Items filtered by date: November 2024

Achilles tendon injuries are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent populations but can require surgery in severe cases, such as complete ruptures or deep lacerations. These injuries can occur during sports or accidents, especially in active teens, although young tendons are typically resilient and heal well with conservative care. Surgery is usually reserved for complex or complete tears that cannot heal adequately on their own. Despite being rare, surgical repair generally has positive outcomes for young patients, with most regaining full function and mobility following rehabilitation. Recovery includes targeted exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of re-injury. If your child has incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you have it evaluated by a podiatrist to determine the best course of action and ensure a safe, effective return to activity for the growing foot and tendon structure.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An avulsion fracture in the foot occurs when a small bone fragment is pulled away by a tendon or ligament attached to it, often resulting from a sudden twist or impact. This type of fracture is common in sports or activities involving rapid direction changes. Unlike other fractures, which may break across the bone or completely separate it, an avulsion fracture only affects the area where the ligament or tendon attaches, often leaving the main bone intact. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Seeing a podiatrist is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. They will likely use imaging tests to assess the injury, and may recommend treatments like rest, immobilization, or targeted exercises to aid in recovery. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reattach the fragment. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to determine the type of fracture sustained, and receive appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often caused by imbalanced muscle or tendon forces,  wearing ill-fitting footwear, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, which can lead to corns and calluses. When conservative treatments, such as orthotics or targeted exercises fail, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Two common types are fusion and tendon transfer. Fusion involves permanently joining the affected joint to correct the toe's position. Tendon transfer repositions the tendon to restore balance and function, allowing for better alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery varies, but patients typically need to wear a special boot and limit activity for an extented period of time. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine what the best surgical approach is for each individual case. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. 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 Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes significantly affects the feet, often leading to serious complications if not managed properly. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing circulation and sensation in the feet. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, means that injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of infection. Poor circulation in diabetic individuals also delays wound healing, making it more difficult for minor injuries to recover. Over time, untreated wounds can turn into ulcers, which, if infected, may lead to severe consequences, including gangrene or even amputation. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, are more common in people with diabetes due to weakened muscles and tendons. Regular foot care, including daily inspections, proper footwear, and regular check-ups with a podiatrist, is essential to avoid complications and maintain foot health in diabetics. For this reason, it is suggested that if you have diabetes, you make an appointment with a podiatrist for routine care.

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 Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. 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 offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.