January 2023

Many people experience the feeling of burning foot pain, which can interrupt both their daily activities and their sleep. But what does it mean? Major causes of burning foot pain include peripheral neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and Raynaud’s disease. People with high blood sugar may be especially at risk for peripheral neuropathy. This is a nerve condition that blocks normal communication between the brain and the nerves in your feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle is compressed, resulting in burning pain. Plantar fasciitis, which is the tearing and inflammation of the band of tissue under the foot, causes both heel and burning foot pain. Raynaud’s disease is caused when the blood vessels in the lower extremities are constricted. This limits blood flow to the feet and may result in burning foot pain. If burning foot pain becomes a regular occurrence, you may wish to consult a podiatrist who can help to determine the cause and offer treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Baby’s feet are adorable and can melt your heart. Their feet are mostly made up of fatty tissue and are generally soft and pliable. At first baby’s feet may appear blue, wrinkled, and peeling, but as soon as a baby gets warm, their feet will become pink and fill out. It is important to care for a baby’s feet to make them strong enough for when they start walking. Their feet should be clean and clear of infection. Their feet should be allowed to grow, develop, and strengthen naturally. Wash and dry a baby’s feet daily. Sprinkle them with baby powder to assure they stay dry. Cut toenails straight across to ensure they do not grow into the skin. Make sure the baby has enough space to move their feet around, without being restricted. Exercise their feet by tickling their feet a bit so they can flex and stretch them. Have them wear socks versus shoes so movement is free. Examine the baby’s feet to make sure problems are not brewing. See a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment if you see something amiss with your baby's feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Blisters are one of the most common problems that runners encounter. While most blisters are not serious, these little pockets of fluid that form on the feet and toes can be annoying and quite painful. Knowing how to prevent a blister, which is nature’s way of protecting your skin from friction, is valuable information for runners. One way to prevent blisters is by wearing socks that wick moisture away from the foot and do not have seams that can cause rubbing. Along with proper socks, choosing the correct footwear is a second important prevention method. Running shoes should not be too narrow and should leave about half an inch of space in the toe box. Applying powders that absorb moisture on the feet and toes can help them stay dry during a run. Taping the places on your feet and toes that are likely to rub against your shoes can help to protect them as you run and keep blisters from forming. If you have blisters that have become infected or are otherwise interfering with your running, please consult a podiatrist for more information.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

There are 26 bones that are located in each foot which represent the foundation of the body. The field of podiatry specializes in treating conditions of the feet and ankles, in addition to performing surgery that specific foot ailments may require. People who are interested in helping patients find solutions for their individual foot conditions may choose to become a podiatrist. There is mandatory schooling that must occur before DPM follows any name. This is the abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and their education includes earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing several years of podiatric medicine. Two of these years are in a program focusing on podiatry, followed by two to four years in a residency program. There are various forms of podiatry, consisting of sports medicine, pediatrics, or diabetic foot care. It is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted if this is the branch of medicine that is being considered, so they can address any concerns there may be.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are some of the most common problems among runners. The Achilles tendon, medically known as the calcaneal tendon, is located at the back of the heel. It is the strongest tendon in the body, connecting the heel bone to the muscles in the calf. When the Achilles tendon is torn or ruptured, it can be extremely painful and inhibit daily activities. In some cases, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, thought to be caused by overuse. This will result in tenderness to the touch, as well as pain when first waking up. Also, the calf, ankle and heel will feel stiff. Many times, after engaging in a run, the tendon pain subsides for a while, but increases again later. Stretching the tendon further may actually increase the problem, experts contend, by hardening and shortening the calf muscles. Instead, taking a break from running and beginning a course of  strengthening exercises is recommended. It is a good idea for anyone with Achilles tendon problems to consult a podiatrist for an examination, a diagnosis, and suggested treatment options.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.