Research has indicated that the number of people who are obese has doubled across the globe in the last forty years, and being overweight often affects foot health. This can be a result of the added weight the feet must support, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. Higher body mass index may lead to developing certain foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendon injuries. Overweight people can walk slower and have shorter stride lengths. Stress may be increased on the soft tissues and joints, which may lead to developing overuse injuries. Additionally, the ankles may lose strength from carrying the extra weight. Flat feet may develop for the same reason, and this can be another reason to lose excess weight. As this is being accomplished, it may be easier to build strength in the intrinsic muscles that can help to stabilize the arches. If you are overweight and have foot problems, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

If you notice that your feet smell bad, it is likely caused by having sweaty feet. When the skin stays damp it invites bacteria, which thrive in moist, warm environments. When the bacteria grow, they break down the sweat and produce chemicals with a foul odor. The main cause of the odor is sweating in your socks and shoes and not allowing your feet to dry out. Common causes of sweaty feet include standing on the feet for long periods of time, wearing tight shoes that do not breathe, and wearing shoes that have not completely dried out. Other causes can include not changing your socks or washing your feet daily, certain hormonal changes, and a condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition causes the sweat glands to overproduce moisture. If you have both sweaty and malodorous feet, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist who is trained to deal with such ailments.  

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

If you have pain in the bottom of your feet, you may be wondering why that is. You might be feeling sharp pains or throbbing soreness. Given how complex the feet are and the many bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments they have, there are many reasons this can happen. One possibility is that you are experiencing symptoms of flat feet. This is the foot condition when the entire sole touches the ground. The types of flat feet are flexible and rigid flat feet. Flexible flat foot is the most common and occurs when the foot is only flat when weight is put on it. Rigid flat foot is flat whether weight is put on the foot or not. This latter type of flat feet may be from the tarsal coalition, which is an ailment where bones have grown together. Additionally, congenital conditions or arthritis may lead to having flat feet. The correct treatment depends on the type of flat foot you have. Relief may be found by stretching the foot, strengthening the arch, or wearing orthotics. Surgery may also be a possibility for permanent relief. If you have flat feet and they are causing you pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a proper treatment plan.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Dyshidrotic eczema, also referred to as dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a skin condition that causes blisters to develop on the soles of the feet. Those afflicted with this ailment know how debilitating it can be. Blisters often appear as tiny red and raised bumps that merge to cover large areas of the feet. These blisters are often itchy, painful, and filled with fluid. They may ooze pus if they become infected. They can be brought on by genetics, an allergy, extreme weather conditions, or stress. The cause of this condition is unknown. This condition typically begins between 20 to 40 years of age. It can affect children, but it is rare. While the blisters can heal on their own in a month’s time, they can leave the skin of the feet dry and peeling. Red and itchy skin on the feet can be from other things, and if you have these symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

A common cause of foot pain is a stress fracture, which is a hairline crack in the bone. It is generally thought of as an overuse injury, and it is particularly common among runners and other athletes involved in high-impact sports. Another cause is doing too much, too soon when your body is not in shape. Poor or incorrect training habits may also lead to the development of stress fractures. In addition, footwear that lacks proper cushioning and arch support may be a factor. Gradual pain during weight-bearing activity is a sign of a stress fracture. This discomfort usually subsides after resting the foot or ceasing the activity. For that reason, a stress fracture may easily go unnoticed. Other symptoms include swelling on the top of the foot, tenderness to touch, and in some cases, bruising. Further, a stress fracture may cause sharp pain when taking a step. It can take up to two months for a stress fracture to heal. During that time it is thought wise to switch to non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming, for exercise. For help with stress fractures of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

It can be easy to confuse strains and sprains because both can cause ankle pain. An ankle sprain is the result of overstretching a ligament. This can happen to anyone, but is especially common among those involved in strenuous physical activity. A strain is the tearing of a muscle or tendon. Strains and sprains frequently occur in tandem, as the result of a sudden injury to the ankle joint. The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to allow the body to move and absorb the stress of that movement. If too much weight is applied or the joint is stretched too far, injuries to any of the elements of the ankle joint can occur. Sprains and strains can range from a slight tear to a complete rupture. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the injury, as is recovery time. In most cases, healing from an ankle injury is likely to take months. If you have experienced an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and a course of treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

The feet are often affected during pregnancy. Many pregnant women can have difficulty fitting into their shoes, and may have to consider purchasing larger sizes. The added weight during this time may cause the feet to flatten and roll inward, which is referred to as overpronation. Swollen feet and ankles are common side effects of pregnancy. This can happen from the extra blood and fluids the fetus requires for growth, and it can pool in the lower extremities. There are various methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce swollen feet. These can consist of elevating the feet as often as possible and limiting sodium intake. It is beneficial to engage in a gentle exercise program, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. If you are pregnant and are concerned about the changes in your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

One of the most serious types of wounds on the feet is a foot ulcer. Ulcers can be common among diabetic patients and prompt medical attention is often sought to help prevent an infection. Treatment can begin with removing dead tissue, which is referred to as debridement. This is followed by dressing the wound using sterile gauze pads and antibiotic cream if the wound is infected. Many people who are diabetic can develop neuropathy, the inability to feel existing cuts on the feet. If left unnoticed, a foot ulcer can easily develop and may require more extensive forms of treatment. These types of wounds often take several weeks or months to heal and the dressing may need to be changed daily. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can treat existing wounds and help you manage this condition. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.