Stress fractures, or hairline cracks, occur in bones that have been weakened by overuse or repetitive motions over time. Because there are many bones in the feet which bear the weight of our bodies, the feet are a common location for stress fractures—especially in the long, thin metatarsal bones which connect the toes with the ankle and help us stay balanced. Participating in activities with a lot of running, suddenly increasing the intensity or changing the surface of your workouts, as well as bone-weakening conditions like osteoporosis can increase your risk of stress fractures. Swelling, bruising, or pain that builds gradually over time and subsides during resting periods are all possible indicators of a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist at the earliest signs of these symptoms, as an untreated stress fracture may get worse and turn into a complete fracture or break.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. 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 contact our office located in Seaford, and Bethpage, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common form of foot surgery is performed on the toes. It can be done to improve a toe deformity, remove joint pain originating from the toes, or to repair a broken toe. The surgery technique may involve lengthening the tendons that may have become shorter if hammertoe has developed, or the shape of the bone may be changed to a correct position. The recovery process may consist of resting and elevating the foot to reduce existing swelling, and practicing a gentle stretching and exercise regime may accelerate the healing process and allow you to resume everyday activities. If you are interested in learning more about toe surgery, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to make the correct decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM of Seaford Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Seaford, and Bethpage, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the nerves in the foot, is notably prevalent among women. This ailment, characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often manifests between the third and fourth toes. Women, who frequently wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box, are more susceptible to the compression and irritation that contribute to Morton's neuroma. The pressure exerted on the forefoot, coupled with the repetitive stress from wearing such footwear, can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, activities that involve footwear with tight toe spaces, such as ballet or certain athletic pursuits, may increase the risk. Recognizing the connection between footwear choices, lifestyle, and the development of Morton's neuroma is vital for women. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that is treated by podiatrists. If you have pain between the third and fourth toes, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM of Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, affect the toenails and can spread, if left untreated. They are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, including locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. Among the symptoms are thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbling nails, often accompanied by a foul odor. Infected nails may appear yellow, brown, or white, and may feel painful or uncomfortable while walking or wearing shoes. The nail may also lift from the nail bed, increasing the risk of further infection. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a fungal infection through clinical examination and lab testing. Treatment options include topical or oral antifungal medications, or, in severe cases, nail removal. A podiatrist may also trim and thin the affected nail to reduce discomfort and improve effectiveness of treatment. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to properly identify the infection, and begin the most effective treatment plan.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM of Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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