At Associated Podiatrists in Connecticut and New York we offer the best in medical technology, including the PinPointe laser. The PinPointe™ FootLaser™ is an advanced system that can be used to treat toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, an uncomfortable condition that leads to thickened, discolored nails. Continue reading to learn more about toenail fungus and how the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ can eliminate it.

 

How Toenail Fungus Forms

• Toenail fungus tends to grow in warm, moist environments, so wear a clean pair of sandals when changing in locker rooms and when using a shared shower. Having small cuts near your toes, ingrown toenails, or a separation between the nail and its bed can allow fungus to infect your toenail, so it is important to use caution when trimming your nails and cuticles. If a fungus does manage to infect a toenail, then wearing tight shoes and socks that do not breathe will provide the perfect environment for the fungus to grow.

How the PinPointe Foot Laser Works

• The PinPointe™ FootLaser™ is an FDA-approved treatment for toenail fungus. With this treatment, a laser beam passes through the infected toenail to eliminate the fungus beneath it. Treatment with the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ may be done over the course of several appointments to ensure that the fungus has been completely destroyed. After treatment, the affected toenail will be replaced as healthy nail grows in its place.

Advantages of the PinPointe Foot Laser

• The medication in topical fungal treatments cannot easily reach the fungus beneath the toenail. The PinPointe™ FootLaser™, however, can penetrate the nail to directly target the fungal infection. In addition, this treatment option works in significantly less time than the oral medications that are used to treat toenail fungus. Treatment with the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ has a high rate of success and causes no significant adverse side effects.

Our New York and Connecticut podiatrists at Associated Podiatrists are certified providers of the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ treatment. You can learn more about this treatment option or make an appointment for a PinPointe™ FootLaser™ consultation in one of our comfortable offices by calling us at (203) 844-0493.

 

Ankle injuries can be tricky and can lead to chronic issues. Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring orchronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle.

Williams said her first thought when she sprawled to the court near the baseline on Wednesday was“not again.”

Signs and symptoms include:

• Ankle instability
• Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels
• Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the ankle
• Repeated ankle sprains
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness.

Although ankle sprains are the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain, other causes may include:

• A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint
• Arthritis of the ankle joint
• Inflammation of the joint lining
• Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. In this case, the nerves become stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow, or pinched under pressure
• Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain. The scar tissue takes up space in the joint, putting pressure on the ligaments
• Torn or inflamed tendon.

Treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:

• Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Note:Please consult your physician before taking any medications
• Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing your perception of joint position
• Ankle braces or other supports
• Steroid medication
• Immobilization to allow the bone to heal (in cases of fractures).

Remember, even the most fit athletes are prone to foot and ankle injury. Regular check up and maintenance with your doctor is always recommended. Call Associated Podiatrists in New York and Connecticut today!

Shoes are designed to protect your feet and provide support during daily activities—but the wrong type of footwear can actually lead to a number of foot deformities. Many podiatrists will tell you that corns, calluses, and bunions are often the result of ill-fitting shoes. Even when these conditions are not the direct result of your footwear, the wrong type of shoe can make the problem worse. Keep your feet healthy and happy with this basic guide to finding the perfect shoes for you:

 

Identify Your Foot Type

This is important in determining what style of shoe will fit your needs. For example, individuals with wider feet will want to choose a pair of shoes that provides ample room in the toes to prevent constant rubbing and irritation, while those with flat feet will want shoes that offer optimal arch support.

Make Comfort a Priority

This means avoiding pointy, oval, and square-toed shoes that force your toes into an unnatural position. Instead, try to stick with a style that has a round toe box, as this makes it easier for your toes to breathe and gives them sufficient room to stretch. In addition, avoid heels, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. If you must wear heels, chose lower, chunky heels, as these are better designed to distribute your weight.

One of the last things you’ll want to consider when choosing the correct pair of shoes is their material. Synthetic materials don’t allow for proper air circulation, increasing the risk of excessive sweating and blister formation. Leather is a much better option, as it allows your toes to breathe.

Are you suffering from a foot ailment that persists even after you switch to comfortable shoes? Let the doctors at Associated Podiatrists in Connecticut and New York diagnose and treat your foot condition—schedule an appointment by calling (203) 844-0493.

Did you know that frozen, cooked turkey should be used within one month after freezing? Or that unfrozen left over turkey is only good for 3 days? If you did, then you’re ahead of me because until I looked it up, I had no idea. Here are some best practices when handling your Turkey Day leftovers.

Try and remove all the meat from the turkey’s bones in large pieces and store them in their own (separate from other food) air tight containers. Throw some broth over it to keep it moist.

Make sure to remove all the stuffing and you can use the carcass for soup stock.

Stuffing that was cooked in the bird is only good for a day or two at most.

Stuffing not cooked in the bird is good for a week kept refrigerated and a month kept frozen.

Cranberry sauce is also only good for a day or two at most and does not freeze well.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes, taste-wise, are only really good for a day but will keep for up to three days and they do not freeze well either.

This site http://www.ifood.tv/network/left_over_turkey_stuffing/recipes has great left over recipes to use up the rest of what you didn’t get to or just couldn’t enjoy on Thanksgiving.

Just remember to store your leftovers properly in airtight containers and you’ll be able to enjoy them longer.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT ASSOCIATED PODIATRISTS!!!

Written By: EJ Flynn

It's October and we are well into the school year. With the early morning alarms, boring teachers and hours of homework, also comes some good stuff; the fall sports season for both middle school and high school students! Football, soccer, swimming, basketball, cross country and even dance are just some of the things that your kids will be partaking in this school year.

After a summer of taking it easy, just playing outside, hanging out on the Long Island beaches or horsing around at camp, their bodies and especially their feet, may not be ready for all of it. With the sudden increase in activity, like long after school practices or new exercises and training techniques, comes new muscle aches, pains and strains.

One of the most common things that kids will complain of is heel pain. Lately heel pain has become synonymous with "plantar fasciitis" and when it comes to adult feet that might be a safe assumption but when it affects kids ages 8-15 it is usually caused by something else. While in adults the pain is usually on the bottom of the heel, in children it is most often localized to the back of the heel. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis for adults tends to alleviate and even go away with movement, however, with heel pain in children it will worsen with movement. They can't just “walk it off” as a coach or friend or even a parent might tell them to do. It shouldn't be ignored or dismissed.

In this age group, the growth plate on the back of the heel bone remains open. The achilles tendon inserts onto this area and with the increase in activity this area can become inflamed and very painful. The condition is called apophysitis or Sever's Disease, and is very common. It can affect both boys and girls and they will tend to complain of pain in both heels that is reproducible with squeezing the area.

The condition can be caused by many things, including, tight heel cords, arch deformities, poor shoe gear and obesity.

If your child complains of these types of pains or you notice any of them on your child, you should have it evaluated by a doctor to rule out more serious conditions. Treatments range from rest, ice, compression, to physical therapy, stretching exercises and medication. Orthotics can be very helpful in taking some of the strain off the achilles tendon and providing biomechanical support to the rest of the foot. As with any biomechanical issue a proper exam is crucial to formulating an adequate and appropriate plan of care.

So as the sport season progresses, don't ignore those aches and pains, they can't just “walk it off”, it can get worse. Call the Roslyn or Huntington office today, ask for Dr. Vieira, I can help!

We also have two Connecticut locations in Fairfield and North Haven!

By far one of the most amazing testaments to the care and attention that Dr. Hendizadeh pays to his patients came from a patient and his wife today.

Back in February Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien came in to see Dr. Hendizadeh for a dermagraft for a badly infected toe. Dr. Hendizadeh noticed that the graft was not taking because of poor circulation in Mr. O'Brien's leg. He suggested to them that he see a vascular doctor. As it turned out the circulation was so bad that they had to do a leg bypass or amputate the leg below the knee. The bypass was successful and the leg was saved. Considering Mr. O'Brien's other conditions and way of life they are certain that the amputation would have killed him.

“So, Dr. Hendizadeh truly saved my husband's life. I was a miracle and we are forever thankful to him.” said an emotional Mrs. O'Brien, “truly amazing, thank you.”

Your foot is actually a very complex, biomechanical structure composed of twenty-six small and quite unique bones. They provide a very dynamic and effective pedestal upon which you can perform all levels of activity. When there is even a minor deviation in the alignment or location of these bones, it will cause dysfunction, and then pain. In most cases, we are able to treat these minor misalignments with custom fabricated orthotic devices that can restore structure and function.

The key to these treatments is proper biomechanical and clinical examination, in conjunction with an adequate patient history. Also, you should communicate with your doctor effectively to explain your activity level and expectations, as these can play a vital role in the specifications of your device.

Nobody should have to suffer with foot and ankle pain, and if you are, please call me, Dr. Vieira in our Huntington Office 631-427-3678 or ourRoslyn Office 516-484-1420 and make an appointment right away, because foot pain is not okay!

New to the world of private practice Dr. Vieira comes to us via Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY. He received his Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics degree from Syracuse University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. And did his residency at NSUH-LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park & Manhasset, NY.

His decision to become podiatrist stems from an interest in small bone surgery and biomechanics as well as an influence from a family friend who found success in the field. Quality of life and happiness is very important to him and he saw that in this field he could have both.

His favorite part of his job is that his day is not spent in front of a computer and changes daily. His least favorite thing is not surprisingly, the paperwork. When he's not at the office, you'll likely find him on the golf course, watching the Jets or just hanging out with his favorite person, Dr. Beth.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Vieira much luck and success with Associated Podiatrists.

Barefoot running has enjoyed a lot of media coverage in recent years, especially since the launch of the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall which chronicals the author’s quest to answer the question “Why does my foot hurt?” In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world's greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.  McDougall points out that 50-80% of runners in running shoes are injured every year. 

Dr. Doug Richie, a Sports Podiatrist warns that running barefoot significantly changes your running style and unless you are conditioned and trained to run differently, you are likely to experience injuries. 

The debate is likely to continue and heat up again now that running season is in full swing again with the warmer weather.  Whatever your choice, it’s always a good idea to consult with a physician before embarking on something new and different!

• Physical therapy and exercise.
• Anti-inflammatory medication and/or steroid injections into the affected joint. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
• Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes.

Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.  It can be very painful, like a knife jabbing in your foot and can make it difficult to maintain a solid stance during your golf swing.  The condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, Orthotic devices, and physical therapy.  Newer shockwave therapy is often used in severe cases that don't respond to more conservative treatments.

A Neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves often as a result of poorly fitting shoes.  Symptoms may include sensations of thickness, burning, numbness, tingling, or pain in the ball of the foot which can make it painful to transfer your wait from one foot to the other during your golf swing.  Treatments generally include wearing corrective shoes or orthotics and/or cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary.

Other foot problems can also cause problems like calluses and corns from ill-fitting shoes so it is important to make sure that your golf shoes are comfortable and fit properly.  And consider Orthotics for a truly customized fit! 

If you are experiencing one of these conditions or any other foot problems that may be hampering your game or life in general, please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our foot care specialists..

 - Bunions:  According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nine out of ten bunions happen to women and are mostly caused by wearing shoes that are too small.  The base of the big toe gets larger and sticks out.  The skin over the bunion can become red and tender from rubbing against the shoe.  As the bunion gets bigger, it causes the big toe to angle in towards the second toe and it can eventually tuck under the second toe.  At this point, wearing any shoe can be extremely painful and some women will need surgery to find relief.

- Hammertoes:  A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes where the toe is bent at the middle joint.  They are usually caused by a combination of wearing ill-fitting shoes and a muscle imbalance.  When toes are forced into a shoe with a narrow toe end, they are forced into a flexed position The higher the heel, the more the foot is forced into the toe-end of the shoe which squishes the toes against the shoe, increasing the pressure and the bend in the toe.  Over time, the toe muscles become unable to straighten. Corns and calluses can also develop on the bent joint area.

- Foot pain and Morton's Neuroma: Morton's neuroma is a painful swelling of the nerve between the third and fourth toes, usually in response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure. The incidence of Morton's neuroma is 8 to 10 times greater in women than in men.  As the foot is pushed forward into the crammed toe area of a shoe with the body full weight of your body focused in this area, inflammation can occur, often resulting in a neuroma.

But don’t throw out all your high heel shoes just yet.  Follow these simple guidelines to avoid foot problems:

• don’t wear high heels every day – instead, alternate with flats or heels one inch high or less

• don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day – by alternating between different shape shoes, your feet and toes will not be subjected to the same pressure points everyday
   
• limit the length of time your feet are forced into high heels and tight fitting shoes

Better yet, consider the new footwear range from . Alice Alan designs and manufactures shoes with luxurious fabrication, attention to detail and a sleek silhouette. All painstakingly handcrafted and reflective of the season’s hottest looks.  Optimal cushioning and arch support are incorporated into the very foundation of each design to minimize stress and fatigue on your feet and body. With Alice Alan, you'll always put your best foot forward.

A simple biomechanical observation started what is now the biggest innovation in footwear since the running shoe technology developments in the 1970's. The rocker sole shoe trend started in 1996 after Swiss engineer Karl Muller discovered that walking barefoot in the paddy fields of Korea changed his posture and relieved his back, knee and Achilles tendon pain. He also discovered that the Masai tribesman of East Africa don't suffer from back pain and are well known for their excellent posture. In both cases, the ground is soft and results in a soft landing heel strike. He realized that walking on hard modern surfaces like pavements is what causes much of the back, knee and heel pain we suffer from. So he set about to design a shoe with a different approach to imitate a soft landing. Hence the first curved sole Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe was born.
The basic premise of MBT's is that because of their rocker bottom, they result in an active rolling movement from heel to toe, decreasing impact forces, spreading the load across the foot more evenly and minimizing stresses up the kinetic chain.
By 2000, roughly 20,000 MBTs were sold in Europe alone and they gained popularity when celebrities started wearing them. Their popularity drew many other shoe manufacturers to design their own versions and to make marketing claims based on the instability underfoot concept, such as "Toning Shoes", "Total Body Shoes", Gyms for the Feet", all claiming to tone muscles, burn calories and even reduce cellulite. They based these claims on a study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University which showed an 18% increase in lower extremities muscle activity and a 2.5% increase in oxygen intake while walking (in MBT shoes as compared to conventional shoes) and a 38% increase in lower limbs muscle activity and a 28% increase in buttocks muscle activity while standing (in MBT shoes as compared to conventional shoes).

So, do they really work? The Sheffield Hallam University study certainly does indicate that wearing MBTs engages your muscles more and to some extent reduces strain on the body while walking. But there is no evidence that MBTs can help get rid of cellulite and burn extra calories. In fact, these claims are no longer made by manufacturers, but the perception still exists.

There is certainly anecdotal evidence from wearers that they have noticed improved tone in their legs and buttocks or have experienced relief from Achilles Tendonitis, heel pain or back pain. But there are also many people who have had to stop wearing them because they have aggravated or even caused bad backs or hips.

Dr Chris Kassaris, a board certified podiatrist in Connecticut, says that the smooth rocking motion can help certain patients who suffer from arthritic ankles, inflexible big toes or pain on the ball of the feet. But he quickly points out that there is no real evidence that changing your gait so dramatically will tone your muscles and help you lose weight. The only way to really do that, he says, is with good old fashioned diet and exercise. And he adds that if you notice any discomfort or pain after you start wearing rocker shoes, stop use immediately to avoid serious injury.

While MBTs and rocker bottoms are not for everyone, one thing is for sure, they are here to stay. They are available in many shapes and colors including the original MBTs, the most popular and affordable Sketchers Shape Ups and Reebok's Easytone. More recently, manufacturers have launched styles that are more dressy and there are even rocker flip-flops and sandals called Fit-Flops, so you can tone your legs all summer long!

Resources: www.walkingshoereviews.com, www.independent.co.uk

*Restrictions may apply

The bottom line is that many foot and ankle problems can be avoided by choosing your shoes wisely - don't be a slave to shoe fashion. Your first priority should be comfort.

If you experience ongoing pain in your feet or ankles that is not alleviated by good care and treatment at home, it may be time to visit a podiatrist. Your feet take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day which adds up to 115,000 miles in a lifetime so it pays to take care of them.

Important Information From Your Doctor

- Keep your blood sugars in control.
- Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
- Check your feet twice a day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
- Do not soak your feet.
- Don't put your feet in hot water. Test the temperature (with your elbow) before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby.
- If your feet are cold, wear loose, cotton socks. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
- Don't cut off blood flow to your feet. Do not wear garters.
- Do not use chemicals on corns, calluses or warts. Over-the-counter products are often too strong for use by people with diabetes. They can burn your feet. Also, do not cut corns or calluses yourself.
- Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges. Do not tear off hangnails. Never dig into the edges.
- Wear wide, comfortable shoegear that fit your feet. Break in new shoes slowly.
- Never wear shoes without socks or stockings.
- If you have lost feeling in your feet, ask your health care provider for advice on proper shoes.
- Check the insides of your shoes before wearing them. Make sure there are no pebbles, nails or other sharp objects in them and that the shoe itself is not rough and the lining is not torn/worn.
- Inspect your feet immediately after taking shoes off for signs of redness or blisters.
- Choose socks carefully. They should not have seams or other bumpy areas. Do not wear mended socks.
- Pull your socks on gently to prevent ripping a toenail. Choose padded athletic socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable.
- Never walk barefoot. You could burn or cut your feet and not notice it. Keep hard-soled shoes or slippers by your bed to use whenever you get up at night.
- Do not smoke. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and decreases the circulation to your feet.
- See your foot doctor immediately if you develop a blister, puncture wound, a new corn or callus, see bleeding in your shoe or have pain in either of your feet.