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Jackson Heights (718) 898-3668

Brentwood (631) 435-2222

pedal

February 2019

Monday, 25 February 2019 00:00

Symptoms of Stress Fractures

The definition of a stress fracture are tiny cracks in the bone that are a result of repeated stress that is placed on the foot. These activities may include running, jumping, or dancing. They may also develop if there are existing medical conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. An early symptom that is associated with stress fractures is pain occurring during an activity that may diminish upon resting. As the stress fracture worsens, the pain and discomfort may be felt for the majority of the time, and may be felt in a specific area of the foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed which generally includes having an MRI or bone scan taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may include resting the foot, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medications. If you feel you have incurred a stress fracture, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Klein from New York. 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 Jackson Heights, and Brentwood, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 18 February 2019 00:00

Falls Prevention Classes

The fear of falling is something that plagues many older adults. Falls can result in many other health complications, such as broken bones that lead to more serious issues. Recovery can be a long and straining process, so it is best to practice fall prevention in order to avoid these stressful inconveniences. There are techniques and behaviors one can utilize to prevent falling. Some communities have partnered with organizations to offer falls prevention classes for anyone who is interested. These programs hope to lessen the fear surrounding falling, while simultaneously increasing the activity of older adults. Sometimes, the fear of falling causes some to lower their activity level, which results in weakness that can cause more damage if a fall does occur. If you fear falling or have any further questions about falls prevention, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist for more information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Robert Klein from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Monday, 11 February 2019 00:00

Many Types of Foot Surgery

Many patients have had their various foot conditions successfully treated, but for some, foot surgery may be necessary as a possible option for relief. There are several types of foot issues that can benefit from having foot surgery performed, and these may include bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis. The surgery that may help to correct bunions is referred to as a bunionectomy. The benefits of having this type of surgery performed may include wearing shoes that are closed, and performing daily activities with ease. Arthritis may be helped by having fusion surgery performed, and this may help to join the bones of the foot together which may eliminate painful rubbing. Hammertoe can be helped by removing bones, tendons, or joints which may help to straighten out the toe. If the plantar fascia is inflamed which may lead to plantar fasciitis, heel surgery may be a viable option to consider. If you would like additional information about foot surgery, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Klein of New York. Our doctor 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 Jackson Heights, and Brentwood, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 04 February 2019 00:00

Plantar Fasciitis Is a Common Foot Condition

A common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis affects many people worldwide, and may typically cause severe pain and discomfort in the heel area of the foot. The condition is a result of inflammation the plantar fascia endures, and this may come from excess pressure from standing for the majority of the day or from an injury that may have occurred. This band of tissue is located across the bottom of the foot, and its purpose is to connect the heel to the front of the foot. There are several symptoms that are associated with this uncomfortable ailment, including pain in the middle of the foot, the heel or surrounding areas, and difficulty in walking after sitting or lying down for extended periods of time. Some patients may feel a burning sensation on the sole of the foot, and prolonged stiffness may hinder walking up and down the stairs. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that a consultation with a podiatrist is conducted, and this may aid in determining the cause and correct treatment techniques.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Robert Klein from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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