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Growth factors that help to accelerate healing are found in blood platelets. When these platelets are extracted from the patient, and injected into an injured part of the body, they are known as Platelet Rich Plasma,  "PRP" injections. Research has indicated that they can help to accelerate the healing process, and this may help patients with specific foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries. If you would like more information on the injection process, in addition to determining if this is right for you, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with accurate information.

If you are suffering from a foot condition, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Dental. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is blood taken from a patient and spun in a centrifuge, concentrating the amount of platelets. The plasma is then re-injected into the site of injury or damage, assisting the body in repairing damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissue. PRP helps the body speed up its healing process.

Uses of PRP

Injuries affecting the foot sometimes don’t heal properly because of poor blood circulation. The healing time slows down, and recovery time is affected by poor blood supply. PRP injections will speed up recovery and resolve this issue.

Treatment

PRP is the first regenerative treatment for damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments. No surgery needed. It is only applied with an insertion of a needle.

Ultrasound – An ultrasound is needed for proper placement of the platelets.

Injection – When the first injection is received, the patient will return to the doctor in about 2 to 3 weeks and monitor the recovery process.

Recovery time – Some people respond to treatments differently. Therefore, depending on your condition, the doctor will make any remaining decisions on how many more injections are needed, or if any additional ones are even required.

Benefits

One may be able to avoid major surgery, and recovery time will be cut down. PRP injections also avoid creating scar tissue and damage to the area. Risks are also very low using PRP as a treatment. There is no risk of rejection, contracting a disease from using another person’s blood, or infection.

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.

Are your toenails thick, crumbling, or yellow? Do you find yourself avoiding certain activities and open-toed shoes for fear of someone seeing your nails? If so, you may be suffering from onychomycosis, or a fungal nail infection. Though it can be an embarrassing problem, you are definitely not the only one facing it. Approximately 10% of the general population is afflicted by a fungal nail infection. Beyond just their appearance, these infections can also cause toe and foot pain, lead to bacterial infections and ulcerations, and can even cause complications in people with diabetes. Topical or oral medications may help, though they are not always effective, and have the potential to lead to serious side effects. Laser treatment is another option that may be effective. If you have developed a toenail fungus, don’t hesitate to talk to a podiatrist who can help you select the treatment option that is best for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Dental. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

High heels are a wardrobe staple for many, however, wearing high heels can have serious consequences for foot health. A study on foot and ankle injuries in the U.S. found that between 2002 and 2012, U.S. emergency rooms treated 123,355 high heel-related injuries. Strains and sprains of the foot and ankle were the most common of these injuries, and about 20% of them involved broken bones. Another study, this time looking at South Korean flight attendants who were required to wear high heels daily for work, found that their balance decreased over time due to a loss of strength in the muscles and tendons that support the front-to-back movement of the foot. If you do wear high heels, it is recommended that you wear them less frequently, and that you give your feet a break by taking the high heels off to stretch your feet and ankles or by switching to running shoes. For more information on the connection between footwear and foot health, speak with a podiatrist today.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Dental. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

If your child complains of foot pain and you take them to the podiatrist, hearing that they have been diagnosed with Sever’s disease can be frightening. Fortunately, Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis as it is sometimes called, sounds a lot worse than it really is. Rather than being an actual disease, Sever’s disease is an overuse injury. Simply put, it is an injury to the growth plate of the heel bone. Children’s heel bones are typically not done developing until the age of 14. As your child grows, new bone is forming in the heel’s growth plate, a weak area located at the back of the heel. Repetitive stress on this growth plate from participating in sports and activities that involve running and pounding on a hard surface, can cause inflammation and muscle strain. Your child may complain of pain in the back or bottom of the foot, fatigue, or pain while walking or doing sports. With the professional treatment, your child will soon be back on their feet. If you suspect that your child may have Sever’s disease, please visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 & Dental. 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.