Items filtered by date: June 2025

Flip flops may feel like the perfect warm-weather footwear, but they offer very little in terms of support or protection. With thin soles and little or no structure around the heel or arch, they allow the foot to flatten unnaturally. This can lead to strain in the arch, heel, or ankle. Because there is no back to hold the foot in place, toes grip the shoe with each step, which may cause fatigue or contribute to tendon issues over time. Flip flops also leave the foot exposed, making stubbed toes, cuts, and sunburn more likely. For people with plantar fasciitis or flat feet, regular use can worsen symptoms. If you are experiencing foot pain that may be related to your footwear choices, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in adolescent children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and pressure. This condition typically affects the back of the heel and may cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or running. Risk factors include rapid growth, participation in high-impact activities, and improper footwear. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommending rest, supportive shoes, heel cushions, and specific stretches to relieve discomfort. If your child is experiencing heel pain during activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment and guidance to ensure healthy development and a safe return to play.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. 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 our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, can affect children, although it is more common in adults. This condition develops when fungi invade the nail bed, often after exposure in warm, damp environments such as locker rooms or around swimming pools. The infected nail may become thickened, discolored, brittle, or distorted in shape. While it is usually not painful at first, the appearance of the nail can cause concern and discomfort over time. Children with sweaty feet, tight shoes, or minor nail trauma may be more at risk. Because fungal infections are unlikely to clear up without help, early attention is important. Treatment may involve topical medications or, in some cases, oral antifungal medicine. If your child has toenails that appear yellow, rough, or unusually shaped, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, can result from underlying issues like arthritis and hammertoe. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints of the foot, leading to stiffness, swelling, and aching pain, especially during movement. Hammertoe, a deformity where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, can shift pressure to the ball of the foot and worsen pain. Symptoms may include burning, tingling, or a sharp, aching sensation in the ball of the foot. You may notice swelling, redness, or difficulty walking in regular shoes. High-impact activity, improper footwear, or foot structure abnormalities often contribute to this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot with a physical exam and imaging. Treatment options include orthotics, footwear changes, and anti-inflammatory medications. Other options are padding, targeted exercises, and, in severe cases, surgical correction of deformities. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. 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 offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.