Items filtered by date: January 2025

Proper foot care is critical for people with diabetes to prevent serious complications, such as infections, ulcers, or even amputations. Diabetes can reduce blood flow and damage nerves, making it harder to feel pain or detect injuries. Small cuts, blisters, or pressure sores can quickly become infected without proper attention. To care for your feet, wash and dry them daily, especially between the toes. Inspect them regularly for cuts, redness, or swelling, and moisturize to prevent dry, cracked skin. Wear well-fitted, protective footwear to reduce pressure points and avoid walking barefoot. Regular visits to a podiatrist are suggested for professional care and early detection of potential problems.

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 one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brooklyn, New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or an inherited abnormal nail shape. In some cases, trauma or injury to the toe can also contribute to the condition. When conservative treatments, such as soaking the foot or using topical antibiotics, do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary to address the issue. There are different types of ingrown toenail surgery, with the most common being partial nail avulsion, where a portion of the nail is removed to relieve pressure and allow healing. Another procedure, known as matrixectomy, involves removing the nail root to prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Understanding Sever's Disease

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a source of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It is particularly common among those involved in sports with a lot of running, like soccer, or basketball. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive stress, often worsened by activities that involve running or jumping. The main symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling at the back of the heel, especially after physical activity. Children may also limp or complain of discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Treatment typically focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. This may include rest and stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon. Custom orthotics or heel pads can also help reduce pressure on the heel. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a period of restricted activity. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brooklyn, New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

The Healing Benefits of Foot Baths

Foot baths are a soothing and effective way to promote healing and relaxation. Immersing the feet in warm water can increase the overall body temperature, which helps to relax tense muscles and possibly alleviate discomfort in other areas of the body. The warmth of the water can ease pain in the feet, and lower legs, and even help with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Foot baths also boost circulation, encouraging better blood flow throughout the body, which promotes faster recovery from fatigue or muscle soreness. The enhanced circulation can help reduce swelling and improve the delivery of nutrients to the body's tissues. Additionally, foot baths are a great way to fight fatigue, as they provide a calming effect that helps reduce stress and rejuvenate the body. This simple practice is a wonderful way to unwind and support overall well-being. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and recommend specific types of foot baths for your needs.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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