Items filtered by date: January 2023

The development of a child’s feet is often overlooked when speaking about how the body progresses. The feet are the foundation of the body and carry its weight throughout the day. The feet are responsible for motor movements that include walking, running, and standing, and the foot bones will strengthen under stress. This can happen in the earlier stages when the baby pushes their feet against a car seat or similar object, and the bones will fully develop at approximately 18 years of age. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will begin to form at two years old. There are 14 bones in the toes, and they play a crucial role in maintaining balance and stability. Additionally, the toes help with pushing off while walking, running, or jumping. Research has shown that by massaging your child's feet, an improved foot-eye coordination may occur, in addition to walking on varied surfaces. If you would like more information about the stages of development for your child's feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

It’s easy to spot a person who has a hammertoe. It is a foot condition that is considered to be a deformity, and it is characterized by the middle toe that bends downward, forcing the joints up. It can be caused by various things, including wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in or from medical conditions such as arthritis. This condition may also develop for genetic reasons, and surgery may be necessary so the toes can be permanently straightened. If the toes are severely bent, corns may develop where the joint touches the shoe, and this can cause additional discomfort. Specific types of shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the deformed toes, and this may prompt patients to seek medical advice. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can help you to remedy this condition. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

The medical term for swollen feet and ankles is referred to as edema. It can be a common occurrence after a long plane or car ride, or from standing for much of the workday. Specific medical conditions that can include heart failure, kidney disease, or infection may lead to getting swollen feet and can be a side effect of pregnancy. Mild relief may be found when the feet are frequently elevated, in addition to reducing sodium intake. Many people find comfort in putting support stockings on in the morning before the swelling begins for the day. Walking can increase blood flow to the legs, possibly reducing existing swelling, and it is beneficial to walk as often as possible during the day. If you suffer from swollen feet, please consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer effective treatment methods.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM of Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

The feet need to be pampered, and regularly pampering the feet can be fun. Making your foot care routine a ritual of self-care and luxury can make you feel good while you take care of your feet. One step that you might consider incorporating into your everyday foot care is treating calluses. Calluses on the feet can be removed in several different ways. For example, foot creams, gels, and pumice stones can all be used to address the calluses on the feet. Other devices can be used to this end. Namely, patches, peels, and soaks can all be used to get rid of calluses on the feet. If you are someone that enjoys pampering their feet and also has a lot of calluses, please contact your podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to help you incorporate callus care into your daily foot care routine.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

One of the most important functions that a good pair of shoes serves is to essentially protect the toes from injury. The toes are resilient yet very delicate parts of the human body. Good shoes have a toe box that can insulate and protect the toes from falling objects or from being stubbed. One of the many downsides of wearing open-toed sandals like flip-flops is that this kind of shoe ultimately does not protect the toes at all. Flip flops, in other words, leave the toes completely exposed. Not only does this make the toes more vulnerable to becoming injured, but it also exposes them to the elements and the weather, which has its share of problems and complications. Medical professionals recommend limiting the time in which flip-flops are worn to ensure adequate protection of the toes. If you are someone that enjoys wearing flip-flops, contact a podiatrist today to see what can be done to protect the feet.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Afsaneh Latifi, DPM from Lenox Hill Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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