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2616 Ave U | Brooklyn, NY 11229

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4105 31st Ave | Astoria, NY 11103
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March 2023

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

What to Do After You Sprain an Ankle

A sprained ankle is a painful injury that unless fully healed is likely to be repeated. For that reason, it is wise to take measures that speed up the healing process and prevent a recurrence. An ankle sprain is caused when a ligament in the joint is overstretched as the foot rolls inward. If you are unable to put weight on the ankle, it is highly suggested that you seek immediate medical attention. Most experts suggest that the rest, ice, compression, and elevation method of first aid will begin the process of healing a sprained ankle. This will help to reduce the swelling. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help to ease the pain. An ankle sprain may take a few months to fully heal, and it is not wise to rush the process. Playing sports through the pain or resuming the activity can invite reinjury and increase the risk of chronic sprains. As the pain and swelling subside, walking and certain exercises to strengthen and stretch the joint are a good ways to prevent future sprains. In some cases, a brace or protective boot may be needed. For more information about ways to recover from an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00

Causes of Bunions

A hard lump on the side of the toe may be a bunion. It is considered to be a deformity, and large bunions may cause difficulty while wearing shoes. Women can be prone to developing bunions as a result of the high heels that are worn. They generally provide little room for the toes to move freely in, and this may cause the side of the big toe to rub on the shoe. Some patients notice their toes shifting toward each other, as the bunion may cause this misalignment. Corns and calluses may develop on top of the bunion, and putting a protective pad over it may bring relief. Pain may be caused by a bunion, and the toe may become numb or have a burning sensation. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can offer you relief solutions, which may include minor surgery for removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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 What Are Bunions?
Saturday, 18 March 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00

Do I Have Toenail Fungus?

Thickened and discolored toenails could be caused by toenail fungus, but other conditions can cause the same symptoms. These signs might also be the result of bruises, warts, or some type of skin cancer. With toenail fungus, beyond discoloration of the nail, there may be debris under the nail, nail thickening, and an irregularity to the white part of the nail. A discolored spot under the toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a possibly fatal form of skin cancer. This usually presents as a brown or black streak that might look like a bruise. Darier disease is a genetic disorder that typically causes yellowish, wartlike blemishes on the body and red and white streaks on toenails. If you notice changes to your toenails and you do not know the cause, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to treat whatever might be causing the condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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 How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus
Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00

Types and Risk Factors of Gout

Gout is an arthritic condition that results from a buildup in the system of uric acid that crystallizes in the joints and causes inflammation. Gout can flare up overnight and last for a week or so before calming down. There are a few stages of gout, including asymptomatic, acute, interval or intercritical, and chronic tophaceous. Pseudogout is often confused with gout because the symptoms are similar even though the causes differ. This type of gout is actually caused by the crystallization of calcium deposits, and the flare-ups are less severe. The main symptom of gout is excruciating pain, commonly in the big toe, redness, swelling, and stiffness. A person can have high uric acid levels without experiencing the symptoms, but this can ultimately cause tissue damage. Acute gout flares up suddenly, and interval gout is the period between flare-ups. These intervals may become shorter, but because uric acid continues to build up, gout may become chronic. This is the most painful form of gout and can develop into kidney disease if not treated. If you believe you have any form of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Jill Einhorn, DPM and James Einhorn, DPM. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 Gout
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