Items filtered by date: November 2022

Sever’s disease primarily affects growing children, and it is defined as the aggravation or inflammation of a growth plate in the foot. The most common symptom of Sever’s disease is heel pain. Importantly, recurrence of Sever’s disease is possible. This means that once a child develops Sever’s disease and it goes away, it might come back. There are several steps that a parent might consider taking to help prevent the recurrence of Sever’s disease in their child. Ensuring that your child is wearing proper footwear that provides sufficient support is critical in preventing the recurrence of Sever’s disease. Also, ensuring that the child is not overweight and is maintaining a healthy amount of weight can be important in preventing recurrence. If you have more concerns or questions about dealing with or preventing the recurrence of Sever’s disease in your child, contact a podiatrist today. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Ernest Levi, DPM from Grand Central Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

One of the most common symptoms that patients notice with the foot condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma is the sensation of having a pebble in the shoe. It can cause continuous pain in the ball of the foot, and it most often happens as a result of frequently wearing high heels. These types of shoes generally do not provide ample room for the toes to move freely in, possibly causing the nerve between the third and fourth toes to become irritated. Additional symptoms can include having a numbing or tingling feeling in the toes, and a burning pain may exist in the ball of the foot. Patients have found relief in the beginning stages of Morton’s neuroma when shoes with lower heels are worn, and participating in sporting activities is temporarily ceased. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, which can permanently repair or remove the affected nerve. If you feel you may have this condition, please speak with a podiatrist who can help you to decide on the correct treatment method.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Ernest Levi, DPM of Grand Central Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Charcot foot is a rare, but serious, complication of peripheral neuropathy brought on by diabetes. It affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Weakened joints can cause the bones to break and joints to dislocate. As a result, the shape of the foot changes. Charcot foot is deceptive and can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms include redness, hotness, and swelling. Because of that, it is often thought to be an infection. Although specific causes for Charcot foot are not clear, some conditions may help to indicate it. Often, because a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy cannot feel pain, a sprain or even a fracture can go unnoticed. In some cases, the foot becomes rounded on the bottom because the arch has collapsed. This also may indicate Charcot foot. Treatment varies from staying off the affected foot to surgery. People with Charcot foot may need to wear protective footwear, such as a cast, on a regular basis. If you suffer from diabetes and have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is highly recommended that you consult a podiatrist on a regular basis to monitor any unnoticed injuries that may indicate Charcot foot. 

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 Ernest Levi, DPM from Grand Central Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also referred to as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is often seen between the toes first. The name, athlete’s foot, came into being because it was a common affliction of athletes with sweaty feet in tight-fitting shoes. The fungus likes warm, moist environments so wearing damp socks or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors and swimming pool areas, make for perfect hosts. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin on the side or bottom of the foot, a burning and stinging sensation, blisters, and itchiness. Athlete’s foot must be treated because of its potential of spreading the infection to other areas of the body and can cause pain. If you suspect you might have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis, determine what type of fungus caused it, and provide treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Ernest Levi, DPM from Grand Central Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Children grow at their own pace, and this is especially true of their feet. The feet can grow quickly, and it is beneficial to measure them every two months until they reach two years old. The next phase consists of measuring their feet every three months up to the age of five, followed by every six months between the ages of six and 11. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and their feet are typically flexible and soft. There are benefits to children walking barefoot while they are indoors, and these can include sensing different types of surfaces, in addition to stretching their toes. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, it is important for proper foot development to ensure that they fit correctly and have adequate arch support. Velcro closures or shoes that lace up are preferred, and this may allow for changes to the instep. If you have questions about what type of shoes your child will wear, or general concerns about children’s foot health, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you in the right direction.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Ernest Levi, DPM of Grand Central Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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