Items filtered by date: June 2024

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the other toes. Symptoms of a bunion include a visible protrusion on the side of the foot, often accompanied by swelling, redness, and inflammation surrounding the affected area. Pain and tenderness are common, especially when wearing tight or narrow shoes. Over time, the big toe may turn inwards, overlapping the second toe, which can lead to further discomfort and difficulty walking. The skin over the bunion can become thickened and callused due to constant friction and pressure. In some cases, persistent pain and restricted movement in the big toe joint can occur. Early recognition and management of bunion symptoms can prevent progression and can help to alleviate discomfort. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you seek advice from a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Ankle pain while walking is a common issue that can arise from various conditions and injuries. This can be difficult just with regular movement, but particularly frustrating when you count walking as an important form of exercise in your life. The ankle is a complex joint connecting the foot to the leg, consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Pain can result from sprains, strains, fractures, or conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. Overuse, wearing improper footwear, and sudden changes in physical activity can also contribute to ankle pain. This pain can interfere with walking by causing discomfort, instability, and limited range of motion. Ankle pain may present as a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache, often worsening with weight-bearing activities. Swelling, bruising, and stiffness are common symptoms accompanying the pain. To alleviate ankle pain, rest, compression, and elevation are effective initial treatments. Pain relievers and wearing supportive footwear can also help. Preventative measures include strengthening and stretching exercises, wearing appropriate shoes, and gradually increasing activity levels. If you have persistent or severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan so you can walk comfortably again. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that result from repetitive force or overuse. Unlike acute fractures caused by a sudden impact, stress fractures develop gradually, often due to the cumulative effect of repeated stress. Sports that frequently lead to foot stress fractures include running, basketball, and dance. In running, the constant pounding on hard surfaces places significant stress on the foot bones. Basketball involves frequent jumping and quick direction changes, which can strain the foot. Dance, particularly styles like ballet, requires repetitive movements and weight-bearing on the toes, increasing the risk of fractures. Athletes in these sports should be vigilant about wearing proper footwear, getting adequate rest, and gradually increasing training intensity to prevent stress fractures. Recognizing early signs, such as pain and swelling, is essential for prompt treatment and recovery. If you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Ingrown toenails are characterized by the downward curling of the toenail's side or corner into the adjacent skin. An ingrown toenail typically results in redness, swelling, tenderness, and in some cases becomes infected. While frequently seen in the big toe, any toenail can become ingrown. The major causes of ingrown toenails include wearing ill-fitting footwear, improper nail trimming techniques, and traumatic injury to the toe. Seeking professional evaluation by a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For mild cases, conservative measures such as warm water soaks and placement of a cotton ball beneath the affected nail corner may provide relief. However, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant prompt intervention to prevent complications, including bacterial infection. In such instances, treatment may involve antibiotic therapy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the ingrown portion of the nail. Among the ways to prevent an ingrown toenail are trimming nails straight and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have an ingrown toenail, especially if pain is persistent, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete exam and treatment suggestions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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