What Causes A Callus?
Cherrywood Foot Care has been a staple of the Long Island community for more than a quarter-century. The practice operates a state-of-the-art facility in the Wantagh/Bellmore area incorporating all the latest podiatric advancements.
Dr. Burke’s interest in podiatry began because of his high school and college experience in track at Rutgers University. Requiring foot treatment himself, Dr. Burke realized an interest in the profession. Upon completion of a double major in biology and psychology at Rutgers, he entered the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was honored magna cum laude in 1985, before successfully completing a surgical/medical residency program at Peninsula Hospital Center in New York.
Dr. Burke is board certified in two specialties in podiatry and is a fellow of both The American Academy of Foot Surgeons and The American Academy of Foot Orthopedists and Primary Podiatric Medicine. He is a diplomat of The American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Burke specializes in the biomechanics of the foot, including custom-orthotics therapy and surgical correction of foot deformities. He has advanced training in specialized podiatric techniques including Shockwave Therapy for heel pain and a minimally invasive surgical technique called Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, using micro cameras. His office is one of the first to use the new Noveon Laser Therapy in the treatment of fungus toenails.
From routine checkups to laser treatments to surgical procedures, Cherrywood Foot Care is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. To help you understand your options, we’ve included descriptions of some of our leading services on this page.
The field of podiatry is far-reaching and complex. Symptoms and conditions can run the gamut, ranging in both severity to treatment options.
At Cherrywood Foot Care, we take feet seriously. We know that small or large, every foot problem is serious to the patient, and thus, important to us. We also know that what may appear as a tiny problem now can lead to much more serious issues further down the road.
Each foot ailment, each symptom, must therefore be treated with the utmost professionalism, care and attention to detail from the outset, in order to prevent complications in the future. We know this. We pride ourselves on this.
At Cherrywood Foot Care, ensuring you and your family receive the highest level of treatment and guidance for all of your foot care needs is not just our mission, it’s our promise.
Callus Foot Treatment with Cherrywood Foot Care
A podiatrist in Bethpage NY states that a callus is simply an area of thickened skin seen by a podiatrist in Bethpage NY that can occur from various reasons. The most common reason is repeated friction or pressure on the skin, such as from rubbing against a rough surface or wearing tight shoes. Calluses can also form due to long-term exposure to moisture, such as in people with diabetes who have problems with their feet.
This condition is also associated with certain skin diseases, such as ichthyosis and keratoderma . Calluses usually form on the hands and soles of the feet. Using a wheelchair or crutches can lead to callus formation on other areas due to prolonged pressure. This may be prevented by placing small pieces of felt or foam rubber in these areas.
The thickness of the skin layer is determined by the number and size of the papillae (small projections on the epidermis). The more extensive and persistent a callus becomes, the greater its risk for infection. This is because repeated pressure and friction reduce blood circulation to that area, impairing proper fluid flow. If the flow of fluids is impaired, a callus can become deeply embedded in the surrounding tissues and potentially harmful bacteria may enter, leading to infection.
A podiatrist in Bethpage NY typically notices that a callus begins with hyperkeratosis, which is when excess keratin builds up on an area. In this case, the area affected is most often where pressure or friction has been applied. The buildup of keratin causes the top layer of skin to thicken and form a callus.
Calluses that are created from shoes or gloves can usually be prevented by using items that have better cushioning in these areas, such as gel insoles for shoes or foam rubber gloves. Calluses that form on the hands or feet as a result of other conditions cannot be prevented. However, it is important to keep these areas clean and dry to reduce the chances of infection.
Precautions Suggested By A Podiatrist in Bethpage NY
If you have diabetes, it is important to inspect your feet daily for any changes, including the development of calluses. If you notice any redness or swelling, consult your doctor immediately. Left untreated by a podiatrist in Bethpage NY, calluses can lead to more serious complications.
It is also important to seek medical attention if you develop a callus on an area that has not been subjected to pressure or friction. This could be a sign of a skin disease, such as ichthyosis or keratoderma. Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases can help prevent further complications.
Contact Us: Podiatrist in Bethpage NY
If you are looking for a doctor to help treat your calluses; Cherrywood Foot Care is the answer for you. We can help provide you with the best treatment plan for your callus.
What Causes Heel Spurs?
Believe it or not, heel spurs are a significant injury that can actually fly under the radar and go undetected by some patients. For others, dealing with them can make every step they take a confrontation with pain. But have you considered what could have brought upon this painful condition you are now facing? At Cherrywood Foot Care, our Podiatrist in Bethpage NY can help you understand and investigate the cause of your injury and treat your heel spurs today.
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that sticks out from the back of your heel that can cause large amounts of pain and irritation. These buildups usually arise over the course of many months and are the product of strains on the muscles and ligaments in the foot. Plantar fasciitis is also a common factor associated with the formation of heel spurs. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of connective tissue that connects the heel bone to the ball of your foot, and when this becomes inflamed it is known as plantar fasciitis.
Risk Factors
A heel spur takes time to develop, so you won’t be dealing with one after a single workout, nor will one form instantaneously overnight. More than half the people who deal with heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis, so knowing you have this condition can help you prepare for the potential formation of heel spurs. Monotonous stress on your feet and heels is another chief culprit. Other risk factors that should be monitored by you and your Podiatrist in Bethpage NY include the following:
- Arthritis.
- Bruising of the heel.
- Being overweight.
- Wearing shoes that don’t properly fit or offer enough support.
- Wearing flip-flops too often.
Prevention
Wearing proper footwear may be the most critical step you can take when trying to prevent heel spurs. You should always avoid wearing shoes that have large amounts of wear and tear on the heels and soles. Remember to always use well-fitting shoes that offer proper support to your foot. Wearing the same worn-out pair of shoes for every occasion may be the cause of your heel spurs. Stretching and warming up before you exercise is another great way to assist with prevention.
Treatment
At Cherrywood Foot Care, we understand that even after preventive measures are taken, heel spurs may still have an opportunity to manifest. Our Podiatrist in Bethpage NY will work with you to determine what treatment options will yield the best recovery. These treatment options may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication: These can be taken to reduce swelling.
- Cold compresses: Applying ice directly to the heel after walking or exercising can help reduce your symptoms, such as swelling.
- Custom made orthotics: Custom made shoe inserts can help take the pressure off the heel and provide pain relief.
- Rest: Giving your foot ample rest time will allow the swelling to go down and potentially help the pain dissipate.
- Surgery: More than 90% of people recover from heel spurs without needing surgery. However, if symptoms continue for 9 to 12 months after receiving treatment, surgical options may be necessary.
Contact Our Podiatrist in Bethpage NY
At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team is committed to your treatment and well-being. Our Podiatrist in Bethpage NY can help take care of your heel spurs and any other foot-related problems. Contact us today and take your first steps to recovery!