Healthy ankle mobility plays an important role in a golfer’s ability to generate, store, and transfer energy through the body into the golf club. Proper movement includes lifting the foot upward, along with controlled inward and outward motion of the foot, which help maintain balance and stability when walking. Limited mobility can reduce power and increase the risk of strain or injury. Golfers who maintain flexible and strong ankles often experience smoother, more efficient swings and better overall performance. A podiatrist can assess joint function, recommend targeted exercises, and provide supportive orthotics, if needed. If you have ankle pain or weakness while playing golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, especially the feet and legs. It is often caused by plaque buildup that limits circulation. Symptoms include leg pain while walking, cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and skin changes. Risk factors include increasing age, genetic predisposition, smoking, limited physical activity, and chronic stress. Reduced blood flow can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify early signs, monitor circulation, and provide care to protect foot health and prevent tissue damage. If you have symptoms of PAD that affect your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail presses into the surrounding skin instead of growing straight outward. This most often affects the big toe and can quickly become painful. Early signs include redness, swelling, and tenderness along one side of the nail. As the nail continues to push into the skin, the area may become warm and irritated. In some cases, infection develops, leading to drainage or increased swelling. Ingrown toenails can be caused by trimming the nail too short, cutting the corners of the nail, tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, or injury to the nail. Some people also have naturally curved nails that increase the risk. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine the best way to relieve the pressure. Treatment includes careful nail trimming, protective care, or a small procedure that removes part of the nail to prevent it from growing inward again. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Stiffness in the big toe is often caused by a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the toe called hallux rigidus. It mainly affects the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint that connects the first long bone of the foot to the first bone of the toe. This joint plays a key role in walking and pushing off the ground. Over time, the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that cushions joints, can wear down. This leads to pain and swelling and limits movement. People over 50 are more likely to develop big toe stiffness due to wear and tear. Symptoms include difficulty bending the toe, discomfort when walking, or a bump forming on top of the joint. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, order X-rays, and prescribe medical treatment to reduce pain, improve joint motion, and slow joint damage. If you notice stiffness in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Lance Greiff, DPM of Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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