Stress fractures of the foot are small hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure and overuse rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries commonly occur in athletes and anyone who participates in high-impact activities that place repeated stress on the feet. Causes often include sudden increases in activity, wearing improper footwear, and inadequate rest between training sessions. Risk factors may include low bone density, poor foot mechanics, and participation in running, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, recommend imaging if needed, provide supportive treatment, and guide proper recovery. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Stepping on a nail may seem minor at first, but puncture wounds to the foot can quickly become serious. The depth of the injury, where it enters the foot, and what was worn at the time, all affect risk. Injuries closer to the toes are more likely to lead to joint infections or bone involvement, while punctures in the middle of the foot are often less severe and can sometimes be treated without hospitalization. Wearing athletic shoes at the time of injury raises concern because bacteria can be driven deep into the foot through the sole, increasing the chance of infection. Even a clean-looking nail can still cause complications. Pain, swelling, redness, drainage, or trouble walking should never be ignored. Because infections may not appear right away, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation, imaging if needed, and appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of long-term problems.

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 Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An infected foot blister develops when a fluid filled lesion on the skin becomes contaminated with bacteria, often after friction, pressure, or improper care. Blisters commonly form from wearing tight footwear, prolonged walking, or moisture that irritates the skin. When infection occurs, symptoms may include increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, foul smell, and the presence of pus. The surrounding skin may feel tender and appear inflamed, making walking uncomfortable. Relief options include keeping the area clean, protected, and properly dressed to reduce further irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the infection, provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications. If you have a foot blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention solutions.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Darline Kulhan, DPM of Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Foot pain that develops when walking is a frequent concern and can limit mobility and comfort throughout the day. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch becomes irritated, often leading to heel or arch pain that is most noticeable with the first steps after rest. Nerve-related pain, such as Morton’s neuroma, can also contribute, creating burning, tingling, or numb sensations in the ball of the foot, commonly between the toes. Another source is metatarsalgia, a condition linked to excessive pressure on the forefoot that causes soreness or sharp pain beneath the metatarsal area during activity. In addition, tendonitis may develop when foot or ankle tendons are overworked, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain that can worsen after periods of inactivity. If you are experiencing foot pain after walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

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 Darline Kulhan, DPM from Scarsdale Foot Specialists PC. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 our office located in Scarsdale, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.