It can be very helpful to learn more about the biomechanics of your feet to understand how they function and why it is so critical to maintain proper foot health. One of the often overlooked yet important elements of foot biomechanics is the toes. Although seemingly small and insignificant, your toes play a crucial role in keeping your feet functioning correctly. Firstly, your toes help you balance when walking and moving. Unlike other parts of your feet, the toes maintain contact with the ground for an extended period. Toes also help you bear weight. Your big toe is arguably the most important toe in this respect because it bears the most weight. Conversely, your pinky toe is the least important because it bears the least amount of weight. Toes also make running possible because they stretch and expand, essentially increasing the length of your foot. This enables you to push off the ground and run faster. Toes, therefore, play an important role in the biomechanics of your feet. You should be especially mindful of taking care of them and preventing any of the many afflictions that might threaten the health of your toes. Contact a podiatrist to learn more about how to protect and keep your toes healthy.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Swelling can be a bothersome and annoying symptom for one to experience in their feet. Not only can it feel uncomfortable, but the swelling can also make it more difficult to walk and put weight on the feet. It is important for you to be aware of the different causes of swollen feet because, while this condition can be somewhat inconsequential in some cases, it can also point to serious underlying health complications in others. One of the often overlooked causes of swollen feet is related to the consumption of alcohol. When an individual drinks alcohol, especially in excessive quantities, this can cause them to retain water inside their bodies. This extra water retention can lead people to experience swelling in their feet. Swelling in the feet should subside within a couple of days. If it does not, then it could indicate a more serious problem with another part of the body, such as the kidney or liver. If you are beginning to experience swollen feet as a result of consuming alcohol, you might try elevating the feet to a height above the heart. This ultimately encourages and promotes blood circulation. To help counteract the swelling caused by alcohol, one might also try to reduce the amount of salt consumption. If you are experiencing swollen feet because of alcohol consumption, you can contact a podiatrist to receive help and learn more about how to treat this condition. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. 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 contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A seed corn, also known as heloma miliare, is a tiny round callus that forms on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns can develop anywhere there is repeated friction and are common to the ball of the foot or the bottom of the heel. Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, may change how you walk, increasing the chances that a seed corn will form. Seed corns are not particularly dangerous, but they can become painful when pressure or weight is applied, causing further gait problems. They can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly, with plenty of toe room and low heels. Seed corns may be linked with dry skin, so moisturizing the feet is important. Wearing socks to form a cushion between the foot and inside of the shoe may also help. Special orthotics may be necessary in cases of recurring or persistent seed corn formation. In that case, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for help with removal of the corns and creating a custom shoe insert that works for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

The tarsal tunnel is an important part of foot function. When one of the nerves inside the tarsal tunnel becomes compressed, tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop. This can happen as a result of a fracture, bone spur, or foot deformity. A common symptom that is associated with this condition can include a burning and tingling sensation in the bottom of the foot and heel. Additionally, some patients notice shooting pain in one or more spots in the foot. An effective diagnosis can include having the Tinels’ Test performed, which consists of tapping on the nerve as it passes through the tunnel. Patients can find mild relief when the correct footwear is worn, and orthotics may be needed for additional support. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly suggested that if you have these symptoms, an appointment is scheduled as quickly as possible.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.