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June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021 00:00

How Plantar Warts Appear

Plantar warts are common warts that form on the bottom of the foot as a result of the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV. HPV tends to thrive in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, shower floors and swimming pools. The virus transmits through direct contact and is usually picked up through a small opening in the skin. Once the wart forms, it will appear as a circular flat spot with a depressed center, and it may appear yellow or have a black dot in the middle. Plantar warts can also be very painful. Plantar warts that are causing pain or are spreading should be treated by a podiatrist since there is not a way to tell how deep the wart has grown. Based on the condition of the wart, a podiatrist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for the wart.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts

Ankle sprains occur when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This usually occurs due to a sudden injury or impact to the ankle. How long it takes to recover from an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the sprain and how closely you follow your doctor’s advice. A Grade 1 ankle sprain, which is considered mild, usually takes one to three weeks to recover. For a Grade 2 sprain, recovery time is a bit longer, at three to six weeks. A Grade 3 sprain, the most severe type, will take several months to fully heal. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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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Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00

ESWT and Plantar Fasciitis

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical procedure that can be used to treat plantar fasciitis, a common foot problem that can cause heel and arch pain. Many cases of plantar fasciitis respond to more conservative treatment such as activity and footwear modifications. However, in some cases plantar fasciitis pain persists and requires more intensive intervention. ESWT can help. During this procedure, a wave of sound energy is delivered into the affected foot to stimulate blood flow and the release of inflammatory mediators. This is thought to help heal the area and reduce or relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you have chronic plantar fasciitis that is not responding to other treatments, consult with your podiatrist whether ESWT may be an option for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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.

Read more about Shockwave Therapy
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 08 June 2021 00:00

Treating Blisters

Blisters are fluid filled lesions that are a result of pressure and friction, and they can be very painful. Blisters can form from a variety of factors that include wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, stiff shoes, wrinkled socks, having too much moisture on the feet, and as a result of various foot deformities. Common methods for preventing blisters include keeping the feet dry, wearing the right sized socks, wearing properly fitting footwear and checking the feet for any rubbing or tenderness. Patients who do have blisters on their feet should make sure not to pop them. Blisters will usually last 3-7 days and clear up on their own. However, if the blisters continue to persist, or if you have diabetes, you should consult with a podiatrist to get proper care for the blister.

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 one of our podiatrists of Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors 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 office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 01 June 2021 00:00

Bunions 101

Bunions are a very common foot condition that develops at the main joint of the big toe and appears as a bony lump. Bunions are formed when the joint in the big toe gets pulled out of alignment and is turned towards the rest of the toes. Bunions can be formed due to a variety of factors that include a poor mechanical structure from genetics, footwear that fits poorly and is too narrow, age, or arthritis. Bunions can be painful and can interfere with wearing everyday footwear. Most treatments for bunions focus on relieving the pain caused by them, since surgery is the only option for correcting a bunion. Conservative or nonsurgical treatment options that a podiatrist may recommend include exercises, night splints, and shoe inserts. If you are struggling with a painful bunion, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested. A podiatrist will help you find a proper treatment method for managing the bunion and help determine if surgery is right for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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.

Read more about What Are Bunions?
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