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(718) 891-2706

2616 Ave U | Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 278-8020

4105 31st Ave | Astoria, NY 11103
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April 2021

Tuesday, 27 April 2021 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

What Can Be Done for Hammertoes?

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity in which the toes bend downward at the middle joint, causing the toes to develop a claw or hammer-like appearance. When this occurs, the toes may feel stiff and painful, and finding comfortable shoes that don’t rub up against the bent toes and cause corns and calluses can be difficult. In their early stages, hammertoes are usually still flexible and can be managed with conservative treatments such as wearing orthotics. As hammertoes progress, they can become rigid, and you may no longer be able to straighten your toes. In these cases, surgery is sometimes suggested to straighten the toes and alleviate pain. If you have hammertoes, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Read more about Hammertoe
Monday, 19 April 2021 00:00

Two Types of Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon plays a significant role in proper foot function. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, in addition to participating in running and jumping activities. Damage or overuse of this tendon can cause severe pain and discomfort in the calf area, and daily movements may be difficult to complete. There are two types of tendonitis that can happen from an Achilles tendon injury. Insertional Achilles tendonitis happens in the area where the heel joins with the tendon. Small tears in the middle of the tendon can be classified as non-insertional Achilles tendonitis. If you have endured an injury, and feel you may have Achilles tendonitis, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brooklyn and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries
Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

How Pregnancy Affects Your Feet

Weight gain, physiological changes, and hormonal changes can cause problems in the feet during pregnancy. For instance, a growing fetus can put pressure on veins—leading to reduced blood circulation in the feet and swelling. Rapid weight gain can cause arches to collapse as well as pain in the heels and ankles, and bring on corns and calluses from shoes that are now too tight. The release of the hormone relaxin can loosen ligaments in the feet and ankles causing muscles, tendons and ligaments to compensate to support the feet. To alleviate foot pain and discomfort during pregnancy, try elevating the feet and doing low-impact exercises to reduce swelling, wearing larger sized shoes and orthotics to reduce pressure and distribute weight more evenly on the feet, as well as doing daily foot stretches. A podiatrist can suggest proper exercises and footwear, create custom orthotics, treat corns and calluses and otherwise help you maintain proper foot health during your pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women

Ankle fractures can be classified into two different types based on which bone is broken. A tibial fracture, in which the shin bone breaks, is usually the result of a direct injury such as falling down the stairs. Tibial fractures often take longer to heal and recover from. A fibula fracture occurs when the thinner bone that runs along the outside of the lower leg is broken. The fibula may fracture in response to an impact to the leg or ankle. Repetitive impacts can lead to a stress fracture of the fibula, in which tiny cracks appear in the fibula bone. In severe fibula fractures, the bone may become displaced, causing a visible deformity. Regardless of which bone is injured, ankle fractures usually cause swelling, pain, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle. If you have a broken ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about All About Broken Ankle
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