Items filtered by date: June 2025

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:00

Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters

Diabetic foot care is important because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. This leads to a loss of sensation, called neuropathy, which makes it hard to feel pain, temperature, or injuries. Poor circulation also slows healing, which increases the risk of infections and serious complications. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, dry or cracked skin, and slow-healing wounds. Feet may appear discolored, swollen, or develop ulcers without noticeable pain. These changes can lead to serious issues if not treated early. A podiatrist can assess circulation, nerve function, and inspect for wounds or deformities. Regular check-ups, proper nail trimming, custom footwear, and wound care are key parts of treatment. Prevention includes daily foot checks, washing and moisturizing the feet, and wearing well-fitting shoes. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing evaluation and treatment.

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 Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. 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 Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Tuesday, 17 June 2025 00:00

Caring for Common Foot Concerns

Everyday foot problems such as soreness, blisters, bunions, and hammertoes can often be managed with regular care and supportive footwear. Shoes that provide enough room in the toe area help reduce pressure on bunions and allow space for bent toes caused by hammertoes. Soft padding and protective inserts may improve comfort and reduce friction. Keeping feet clean and moisturized helps prevent dry skin and irritation, while proper nail trimming lowers the risk of ingrown nails. Gentle exercises and stretching can improve circulation and maintain flexibility, especially in stiff or tired feet. Ignoring foot discomfort may lead to worsening symptoms or structural changes. If you are dealing with bunions, hammertoes, or any other persistent foot issue, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan that helps maintain comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 10 June 2025 00:00

Causes and Treatment of Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes, most commonly the second toe, bends abnormally at the middle joint, often creating a Z-shaped angle. A hammertoe may develop due to tendon imbalances, long toe bones, joint misalignment, or long-term use of wearing tight shoes. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be a contributing factor. People with hammertoe often experience pain when wearing shoes with a narrow toe box. Friction within the shoe can lead to the formation of corns, calluses, or even open sores on the top of the bent toe. Pain may also occur in the ball of the foot. After examining the hammertoe, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to reduce pressure and relieve discomfort. In cases where the toe deformity becomes rigid and painful, surgery may be considered to realign the joints in the toe. If you have a hammertoe deformity that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Lance Greiff, DPM from Great Neck Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed inside the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space near the ankle. This can cause tingling, burning, or shooting pain in the foot. What makes it tricky is that these symptoms often mimic other conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or a pinched nerve in the lower back. The pain may come and go or become more intense with standing or walking. Proper diagnosis is essential because treatment for one condition may not help another. A thorough exam, along with imaging or nerve testing, can help confirm what is causing the pain. If you have ongoing foot pain or strange sensations that have not improved with rest or new shoes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

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 our offices located in Great Neck Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Sunday, 01 June 2025 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!