To diagnose peripheral neuropathy and determine what is causing it, a podiatrist may ask questions about symptoms, physically check troublesome areas, and test feeling, strength, and reflex actions in these areas. Blood tests are often ordered to look for common causes of foot neuropathy, such as diabetes or a vitamin B12 shortage. If further testing is needed, nerve conduction and electrical studies can be done to observe how nerves respond to small electric shocks, in addition to measuring muscle electrical activity. Underlying health issues or side effects of medication may surface during testing. In rare cases, a nerve sample from near the ankle might be taken for a biopsy to look for specific neuropathy indicators. Imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs might also be performed to find the root cause of neuropathy. If you suffer from foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough examination and necessary testing done to determine the root cause of the problem prior to proceeding with treatment to ease your discomfort.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease, despite its name, is not a true disease, but rather a common pediatric foot condition. It primarily affects active children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 8 to 14, who are engaged in physical activities or sports. This condition is characterized by pain and discomfort in the heel, particularly the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches. Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, occurs as a result of the growth plate being pulled on by the Achilles tendon. The growth plate is still developing during adolescence and is vulnerable to injury. Repetitive stress from activities such as running, jumping, or sudden growth spurts can lead to inflammation, causing heel pain. The discomfort tends to worsen with physical activity and can be particularly bothersome during and after exercise. Understanding Sever's disease is vital for parents, coaches, and young athletes. While it is usually a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves as the growth plate closes, it can be painful and disruptive to a child's daily life. Early recognition and appropriate care are important to ensure a smoother path to recovery for adolescents affected by Sever's disease. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

In the workplace, ensuring the safety of your feet is of great importance. Different job environments require various types of foot protection to prevent injuries and promote a secure working environment. Steel-toed boots are a popular choice in jobs like construction, manufacturing, and heavy equipment operation, as they shield against impacts and punctures. For those working with chemicals, waterproof boots with chemical-resistant materials offer protection against corrosive substances. Electricians and others exposed to electrical hazards can benefit from electrical hazard footwear that insulates against electric shock. Slip-resistant shoes are necessary in environments prone to spills or wet surfaces as they reduce the risk of slipping. Healthcare professionals often wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to maintain stability during long shifts. To determine the best shoe choice for your profession or to learn about the benefits of wearing work-appropriate shoes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Accessory navicular syndrome is a foot condition where an extra piece of bone, called an accessory navicular, forms near the navicular bone in the foot. This extra bone can cause pain and discomfort, especially when it rubs against shoes or gets irritated due to physical activity. This condition is believed to be related to genetic factors. Treatment for this condition typically begins with conservative measures, such as rest, immobilization, use of orthotics, exercise, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. If conservative treatments do not provide relief, or if the condition is severe, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery typically involves removing the accessory navicular bone and repairing the nearby tendon. If you think you may have this syndrome, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, evaluation of the severity of your problem, and treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.