- Blogs
- October 16, 2023
- Category: Foot Fractures
- Tags: Ankle fracture, ankle fractures, exercise, feet, foot and ankle health, foot care, foot fractures, foot health, Fracture, physical therapy, podiatrist, stress fractures, Surgery, toe fractures, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Your feet and ankles handle a lot of pressure and stress daily, making them more susceptible to fractures than other body parts.
Stress fractures usually develop slowly and may show intermittent symptoms, that are hard to diagnose. Some signs to look for are, swelling, redness, and warmth. Your foot doctor can often detect a possible stress fracture during a foot exam and may order X-rays or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Because of the severity of fractures, it’s important to receive care and treatment ASAP.
Treatment For Stress Fractures Includes…
Immobilize the foot – The only way to effectively heal a stress fracture is to allow the break to heal completely. Your foot doctor may prescribe an immobilizing cast or walking boot, and the initial healing period can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks or more, depending upon the severity of the injury.
Physical therapy – Carefully selected strength and flexibility exercises will be necessary to gradually improve the affected area without causing reinjury.
Slow reintroduction of activities – Slowly introduce sporting and exercise activities. Use low-impact swimming and cycling until you and your foot doctor determine that more stressful activities can be tolerated.
Surgery – In more severe cases a stress fracture may develop into a complete fracture that may require surgery. A recovery period and proper physical therapy lasting six months or longer may be required.
Good news! West Hartford Podiatry offers same-day emergency care services! We are ready and eager to help treat various foot and ankle conditions, diseases, and injuries, including Achilles tendon ruptures, ankle fractures, and foot fractures. If you need immediate podiatry care, give us a call!
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- October 3, 2023
- Category: Pediatric Foot Issues
- Tags: Achilles tendon, Achilles tendonitis, ankle fractures, Ankle Health, ankle sprains, Common Injuries, exercise, feet, foot care, foot fractures, foot health, heel pain, injuries, podiatrist, toe fractures, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Children’s bones, ligaments, and tendons undergo rapid growth during growth spurts and can be more susceptible to injury and pain during these times. It is good practice to pay attention to how your developing child walks, runs, and moves to notice problems with their feet. We encourage all your parents to have a podiatrist assess any concerns about pediatric foot care. Have your kids see a foot doctor regularly throughout childhood to catch and correct problems as they arise and to prevent unnecessary complications. Here at West Hartford Podiatry Associates, we pride ourselves in offering the best Pediatric Foot care for your child.
Common foot and ankle problems experienced by children usually include one or more of the following:
Sprained and strained ankles: This is one of the most common injuries in children and adults. Ankle sprains in children heal more quickly, but you should always have them treated promptly and properly by your foot doctor to avoid future complications or missed diagnoses, like fractures.
Achilles tendon problems / Heel Pain: The insertion point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel is often the site of tendonitis/apophysitis (Sever’s Disease) in children. Heel pain in children often responds well to rest and cold therapy, but if heel pain persists all your foot doctor.
Toe and foot fractures: Acute breaks and stress fractures are more common in kids since their bones are still developing and haven’t reached full strength.
Children often outgrow foot and ankle issues, but to ensure things progress normally, see your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis, advice, and treatment!
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- August 25, 2023
- Category: Arthritis
- Tags: arthritis, Common Injuries, custom orthotics, foot health, injury prevention, orthotics, Pain, pain management, podiatrist, Podiatry Appointment, shoe inserts, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Living with arthritis can cause you to limit your daily activity, preventing you from enjoying some of the things you love. Even though there’s no cure for this condition, there are plenty of ways to treat and overcome arthritis with the help of your podiatrist. Here’s a simple guide for taking care of your arthritis.
Ask About Inserts
One of the best ways to manage arthritis is by considering custom orthotics and shoe inserts. Orthotics are designed to be worn inside your shoe, providing support and lessening the pain of the condition you’re dealing with. For arthritis, they can also put less pressure on your joints and increase mobility.
Steer Clear of Injuries
Minimizing any activities that further aggravate your condition is highly recommended. For those who love to go on a daily run, limit your activity to a short walk. Always pay attention to how your body responds and adjust from there. If you push yourself too far, you risk injuring yourself. Swimming and cycling are also great alternatives to high-impact sports. Staying active despite arthritis is important since maintaining a healthy weight can help put less stress on your joints.
Consider Your Pain-Management Options
There are plenty of exercises that help increase flexibility and strengthen muscles in your feet and ankles. Your podiatrist can help you develop a personalized exercise routine that fits your needs. In most cases, physical therapy is a great way to lessen pain from arthritis. But for others, exercise and movement can lead to more pain. If this is the case, let your podiatrist know.
Talk With Your Podiatrist
If your arthritis pain and discomfort impact your life daily, it might be time to talk with your podiatrist about surgery. There are numerous types of surgery, all based on where your arthritis is located and its impact on your joints.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- January 18, 2023
- Category: Injuries
- Tags: Ankle Health, Ankle Injury, ankle sprains, foot health, Foot Injuries, Footwear, Injury Avoidance, Sports Injury, West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Winter Injuries
Weather can play a large part in staying safe during our activities and sports. Just like the summer heat and humidity can lead to exhaustion and dehydration, winter has its fair share of effects on your body, too. From blisters to frostbite, it’s best to take precautions to avoid worst-case scenarios. Here’s how you can have fun and avoid injuries this winter! 
Reduce Your Risk
Winter activities can put a lot of strain and pressure on your legs. Both your knees and ankles act as a “shock absorber” and brakes while you ski, snowboard, and skate. Using knee braces while you participate in winter sports can limit the risk of an injury.
Make sure your ski bindings are adequately adjusted according to your skill level and always fall to the side instead of forward or backward. For ankle sprains, which are most common during snowboarding, work on your balance with a wobble board. Consider sports insoles and ankle tape, as well.
Choose The Appropriate Gear
Dressing appropriately for whatever activity you’re participating in is key to comfortability and preventing an injury. Buying the right footwear can not only help with great performance, but it’ll save you from a trip to the emergency room or podiatry office. Using ice grips or traction devices can help with potential falls and slips.
If you’re using rental skates, make sure you try on a few sizes and choose the most comfortable one. Wearing thick, padded socks will help with blisters. Make sure you lace up your skates tightly around the ankle to prevent sprains.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages.
- Blogs
- November 15, 2022
- Category: diabetes
- Tags: diabetes, Diabetic Complications, exercise, foot care, Foot Examination, foot health, Foot Hygiene, West Hartford Podiatry
November is American Diabetes Month, and West Hartford Podiatry is here to raise awareness! Taking care of your feet when you have diabetes is crucial. And having daily foot care habits is the best way to prevent complications. How can you show your feet some love and attention when you have diabetes? We’ve listed some of our top tips for keeping your feet healthy and safe every month!
- Check your feet daily for anything unusual. If you see any redness, swelling, cuts, or blisters, contact your podiatrist and get it checked out.
- Never treat any blisters, cuts, or corns at home. Always seek the advice and treatment of a podiatrist.
- Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Be sure to dry thoroughly, including in between your toes!
- Never walk barefoot. You never know if any glass or debris could be laying around and poke you.
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Get your feet properly sized at a shoe store so you can get the right size.
- Protect your feet from any extreme temperatures. If your feet are cold, wear thick socks. Avoid hot water by checking the temperature of your shower or bath water before you hop in.
- Include daily exercise in your everyday routine. Working out can help lower blood pressure and any strain on your leg and ankles.
- Look into getting a pair of custom orthotics. They can help decrease any foot pain!
- Avoid sitting for long periods. If you work an office job, wiggle your toes and move your feet around to prevent swollen ankles and get your blood flowing.
- Lotion is a great way to treat your feet and get rid of dry skin. But steer clear of applying lotion in between your toes, as it can cause an infection.
- Regularly trim your toenails. Cut straight across the nail and file to soften edges. If you have trouble cutting your nails, consider going to a nail salon or a podiatrist that offers the service.
- Visit your podiatrist regularly. Don’t wait until you have a foot problem to see your doctor!
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages.
- Blogs
- April 25, 2022
- Category: Foot Health
- Tags: blisters, calluses, foot health, foot inspections, ingrown toenails, podiatrist
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and we want to help you spot the signs of common foot conditions as soon as possible. One of the biggest things we highlight during this month is the importance of regular foot inspections. It is empowering to know the current condition of your feet and ankles. The knowledge allows you to be in the best position to alert us of any changes. It may feel overwhelming because people often underestimate the value of knowing their bodies.
The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates care about your concerns and questions. We want to know about changes — even if they seem small to you. If you notice a new mole or new pain, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can decide the next steps. Here are three common conditions and their signs.
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Blisters
Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that can develop on your feet. They can become painful over time, and they may also burst.
- Blisters form in response to friction and moisture
- Leave blisters alone, and do not pop them
- If a blister pops on its own, keep it clean to avoid infection
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Calluses
If you have a callus, it is calling your attention to your shoes. The problem is friction. A callus forms as a rough, thick area of skin. Your skin is trying to protect itself from further irritation.
- Shop for shoes that have a roomy toe box
- Use padding or cushion to ease the discomfort
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the callus
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Ingrown toenails
When your toenail begins to grow into your skin, you have developed an ingrown toenail. The condition is painful and can worsen with the wrong pair of shoes. Talk to your podiatrist for the next steps.
- Ingrown toenails are common on your big toe; look for redness or swelling
- If your toenail breaks the skin, clean the surface to avoid infection
- If you have recurring ingrown toenails, talk to your doctor about permanent solutions
We have only shared a few conditions that you can spot with daily foot inspections. There are so many more. Practice makes perfect, too. The more regularly you perform inspections, the more comfortable you will become in noticing changes.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- February 15, 2022
- Category: American Heart Month, circulation, heart health
- Tags: American Heart Month, blood pressure, circulation, exercise, foot health, podiatrist
Do you know how well blood blows from your heart to other parts of your body? Changes in the appearance of your feet and ankles can be an indication of a circulation problem. February is American Heart Month, and poor circulation is one of the complications that can impact your heart health — and overall health. There are other risk factors, too.
This month, the doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates want to share a few tips to help you improve your circulation. Proper blood flow allows you to feel your best. Follow these five tips to make some heart-healthy changes.
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Stop smoking
Consider this an urgent, time-sensitive request from our team of doctors. Smoking is one of the most harmful habits that can impact your health. Most importantly, it plays a major role in reducing blood flow throughout the body.
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Get active
Adding daily exercise to your routine can be a fun way to boost your circulation. Exercise is more fun when you are with others, whether a part of a class or in a group chat for accountability. Find an exercise that is best for you. Consult a doctor before beginning something new.
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Prioritize your plate
Choose heart-healthy foods that will help you avoid surprises during your next checkup. We’re talking about proteins and vegetables instead of processed foods. Pay attention to portion sizes, too. Are you hungry, or is eating at a certain time a habit?
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Help with hydration
There is a chance that you are not drinking as much water as you should. Stay hydrated with clear beverages that are low in sugar. Avoid sugary sports drinks and alcohol. While exercising, hydration helps you perform at your best, too. When you see sweat, remember that you need to replenish your liquids.
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Practice measuring your blood pressure
Do you know how to measure your blood pressure? If heart disease runs in your family, taking control can start at home. Ask your doctor how to measure your blood pressure. Create a regular schedule and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.
Poor circulation has consequences. Blood flow plays a significant role in healing. People with poor circulation may experience slow-healing wounds or wounds that don’t heal at all. The results could be an infection or even amputation. We’re here to help.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- contactus@westhartfordpodiatry.net
- April 22, 2021
- Category: Foot Health
- Tags: custom orthotics, diabetes, foot health, ingrown toenail
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. By empowering patients to focus on prevention, podiatrists can help patients take control of their foot health. One method of prevention is to pay close attention to changes on your feet or ankles. It starts with a daily habit of inspecting your feet. The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates want to help patients know the difference between what is considered normal and when it’s time to make an appointment. Here are three changes you shouldn’t ignore:
Redness
Unless it’s toenail polish, red is not a color you want to see on your feet. Redness is often a sign of irritation or infection, especially for an ingrown toenail. It can sometimes come along with additional pain or swelling. If you notice this new color on your feet or ankles, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.
Wounds
When our bodies are working their best, a scratch or a bruise will heal on its own. If you notice that your wound is still there, make an appointment with your podiatrist. Non-healing wounds or ulcers may be a sign of poor circulation issues or diabetes. Wounds that go unnoticed or without treatment can become infected. Act fast.
Pain
Contrary to popular opinions, foot or ankle pain is not normal. You don’t need to break in a pair of shoes by walking in pain. You won’t outgrow your pain either. Pain is alerting you that an area of your body needs attention. Don’t miss this sign and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A foot and ankle specialist may recommend a new pair of shoes, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and other treatment options.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us at (860) 236-2564 for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
foot health
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