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The feet can offer important clues about thyroid health, often showing symptoms that are easy to overlook. Cracked heels may be one of the earliest signs, especially when dryness persists despite moisturizing. Itchy feet can also occur due to slowed skin cell turnover, commonly seen with low thyroid function. Cold feet are another frequent symptom, as the thyroid helps regulate body temperature and poor circulation may result from an underactive thyroid. Additionally, swollen feet can develop due to fluid retention, which sometimes accompanies hormonal imbalances linked to thyroid conditions. These foot-related signs should not be ignored, especially when they appear together or persist. If you have any of the above foot symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and discuss the connection regarding possible thyroid disease.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot exercises play a vital role in maintaining strength, flexibility, and stability for everyday movement. Strong and flexible feet improve balance, posture, and overall mobility. The alphabet exercise, where the foot traces letters in the air, helps with ankle flexibility and coordination. Towel scrunches strengthen the arch and toes by gripping a towel with the toes. Toe pointing enhances foot control and muscle engagement, while toe stretching relieves tension and promotes flexibility. These exercises support functional fitness by preventing injuries, improving endurance, and enhancing performance in daily activities. Regular foot strengthening and stretching help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on other joints. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate foot exercises for overall health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Debridement is the process of removing dead or infected tissue from foot wounds or ulcers to help the body restart the healing process. When unhealthy tissue is present, it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. By clearing out this tissue, debridement encourages the growth of healthy skin, reduces the chance of complications, and may minimize long-term scarring. There are several types of debridement, including enzymatic, autolytic, mechanical, and sharp methods. The method chosen often depends on the severity and condition of the wound, as well as a patient’s overall health. In some cases, surgery may be required, particularly for deep or severely infected wounds that do not respond to conservative options. A podiatrist can evaluate the wound and determine the most effective way to promote healing. Podiatrists are trained to manage foot, toe, and ankle wounds safely and effectively, and they provide continued monitoring throughout recovery to help prevent further issues. If you have foot wounds or ulcers that are not healing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

White superficial onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the surface of the nail, causing white, powdery patches that may spread over time. Symptoms include brittle, rough, and discolored nails that become weak and prone to breaking. Other types of fungal nail infections include distal subungual onychomycosis, which starts at the tip of the nail and spreads underneath, often leading to thickening and yellowing. Proximal subungual onychomycosis begins near the cuticle and moves outward, commonly seen in individuals with weakened immune systems. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a persistent fungal infection caused by Candida, affecting both nails and surrounding skin, leading to thickened, discolored nails. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes pain and inflammation in the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This tissue, known as the plantar fascia, connects the heel to the toes and helps support the arch. Repetitive strain or excessive pressure can cause small tears in the fascia, leading to irritation and discomfort. The pain is often felt near the heel and is typically worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Risk factors include prolonged standing, high-impact activities, improper footwear, and foot structure abnormalities like flat feet or high arches. Plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to complete daily activities. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a condition in which a toe bends at the middle joint, causing it to look like a hammer. Hammertoe is often caused by muscle imbalance that leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. If conservative treatment measures do not help, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct the deformity. The type of procedure depends on the flexibility of the toe. If the toe is still movable, a tendon transfer can help straighten it by repositioning tendons. For a rigid hammertoe, joint resection involves removing a small section of bone to allow the toe to extend. Joint fusion surgery permanently realigns the toe by securing the bones together with pins or screws until they heal. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, with recovery taking several weeks. Swelling can last for months, but pain generally recedes early in the healing process. Possible risks include infection, nerve damage, or recurrence of the deformity. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pinky toe pain can result from various conditions that affect the foot and ankle. Wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes places excessive pressure on the small toe, leading to discomfort, blisters, or corns. A sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the toe stretch or tear due to sudden twisting movements. Fractures can develop from direct impact, such as stubbing the toe against furniture or dropping a heavy object on the foot. Sports-related trauma, including repetitive stress from running or sudden directional changes, can also cause pain and swelling. Additionally, direct impact to the foot and ankle may lead to bruising, inflammation, or difficulty bearing weight. Wearing proper footwear and rest can help relieve symptoms. If your pinky toe hurts, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While flat shoes may seem comfortable and stylish, they can contribute to foot pain and discomfort when worn regularly. Flat shoes lack the arch support and cushioning needed to properly distribute weight across the foot. Without adequate support, the foot can become strained, leading to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or metatarsalgia, pain in the ball of the foot. The lack of shock absorption in flat shoes can also cause added pressure on the joints, particularly in the knees and lower back, leading to discomfort and potential long-term pain. Additionally, flat shoes often offer limited stability, which can result in poor posture and alignment. Over time, this imbalance can cause muscle fatigue and soreness. To prevent foot pain, it is important to choose shoes with proper arch support and cushioning. If flat shoes are preferred, consider using orthotic insoles to provide extra support and reduce the risk of injury or discomfort. If you have foot pain from wearing flat shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief solutions, and guide you on proper shoes to wear.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.