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March 2021

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Joints, including those in the feet and ankles, can become worn down and damaged due to injuries or diseases, such as arthritis. This can lead to pain and a loss of mobility. In some cases, a joint replacement surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function. During a joint replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with a new, prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or other materials. Following the surgery, recovery time varies between individuals and the type of joint replacement surgery that they had. For an ankle joint replacement, it typically takes 6 weeks to be able to bear weight on the affected ankle again. For more information about joint replacement surgery for the joints of the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

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Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

Is My Foot Sprained, or Broken?

Sprains and fractures in the foot, are both common injuries with fairly similar symptoms. Sprains occur when a ligament is overstretched or torn. Symptoms of a foot sprain include pain around the arch of the foot, bruising, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Foot fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the foot break. Symptoms of a foot fracture include intense pain that worsens during physical activity, swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty walking, and a foot deformity. You may also hear a cracking sound at the time of injury if the fracture is severe. If you are experiencing symptoms of a foot sprain or a fracture, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

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Wednesday, 17 March 2021 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 15 March 2021 00:00

The Three F’s of Buying Running Shoes

When it comes to buying any shoes, but particularly running shoes, the most important factors to consider are the three F’s: fit, feel, and function. You can find the right fit by having your foot professionally measured in a shoe store. Many people find that their shoe size changes throughout their lifetime, that their feet naturally swell throughout the day, and that one foot may be slightly larger than the other. By having your feet measured, you can find the correct shoe size that will accommodate your feet as they are now. Your running shoes should feel snug, but not tight. It is also helpful to know what type of running you will be doing and on which terrain, as some shoes are built specifically for certain types of running. For more information on how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

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Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

Helping Broken Toes Heal at Home

A broken toe can be diagnosed and treated by your podiatrist. Once you go home, there are several things that you can do to promote healing and reduce pain or discomfort. Rest the affected foot by not putting weight on it and keeping it elevated on a stool or cushion. Icing the foot for 10 minutes every few hours can help reduce pain and swelling. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medication to help decrease pain. As the broken toe heals, wiggle your toes occasionally to promote flexibility and to stop them from becoming stiff. Wear comfortable shoes while walking that provide adequate support to the toe. For more information about helping broken toes heal, please consult with a podiatrist.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

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Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00

Education and Podiatry Skills

The type of doctor that specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions is referred to as a podiatrist. Some of the ailments that podiatrists encounter in their daily practice can include ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and foot deformities. This type of specialist can prescribe custom-made orthotics, and perform physical foot examinations. Additionally, they are able to give advice on how to improve mobility and instruct the patient on rehabilitative practices. Mandatory education includes obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree, and often followed by a residency program they complete. It is beneficial for successful podiatrists to possess specific skills that can consist of critical thinking, compassion, and dexterity. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this type of medicine, speaking with a podiatrist may be able to help you to determine if this is the correct career choice for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

 

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