Are you one of the many West Hartford residents currently suffering from a painful or debilitating musculoskeletal condition such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow? If so, the doctors at West Hartford Podiatry have a new and exciting treatment that may be just right for you: Shockwave Therapy.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive therapy that uses high-pressure shock waves to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The procedure is fast and gentle, and it works with the body to activate the body’s own self-healing responses.

What Conditions is Shockwave Therapy Used to Treat?

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, heel spur syndrome, shin splints and various types of pain. Speak to your doctors at West Hartford Podiatry to find out if Shockwave therapy can be used to help treat whatever condition you are currently dealing with.

What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

An exciting new treatment option for individuals with various painful musculoskeletal conditions, Shockwave therapy offers an impressive number of benefits, especially compared to the risks and drawbacks.

Shockwave therapy is a fast, gentle, safe and effective outpatient procedure. Each treatment only takes about 15 minutes, and you may see improvement as soon as the first treatment. Shockwave therapy typically causes virtually no symptoms, and it may help you avoid surgery.

For these reasons and others, many West Hartford residents have already decided that Shockwave therapy is the best treatment choice for them. Talk to your doctors at West Hartford Podiatry to determine if Shockwave therapy might be the ideal solution for you as well.

Who Should Not Get Shockwave Therapy?

Unfortunately, however, there are a few individuals who may not be eligible to receive this therapy. These individuals include some children, pregnant women and individuals who take blood thinners, those who have open sores and those who have certain heart conditions or a history of seizures. Individuals who have poor sensation or a heightened sensation in the target area may not qualify as well. Speak with your doctors at West Hartford Podiatry to find out more.

Do you have a painful or debilitating musculoskeletal condition? Would you like to find relief once and for all? If so, Shockwave Therapy from West Hartford Podiatry may be just right for you. Call for more information and to set up an appointment for a consultation today.

What you need to know about orthotics

If you have foot pain, you owe it to yourself to try custom-made orthotics. You should pamper your feet because they hold you up  

throughout your life. Aging, injury, diseases like diabetes, and everyday wear and tear can take a toll on your feet. Custom-made orthotics are designed to cushion your feet and help heal them of various painful foot conditions. Your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, Connecticut want to introduce you to the world of orthotics and what they can do for you.

Custom made orthotics shouldn’t be confused with the generic orthotics you can purchase in the grocery store. Your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry want you to know that professional orthotics require exact measurements, impressions and casting, and they are created with the use of computer technology.

There are three main types of orthotics available at West Hartford Podiatry, each designed for a specific purpose. Your podiatrist may suggest:

Soft orthotics to act as shock absorbers, help with balance and take some of the pressure off of your sore feet. They are perfect for diabetic foot problems, arthritic or deformed feet. They are made from cushioned materials and encompass the entire sole of your foot.

Semi-rigid orthotics to improve balance for playing sports and walking; they are also used to treat flatfoot in children. This type of orthotic is made of layers of both cushioned and rigid materials.

Rigid orthotics to limit the motion of joints in your foot, giving you relief from strained tendons, and muscle aches and pains in your legs, thighs and lower back. They are made from hard plastic and designed to be worn for walking or dress shoes.

Foot pain can make you miserable and keep you from your daily activities. If you have foot pain, don’t suffer! It’s time to get some help with a simple phone call. Call your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, Connecticut. They can help you take care of your feet and get back to your life. Call today!

Caring for your feet can prove to be difficult, especially after suffering an injury or chronic heel pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis. 

However, shockwave therapy has proven to successfully treat these conditions and more. Learn more about shockwave therapy and what it can do for you with your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, CT. 

What is shockwave therapy? 
Shockwave therapy benefits patients suffering from severe or chronic heel pain. This state-of-the-art procedure uses vibrations aimed at the affected area to stimulate the body’s own natural self-healing tendencies to encourage faster and stronger healing. This treatment reduces heel pain in order to help you get you back on your feet. Often, shockwave therapy can benefit patients who have not found relief with other treatments like orthotics, injections, physical therapy or medication.

What can shockwave therapy do for me? 
Shockwave therapy can help reduce or eliminate heel pain. However, heel pain comes from many sources, including:

• plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• tendonitis
• bursitis
• nerve damage
• bone spur
• sprain
• arthritis
• stress fracture
• injury

If you suffer from heel pain, no matter what the cause, shockwave therapy may help you and your condition. Your podiatrist at West Hartford Podiatry is your best source for information and treatment plans regarding your heel pain.

Shockwave Therapy in West Hartford, CT
Shockwave therapy takes place right in your podiatrist’s office. The machine itself has a special wand used to direct the shockwaves into the affected area. First, a special gel applied to the foot helps the shockwaves penetrate the skin. The frequency of the shockwave pulses is increased gradually. The treatment takes about 15 minutes and produces virtually zero side effects though some patients feel a slight tingle or numbness which resolves itself quickly.

For more information on shockwave therapy, please contact Dr. Harvey Lederman, Dr. Marc Lederman and Dr. Kurt Rode at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, CT. Call (860) 236-2564 to schedule your appointment with your podiatrist today!

What your podiatrists in West Hartford want you to know

If you have a large, bony bump next to your big toe, chances are it’s a bunion. Bunions can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t have  

enough toe room, causing your toes to be pushed together. This causes the toe joint in your big toe to protrude and rub against the inside of your shoe.

Women suffer the most from bunions, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. That’s because women often wear shoes that are too narrow in the toes and high heels, which cause your toes to be thrust forward. Your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, CT want to share their expertise about bunions and how they can help you get relief from the pain of bunions.

There are some things you can do at home to help ease bunion pain. You should try:

• Taping your foot to cushion the bunion and add support to your foot
• Wearing wide, comfortable, more supportive shoes
• Wearing shoe inserts or padding
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications

For stubborn pain and large bunions, it’s best to visit your podiatrist. Your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry will do a full exam and take x-rays to see how much bone is involved and how your toe movement is affected. After your exam, your podiatrist will know the best course of action to treat your bunion. Depending on the size and characteristics of the bunion, possible treatment options include:

• Cortisone injections around the bunion
• Prescription-strength medications for pain and inflammation
• Custom footwear, orthotics or inserts
• Surgical solutions including joint fusion, straightening your toe or removal of excess tissue

If you are suffering from a painful bunion, it’s time to get some help from the experts. Get back on your feet by calling your podiatrists at West Hartford Podiatry in West Hartford, CT. Take care of your feet by calling today!

Welcome to the Blog of West Hartford Podiatry

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a podiatrist in the West Hartford area, we’re excited you are here. With the podiatric industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote good foot health as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including podiatry news, advancements in podiatric treatments, practical foot, and ankle health advice, and updates from our practice. 

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging, and informational to ensure your best foot and ankle health. 
As always, feel free to contact West Hartford Podiatry with any questions or concerns.

— The Podiatry Team at West Hartford Podiatry

Think there’s nothing you can do about heel pain but learn to live with it? Fortunately, there’s no reason to unnecessarily suffer. Foot doctors Harvey D. Lederman, DPM; Marc A. Lederman, DPM; and Kurt W. Rode, DPM, AACFAS, of West Hartford Podiatry, share several 

heel pain treatment options with West Hartford area residents.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia occurs when you develop a painful bruise, commonly called a stone bruise, on the ball of the foot. A stone bruise can develop if you step on something hard, such as a rock, or can occur from running, jumping, or wearing shoes that don’t fit well.

Treatment: Resting your foot will help tissues heal. Avoid high-impact sports and exercises until your symptoms subside. Ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Podiatrists often recommend arch supports, metatarsal pads, or shock-absorbing insoles to reduce pain and prevent problems in the future.

Plantar fasciitis + Heel Spur Syndrome

A thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs under the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heel. If this band becomes inflamed, heel pain can occur. You may be more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you participate in a sport that involves running or jumping, but the cause of the condition can’t always be identified.

Treatment: Stretching your arch, Achilles tendon, and lower calf muscles can help reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms. Your West Hartford foot doctor may recommend night splints to stretch the arch and muscles and shoe inserts called orthotics to decrease pressure on your heel. Steroid shots and extracorporeal shock wave therapy can help if the pain persists. In some cases, surgery is also an option.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

Overdoing your workout or suddenly increasing the intensity of your fitness routine can cause pain and inflammation in your retrocalcaneal bursa. The retrocalcaneal bursa is located at the spot where your Achilles tendon connects your heel to your calf muscle.

Treatment: Rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful if you have retrocalcaneal bursitis. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can also help, as can ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation. If your pain continues, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce the inflammation.

Is pain stopping you from doing the things you enjoy? If heel pain is a problem, and you live in the West Hartford, CT area, call West Hartford Podiatry at (860) 236-2564 and schedule an appointment today. Get back on your feet with a visit to your podiatrist!

Think you’re dealing with an ankle sprain? Find out how to treat your condition to get you back on your feet again.

Injuries can happen anywhere, from a simple accident in your home to out on the football field. If you have sustained an ankle injury you 

may be wondering whether it’s a strain, sprain or break. Discover the symptoms of an ankle sprain, as well as helpful hints from our West Hartford podiatrists Dr. Harvey Lederman, Dr. Marc Lederman and Dr. Kurt Rode about how to treat your condition.

In many cases, the RICE method is an effective way to treat ankle sprains. While we will still need to examine your ankle and make sure that your symptoms are a sign of an ankle sprain and not something worse, common treatment options for managing your symptoms include:

• R (REST): As you may have already guessed, one of the best things you can do for an injured ankle is to stay off it as much as possible. This means avoiding physical activities until you have fully healed. If the sprain is bad enough one of our West Hartford foot doctors may recommend using crutches until it doesn’t hurt to move around.
• I (ICE): For at least the first three days after the injury you’ll want to apply an ice pack to the injured ankle for about 10-20 minutes every couple of hours to help reduce swelling.
• C (COMPRESSION): You can also choose to wear compression bandages around the ankle for the first day or two after your injury. These bandages or wraps can be helpful for managing any swelling. A more protective ankle brace should be worn if you plan to bear weight on the injured ankle.
• E (ELEVATION): While resting as much as you can will certainly go a long way to promoting faster healing, you’ll also want to consider elevating your ankle above your heart for a couple hours a day.

By following these at-home tips for caring for your sprained ankle, as well as performing any rehab exercise that we show you, you will be well on your way to recovery.

West Hartford Podiatry is here to make sure your feet and ankles get the specialized care they deserve. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of an ankle sprain or you have questions about foot health turn to the West Hartford foot care specialists.

Knowing the signs of a serious problem will help you seek professional treatment from your podiatrist sooner.

If you rush through your next toenail trimming, don’t be surprised if you experience a painful little problem known as an ingrown toenail. They can develop rather quickly and are often due to trimming nails too short, or nicking the skin by mistake. Tight shoes and stubbing  

your toe can also cause ingrown toenails to arise. Sometimes as the nail continues to grow, the ingrown toenail may go away on its own. Sometimes warm water soaks and wearing open-toed shoes can help speed the healing process along; however, there are times where infection sets in and it’s time to see a podiatrist for treatment at West Hartford Podiatry Associates in West Hartford, Connecticut right away.

When to Make an Appointment
If you notice any drainage, increased pain, redness or swelling   these are signs that an infection has developed in the skin. When this happens, you need to see your podiatrist immediately.
Also, if you haven’t noticed an improvement in your ingrown toenail symptoms after three days, it’s time to schedule a visit.
Those with diabetes, poor circulation, or other chronic conditions that may impede the healing process should also see their podiatrist right away for proper care.

Your Podiatrist Visit in West Hartford
The first thing we will do is examine your foot to properly diagnose whether you have an ingrown toenail or not. We will also discuss your medical history with you to see if you have any preexisting health conditions that could make this condition worse. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, we will decide what the best course of treatment would be for you.

The treatments are often done after your toe is numb.  This process is not painful or scary and helps resolve the pain and associated infections quickly.

If you are concerned about an ingrown toenail, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. Call us at (860) 236-2564 in West Hartford, if you notice any of the symptoms above.  Don’t suffer with the pain and discomfort of an ingrown nail. We can effectively treat your condition and get you back up and walking around in no time!

If you suffer from toenail fungus it can have a detrimental effect not only on your self-image but on your health as well. If left untreated, the affected nail can become thicker and more difficult to trim which can cause discomfort and make it more difficult to walk. If you have

 toenail fungus, you most likely have tried some home remedies, including certain medications and other topical ointments without any improvement. You want to know if there is still a way to achieve a better-looking nail. Find out how toenail fungus treatment from your West Hartford podiatrists Harvey D. Lederman, DPM; Marc A. Lederman, DPM; and Kurt W. Rode, DPM, AACFAS can bring about relief from this unsightly condition.

What is toenail fungus?          
Toenail fungus is an infection that can affect either the toenail, a fingernail, or the surface underneath the nail. This fungus attaches itself to the toenail and can spread through a nail clipper, or from a damp area where you may walk barefoot such as a pool or shower.  

How Laser Treatments Can Help
You may have tried some home remedies or medications but have found that nothing has helped. If left untreated, toenail fungus can spread to other nails, the nail can become thicker, yellow and brittle possibly making it more difficult to walk. Even if you have found some relief in the past, toenail fungus can come back, so it is an especially troublesome condition.

Find out how laser treatment from your West Hartford podiatrists can help diminish and even remove fungus from your toenails. This treatment option works by using a laser targeting and destroying the fungus in the nail. Because of the way the laser works, it doesn’t affect the tissue around the nail, causing no discomfort. The benefits of this procedure is that there is minimal downtime and it stimulates the growth of a healthy nail.  

If you are ready to improve the look of your nail and get rid of toenail fungus with a laser treatment it is time you give West Hartford Podiatry a call. We want to get you ready to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about being self-conscious for showing your feet. Call today to set up an appointment.

Nail fungus?? West Hartford Podiatry can HELP! We offer a variety of treatments for nail fungus, including topical and laser options. Call today for an appointment.