Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves, especially those in the feet, toes, and ankles. Many people first notice numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, which can become more intense at night. Some patients may feel sudden, sharp pains or an electric shock-like sensation in their feet. As diabetic peripheral neuropathy progresses, loss of balance and coordination may also occur due to weakened ankle muscles and decreased sensation. This can lead to an unstable gait that increases the risk of falls. Changes in foot structure, such as hammertoes, may develop as nerve damage affects muscle function. One significant concern is the inability to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure points, which can result in unnoticed wounds that may become infected. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide foot care strategies, and recommend treatment to help prevent complications like foot ulcers and deformities. If your feet and toes feel numb, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if peripheral neuropathy is causing the problem.

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 Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. 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 our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome  occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to pain and discomfort. This bone is located on the outer side of the foot, and misalignment can result from repetitive stress, ankle sprains, or sudden twisting motions. Common symptoms include pain on the outside of the foot, difficulty walking, and a feeling of instability when standing. The pain may worsen with physical activity or pressure exerted on the foot. Diagnosing cuboid syndrome often involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may manipulate the foot to check for tenderness or abnormal movement of the cuboid bone. X-rays or other imaging tests may also be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and provide treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Women are more likely to suffer from foot pain throughout their lives due to a combination of footwear choices, body composition, and biomechanical differences. Wearing high heels, narrow-toed shoes, and unsupportive flats contribute to bunions, hammertoes, and chronic foot strain. Prolonged use of these styles alters foot structure over time, leading to pain that persists even when switching to better shoes. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can further weaken ligaments, increasing the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis and fallen arches. Women’s wider hips create a greater Q-angle, affecting foot alignment and increasing stress on the arches and ankles. These factors combined make foot pain a persistent issue. If you have persistent foot pain, regardless of your gender, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to address underlying issues and obtain relief options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swelling in the feet and ankles, known as edema, can result from various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious medical conditions. Common causes include prolonged standing, high-sodium diets, pregnancy, and injuries like sprains. Medical conditions such as venous insufficiency, heart or kidney problems, and lymphedema can also lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Treatments depend on the underlying cause. Simple remedies include elevating the legs, wearing compression socks, and reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention. Gentle stretching and exercise can help improve circulation. Persistent or worsening swelling may require medication or targeted therapies. If you have chronic or unexplained swelling in your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist to identify the cause and receive appropriate care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Smoking can have a significant negative impact on foot health by reducing circulation, leading to various conditions. One of the most common problems associated with smoking is poor foot circulation, which occurs due to narrowed blood vessels. This can result in peripheral artery disease, PAD, a condition where the blood flow to the feet is limited, causing pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue damage. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing Buerger’s disease, a rare but serious condition that causes blood vessels in the toes to become inflamed, leading to reduced blood flow and potential tissue death. Symptoms of these conditions include cramping in the legs, cold or discolored feet, slow-healing wounds, and hair loss on the feet or legs. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods, and, if necessary, guide you on smoking cessation techniques.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.