Items filtered by date: January 2025

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Safe Pickleball for Seniors

Seniors are enthusiastically embracing the pickleball trend, drawn to its social appeal and low-impact fitness benefits. While the game offers a fun way to stay active, it is important for older players to take steps to prevent injuries and achieve their fitness goals safely. Proper warm-ups and cool-downs are essential, as they prepare muscles and joints for the quick movements pickleball requires. Investing in supportive, well-fitting footwear with good grip can reduce the risk of slips and strain. Additionally, regular foot care, such as keeping toenails trimmed and managing conditions like bunions or corns, can enhance comfort and mobility on the court. Strengthening exercises for the ankles and feet can also build stability and reduce the chance of falls. Seniors who play pickleball can enjoy its benefits while staying safe. For any injuries, such as foot pain or fractures, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Read more about Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Wednesday, 22 January 2025 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Differences Between Corns and Warts

Corns, calluses, and plantar warts are common foot conditions, but they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on pressure points, often on the toes or soles, due to friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive pressure. They can be painful, especially when walking. Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection, the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and typically appear as rough, raised growths on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are contagious and may cause discomfort when pressure is applied. Treatment for a plantar wart may involve freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, laser treatments, or minor surgery to remove it. To treat a corn, start by addressing the cause of friction and pressure, such as wearing properly fitting shoes and using inserts or pads for cushioning. If a painful corn persists it can be safely removed by a podiatrist. If you have either of these ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM of Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Corns

Cracked heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly, and vitamin deficiencies may contribute to their development. Insufficient levels of certain vitamins, especially from the B-vitamin group, can cause the skin to become dry and brittle, leading to cracks. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, and a deficiency can result in rough, cracked skin on the feet. Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps the skin retain moisture and improve its elasticity, preventing cracks. Vitamin B6 supports the body's ability to repair damaged tissues, including the skin, while vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness. A lack of these vitamins can impair the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and repair itself, making the heels more prone to cracking. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is repeated stress or strain on the fascia, often due to excessive walking, running, or standing. Other factors like wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or being overweight can also contribute. The most noticeable symptom is sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. As the day progresses, the pain may lessen but can return with prolonged standing or walking. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where a podiatrist may palpate the heel and foot, and sometimes imaging tests to rule out other conditions. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Seaford, and Bethpage, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Connect With Us