ankles, and feet. If you experience swelling from diabetes, here are some ways you can manage the fluid in your ankles:
- Elevate your feet – Elevating your feet above heart level can reduce fluid retention in your lower body. You can elevate your foot while lying in bed or sitting on a couch.
- Use compression socks – Compression stockings or socks can help you maintain the right amount of pressure in your legs and improve circulation to your lower extremities.
- Stay hydrated – While drinking more water can seem counterintuitive, the more fluid you take in, the more fluid you will expel. The body also holds more fluid when you are dehydrated. Staying hydrated can help improve swelling in your ankles.
- Exercise regularly – Inactivity can increase swelling in the ankles. It’s essential to make an effort to move around as much as possible throughout the day. Exercise can help you maintain your weight, improve blood sugar, and promote blood circulation to reduce swelling.
Contact Us: Podiatrist in NYC
Manifestations of diabetes in the feet and ankles can affect all body systems, and these issues are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Having a dedicated team to monitor your condition and advise you on treatment is essential to preserve the health of your ankles. Here at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, a Podiatrist Hauppauge NY, our team can help treat various conditions and help patients lead healthy and active lifestyles at our Plainview location To learn more about how diabetes can affect the ankles, be sure to contact our team today!