Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can cause weakness and a lack of feeling in the feet and lower extremity regions. There are different factors that can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, a vitamin deficiency, and hormonal imbalances. Indicators that you may have developed this condition can include tingling or numbness, muscle weakness or twitching, and an inability to feel pain, touch, or temperature. To help treat neuropathy, some have found it helpful to partake in physical therapy, adopting a healthier lifestyle, and practicing better eating habits. For a proper diagnosis and suggested treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Charles Passet, DPM from Forest Hills. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, is common and has many different treatments. Resting the foot limits its movements and allows time for healing. Icing the foot can decrease pain and swelling, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. For when you need to be on your feet, orthotic shoe inserts can help cushion and support your foot. Doing certain stretches and strengthening exercises can increase the flexibility of your feet and make the plantar fascia stronger, thereby decreasing pain. In rarer cases, when conservative treatments have failed and pain interferes significantly with daily activities, surgery may become an option. To discover the best treatment options for you, seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Charles Passet, DPM  from Forest Hills. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

A bunion is defined as a bone that grows on the side of the big toe. It is often a nuisance, and wearing shoes may become difficult. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, and corns that may form on top of the bunion as a result of excess friction. The common reason patients may develop bunions is wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or bunions may form due to genetics. Some patients find mild relief when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and when supportive shoes are worn. Additionally, wearing custom made orthotics may bring the relief that is needed. In severe cases, surgery may be an option to consider for permanent removal. If you have bunions, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Charles Passet, DPM of Forest Hills. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a contagious virus that infects the top layer of skin. HPV typically enters the body through broken skin, and warts are spread through direct contact with the virus. Sharing personal items that can harbor the virus, such as towels, shoes, socks, and razors can cause an infection. If you already have a wart, you can also reinfect yourself by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. Warts often take months to develop after you have come in contact with HPV, so it is important to prevent HPV infections in the first place. Some prevention strategies include not sharing personal items, keeping the feet dry, and wearing shoes when walking through public areas or on warm, moist surfaces, like those at a public swimming pool. For more information about plantar warts, consult with a podiatrist.  

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Charles Passet, DPM from Forest Hills. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is especially common among runners. Fortunately, there are things that runners can do to prevent plantar fasciitis. Placing a cylindrical object, such as a water bottle, and rolling it under your foot can help soothe foot pain and prevent injury. Stretching your plantar fascia by placing a towel on the floor and scrunching it up with your toes can strengthen this ligament. Running on soft, even surfaces, improving your running form, making sure that you are wearing the right shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, strength training, and giving yourself adequate time to rest between workouts can also help reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. For more information on this condition and additional prevention tips, consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Charles Passet, DPM of Forest Hills. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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