Bunions
A bunion is a large bump that occurs at the big toe joint due to a misalignment. It may result in inflammation, irritation and pain. While conservative measures can be tried in order to alleviate symptoms, surgery is often required to realign the joint.
Piccarelli Foot & ankle offers a minimally invasive approach for treatment of a bunion. A minimally invasive bunionectomy utilizes a small incision at the side of the joint. A smaller incision means less pain and quicker recovery. The bone is cut, re-positioned and held in place by screws. In most cases patients are able to walk out of the hospital post surgery, in surgical shoe with no need for crutches.
Corns & Calluses
Corns are small calluses that usually occur on the feet and on or between toes in weight-bearing areas. Corns are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes and can grow into unsightly, hardened patches that become a nuisance.
Although many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, it is actually an indicator of bone problems. In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of the feet, and on the outer side of the big toe. Calluses have their own nerves and sacks of fluid that act as cushioning, which can cause pain over time.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a condition where the second, third, or fourth toe, is bent at the middle joint, overlapping the toe(s) next to it. It is caused by improperly fitting shoes and problems with the toe muscles.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a chronic disease causing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, which can, in turn, damage your nervous system. This damage can affect the ability to feel sensations in your feet.
Warts
Although warts may be painful, they are harmless. Warts are caused by a viral infection which penetrates the skin through tiny or "invisible" cuts/abrasions. If left untreated, warts can grow as large as an inch or more in circumference and even spread out into smaller clusters.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is caused by the irritation and inflammation of the large band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Some symptoms include stabbing pain that usually occurs in the mornings. As you walk around on the foot the pain normally decreases, but it can return after standing for long periods of time.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis but can also be due to other causes such a stress fracture, arthritis, tendinitis, nerve irritation, loss of fat pad or a cyst. Due several potential causes, it is important to see a foot and ankle surgeon for a proper diagnosis.
Ankle Pain
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted or forced in a way that stretches or tears one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury depends on if the ligaments are stretched, partially torn, or fully torn. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Flat Feet
A common condition of the foot structure, flat feet, is caused by an undeveloped arch of the foot. While infants and toddlers lack arches in their feet, the structure continues to develop through adolescence and is fully formed by adulthood.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects the feet, with the potential to spread to toenails and hands. The fungus thrives in warm, humid, and dark environments, which makes athletes more prone to the infection. Communal showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are hotbeds for the bacteria.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, joining the lower portion of the calf to the heel bone. Although it is able to withstand forces of around 1,000 pounds, it is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Typically, injury of the Achilles tendon is caused by athletic activities.
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a condition that causes weakening of the bones in the foot and ankle in people who have significant nerve damage and diabetes. It can result in fracture, dislocation and ultimately with time lead to a foot that has completely changed its shape. It is a severe condition that leads to deformity, disability and even amputation. Patient with diabetes need to take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear. Signs and symptoms included warmth, redness and swelling.
Early diagnosis of charcot is key to successful treatment. Once treatment is started periodic x-rays will be taken to evaluate the status of the condition. Non-surgical treatment includes immobilization, customs shoes, bracing, and activity modification. In some cases,
surgery is necessary in order to stabilize and correct the deformity,
Dr. Piccarelli is board certified foot and ankle reconstruction with a high success rate of successful charcot reconstruction on Staten Island. The doctors at Piccarelli Foot & Ankle will determine the proper timing and appropriate procedure necessary for you.
Neuromas
Neuromas are enlarged, benign growth of nerves, typically found between the third and fourth toe. Enlargement is caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves, oftentimes caused by poorly fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections require a process of treatments along with a continual effort to prevent it from recurring. Keeping the infection under control can include thoroughly washing and drying feet, applying anti-fungal cream, not sharing nail clippers or shoes/socks, wearing dry cotton socks and changing them often, wearing dry shoes, and using shower sandals in wet, public places.
Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Fractures
There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Sprains
A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints. Although it can present itself at any age, arthritis is primarily found in those over 50.