Skin on the feet, especially on the bottom, is often overlooked during routine medical exams. According to Dr. Gary Stones, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist, skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. “Most are painless, but often there’s a history of recurrent cracking, itching, bleeding or ulceration,” he cautions. “These cancers often go undiagnosed until another issue presents itself near the affected site,” added Stones.

Checking for warning signs is something anyone can do, paying particular attention to changes such as non-healing sores, bumps that crack and bleed, nodules with rolled edges or scaly areas. Examining the bottom of the foot is critical.

Basal cell cancers may appear as pearly white bumps or oozy patches that can get crusty like other open sores. On the foot, basal cell cancers often look like non-cancerous skin tumors or benign ulcers.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer of the foot. They usually are confined to the skin and do not spread. However, when advanced, some can become more aggressive and spread throughout the body. This form of cancer can begin as a small scaly bump, which may appear inflamed. There can be cracking or bleeding. Sometimes it begins as a hard projecting, callous-like lesion. While painless, this type of skin cancer may be itchy. It can resemble a plantar wart, a fungal infection, eczema, an ulcer or other common dermatological conditions.

Skin cancers on the lower extremity may have a different appearance that those arising on the rest of the body. So to test, the podiatrist will perform a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure in which a small sample of the skin is obtained and sent to a lab where a skin pathologist examines the tissue in greater detail. If it turns out the lesion is skin cancer, the podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment.

Each year, approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers. Early detection and treatment are the goals of NYSPMA’s observance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. To find a doctor-member of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association in your community, visit NYSPMA.org and click on the “find a podiatrist” button or call Toll-free at 866-996-4400.

The New York State Podiatric Medical Association is the largest statewide component of the American Podiatric Medical Association and its affiliated national network of certifying boards and professional colleges. Established in 1895, NYSPMA has over 1,200 members across 13 divisions in New York State. Visit www.nyspma.org for more information. The Association is located at 1255 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029.

The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is neither professional medical advice nor is it intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Without exception, the reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information in this article does not create a physician-patient relationship.

Arthritis is the nation’s number one cause of disability, limiting the activities and productivity of 21-million working-age adult Americans.

Symptoms are often manifested in feet and podiatrists are on the first line of defense when it comes to treating this debilitating disease. Each foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints that can be afflicted by arthritis. The following are the most common foot joints affected:

• The joint where the ankle and shinbone meet
• The three joints of the foot that involve the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
• The joint of the big toe and foot bone

In many kinds of arthritis, progressive joint deterioration occurs and the smooth cushioning cartilage in joints is gradually lost. As a result, the bones rub and wear against each other. Soft tissues in the joints also may begin to wear down. Arthritis can be painful and eventually result in limited motion, loss of joint function, and deformities in the joints affected. But early diagnosis and proper medical care can help significantly.

Osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. And its onset is usually gradual. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people age. Inflammation and injury to the joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissues, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity. The changes in osteoarthritis usually occur slowly over many years, though there are occasional exceptions.

Symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis can include:

• Tenderness or pain
• Reduced ability to move, walk, or bear weight
• Stiffness in the joint
• Swelling in the joint
• Nighttime pain
• Muscle weakness or deterioration

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, you are urged to visit your podiatrist.  Podiatrists treat osteoarthritis in several ways. Nonsurgical methods include:

• Steroid medications injected into the joints
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the joints
• Pain relievers such as aspirin
• Custom orthotics or specially prescribed shoes
• Canes or braces to support the joints
• Physical therapy
• Weight control since there are so many joints in each foot, which bear your weight

For further information on arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org.  To find a podiatrist in your community, please visit www.nyspma.org and click on the “Find a Podiatrist” button or call 866-996-4400.

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The New York State Podiatric Medical Association is the largest statewide component of the American Podiatric Medical Association and its affiliated national network of certifying boards and professional colleges. Established in 1895, NYSPMA has over 1,200 members across 13 divisions in New York State. Visit www.nyspma.org for more information.  The Association is located at 1255 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029.

The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is neither professional medical advice nor is it intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Without exception, the reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information in this article does not create a physician-patient relationship.

(New York, NY – December 3, 2012)   As we enter the winter season, many of us will be skiing, sledding and shoveling snow, resulting in cold as well as wet feet.  Having Jack Frost “nipping at your nose” sounds great when Nat King Cole sings it, but it’s no fun when frostbite strikes your feet.

Extreme exposure of your feet to cold over a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite.  However, you do not necessarily need to be exposed to extremely cold temperatures to get frostbite.  Even cool temperatures coupled with wet socks can induce frostbite.  Follow these important tips for safe outdoor fun:

• Change socks daily
• Wear thicker non-constricting socks
• Wear comfortable fitting (never too tight) waterproof boots
• Clean and dry your feet thoroughly to avoid fungal infections

Symptoms of frostbite include pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas, numbness in the toes or feet, and changes in skin color from pale or red to bluish-gray or black.  Children, the elderly and people with diabetes are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities or poor circulation.  People who live or work outdoors also have higher likelihood of contracting frostbite because of their increased exposure to the cold.

There are various degrees of frostbite with frost nip (first degree) being the most commonly encountered by people who live in very cold climates or do a lot of outdoor activity in the winter.  Skin may feel stiff to the touch, but the tissue underneath is still warm and soft.

Superficial frostbite (second degree) and deep frostbite (third degree) are serious medical conditions that must be treated by a trained medical professional.  Skin will feel hard and frozen to the touch and blistering will happen.  In some severe cases, doctors may have to amputate frostbitten limbs to prevent severe infection.

Getting out of the cold and moving to a warm environment can initially treat a mild case of frostbite.  Keep feet dry and warm; warm the skin gradually by using warm compresses or immersing feet in warm water (101 – 104 degrees) until sensation returns.  Do not use direct heat such as heating pads r fire and do not disturb any blisters.

Frostbite is very serious, and if you suspect that you have it, seek help from a podiatrist for any foot concerns.  Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are essential; they can literally save your toes.   Visit www.nyspma.org for further information on wind chill and temperatures that can cause frostbite and to find a podiatrist in your area.

The New York State Podiatric Medical Association is the largest statewide component of the American Podiatric Medical Association and its affiliated national network of certifying boards and professional colleges. Established in 1895, NYSPMA has over 1,200 members across 13 divisions in New York State. Visit www.nyspma.org for more information or call 866-996-4400.  The Association is located at 1255 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029.

The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is neither professional medical advice nor is it intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Without exception, the reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information in this article does not create a physician-patient relationship.

Drop foot symptoms
Symptoms of foot drop include difficulty raising the toes or front part of the foot, dragging and or slapping of the foot while walking, numbness, pain or weakness, and or “steppage gait”, in which you raise the thigh when walking.

Testing and diagnosis
If you believe you may have foot drop, or are experiencing any changes in your feet or gait, schedule an appointment online for an exam with one of our Brooklyn podiatrists. Specific tests may include nerve conduction studies (which can be conducted in our Park Slope office), an MRI or EMG.

Treatment for drop foot
Treatment for drop foot is determined by the specific causes of your condition. Ankle-foot orthotics or leg braces may be used to support the foot. Drop foot exercises are often recommended for strengthening muscles and encouraging joint motion which helps to improve gait. In some cases electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve can help. When there has been a permanent loss of motion, surgery may be recommended to fuse bones or transfer tendons to stronger muscles on the leg.

For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule a consultation with the Brooklyn podiatrists at Progressive Podiatry at one of our convenient locations in Park Slope, Mill Basin or Bay Ridge.

Causes
Foot neuromas often occur as a result of injury, pressure or compression, stress to the foot or irritation. Those who suffer from flat foot, bunions, hammertoes or flexible flatfoot have a higher risk of developing a neuroma. Wearing high heels, participating in high-impact sports or wearing ill-fitting or tight footwear may put you at a higher risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma.

Symptoms, diagnosis and tests
Neuroma sufferers may experience a burning pain, tingling or numbness or feel as if they have something in their shoe. As there are a host of other foot conditions that produce similar symptoms, it’s important to visit your podiatrist. They will do a physical examination and take a detailed history of your condition. Your physician may also take an x-ray to rule out fractures and an ultrasound to pinpoint a neuroma or other soft tissue abnormality.

Treatment of neuromas
Conservative treatment of neuromas include oral anti-inflammatory medications such as as ibuprofen or aspirin or ice massages (which can help to reduce pain and swelling), the wearing of properly fitting shoes, rest or reduction of activities over a period of time, injection of steriods, Cryogenic Neuroablation (exposing the nerve to very cold temperatures) and the use of orthotics. If conservative treatments have not been successful, decompression surgery or under certain situations, to removal of the neuroma may be recommended.

If you suspect that you have a neuroma or are suffering with any kind of foot pain, problem or condition, schedule an examination online today with one of our Brooklyn foot specialists.

Symptoms of congenital clubfoot
Most cases of clubfoot involve a twisting of the top of the foot, so that the arch is raised and the heel is turned inward. The foot may be a little shorter than the normal foot and the calf muscles in the affected leg are often under-developed. The condition itself does not cause pain or discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors
Although the cause of clubfoot isn’t known, there are factors which seem to play a part. Boys are twice as likely to be born with clubfoot. Smoking during pregnancy, a family history of the deformity and the severe birth defect “spina bifida” are other contributing factors.

Treatment
The Ponseti Method is one of the most common and effective treatments and should be started within weeks of birth when bones, muscles and tendons are most flexible. It involves manipulating the affected foot into a more normal position and then applying a cast to the foot to maintain the position. The process is repeated several times and is followed up by stretching exercises, the use of special shoes and splinting with a brace for 2 or 3 years. The Ponseti Method does not involve the risks and possible complications of surgery and results in a more flexible foot and ankle than surgical intervention.

If non-invasive techniques have not been successful, surgery may be recommended to lengthen the tendons, followed by the use of a brace for several years.

If your baby was born with clubfoot, schedule an exam with our Brooklyn podiatrists as soon as possible.

Reconstructive foot surgery involves realigning bones, transferring tendons, and fusing joints, with the goal of creating a more anatomically-correct foot position. To do this, both internal and external metallic hardware may be used. By combining classic techniques such as screws, pins, and plates; as well as cutting edge external frames and biologic implants, we strive to create the most functional foot and ankle, with the least amount of recovery time.

Major reconstructive foot surgery is always the last resort for severe deformities, and should be combined with other conservative treatment methods, such as orthotics, bracing, custom-shoes, and physical therapy. We consider surgery only when conservative methods have failed to provide the desired functional outcome and pain relief.

If you are suffering with a foot deformity or condition that has not responded to conservative treatment, schedule a consultation online at one of our convenient Brooklyn offices.

Dr. Robert E. Mullins, Progressive Podiatry

Custom orthotic inserts are the initial treatment of choice. These devices often can correct the position of the foot and allow you to walk pain-free without surgery. The goal of the insoles is to position the heel bone so that it allows the foot to form a natural arch and to take the strain off ligaments and tendons. The best flat feet arch supports are custom molded to the patient’s foot. We take exact molds of both feet in the office, then send them to our lab to build the device. One of the benefits of using our custom orthotic inserts, is that are as thin as a credit card, so that they fit into most shoes. They are superior to over the counter products as they precisely fit the natural contour of your foot.

It takes about a week to break in custom orthotic inserts and start to notice a change. An additional advantage to using flat feet arch supports, is that they also help your posture and natural stance, which can help alleviate knee pain. They are designed to be worn all day in all types of foot gear and will last between 5-10 years.

Patients with more severe flat foot conditions may eventually require surgical correction. Surgery aims at limiting excessive motion in the rear foot joints to create a permanently arched foot. New surgical technologies allow certain patients to have minimally invasive procedures and prevent the need for more complicated reconstructive surgery.

If you suffer from flat foot click here to schedule an exam with our foot doctor. Brooklyn based Progressive Podiatry can also be reached by calling 718-840-0660. We have convenient locations in Park Slope, Bay Ridge and Mill Basin.

Dr. Evan Breth, Park Slope Podiatry (link to Park Slope post)