For people battling diabetic foot ulcers, a total contact cast can be a game-changer in the healing process. These casts, meticulously crafted to fit snugly around the foot and lower leg, help to distribute weight evenly across the sole, allowing for effective ulcer management and healing. Diabetes often leads to foot problems, like neuropathy, where individuals lose sensation in their feet. This lack of feeling makes it challenging to detect blisters, cuts, or sores, which can quickly escalate into ulcers if left untreated. Total contact casts are primarily recommended for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers that resist conventional treatment methods. A total contact cast provides a protective shield for the ulcer, allowing it to heal efficiently. By reducing pressure on the affected area, these casts promote faster recovery. Typically, most ulcers show significant improvement within six to eight weeks with the consistent use of total contact casts. While wearing a total contact cast, it is important to prioritize its care and adhere to certain precautions, such as keeping it dry, minimizing walking, watching for complications, and managing itching and discomfort. To find out if a total contact cast is an option for treating your diabetic foot ulcer, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Morton's neuroma can have a significant impact on athletes, affecting their performance and overall foot comfort. Morton’s neuroma occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves connected to the toes thickens and becomes inflamed. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, including pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot, can be exacerbated during activities that involve repetitive stress on the front of the foot, like running or jumping. This is why forefoot pain and Morton’s neuroma are more common in athletes who use those repetitive motions. Athletes experiencing Morton's neuroma may find their agility and endurance compromised. However, there are strategies to manage pain so athletes can continue to exercise. Choosing appropriate footwear with ample cushioning and room for the toes is crucial. Additionally, incorporating orthotic inserts can provide extra support and alleviate pressure on the affected area. Athletes should also consider modifying their training routines to include low-impact exercises and activities that reduce stress on the forefoot. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can locate the source of the pain and provide treatment options for conditions such as Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, occurs when uric acid accumulates in the joints, leading to the formation of needle-like crystals. This condition, often characterized by sudden, intense pain, typically targets the big toe but can affect any joint. The primary culprit is an excess of uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, causing inflammation and debilitating discomfort. Individuals grappling with gout frequently experience swelling, redness, and extreme tenderness in the affected joint, making movement excruciating. While the big toe is a common target, gout can also strike joints in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. The pain, often reaching its peak within hours, can be relentless and accompanied by lingering discomfort. Recognizing the definition and symptoms of gout is pivotal for prompt diagnosis and effective management. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose, treat, and manage gout or any other condition it might be.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Soccer, a dynamic sport demanding agility and skill, often comes with its share of foot and ankle injuries, falling into acute and cumulative categories. Acute injuries, stemming from falls or player collisions, can be traumatic. Conversely, cumulative injuries result from repetitive stress, causing progressive aches and impairments. Soccer players frequently encounter lateral ankle sprains, occurring when kicking with the top of the foot, and medial ankle sprains from toe-out movements with the foot flexed upward. The chronic Achilles tendonitis, felt as pain in the back of the ankle, is a consequence of soccer's repetitive and sudden movements. A more severe injury, an Achilles tendon rupture, involves a partial or complete tear with an audible popping sound, often happening during fast, explosive actions on the field. Stress fractures, prevalent among soccer players, arise from overuse or repeated impacts, leading to bone bruising or slight cracking. These injuries often trace back to overuse, poor conditioning, or insufficient warm-ups. It is suggested that if you or your child incur foot and ankle injuries from playing soccer, you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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