Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, call either of our two offices—203-876-7736 for the Milford location, or 203-288-4055 for the Hamden office—or fill out our contact form to reach us.

What is the best first aid for minor injuries?

When you first injure yourself, the RICE method is the best way to apply first aid to your lower limbs. RICE is an acronym that stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s a basic treatment plan you can fulfill at home, or wherever you are, to minimize or eliminate swelling and inflammation after injuries like a sprain.

You need to rest and protect the limb to allow it to heal, so stop all activities that strain the feet. Ice the sore area to decrease swelling and inflammation in the tissues. Wrap the foot or ankle in a compression bandage and keep your limb elevated on a cushion when you’re sitting or lying down to discourage edema as well.

The quicker you take care of small injuries, the more likely the problem will heal normally and easily. Let Dr. Sanjay Patel in Connecticut help you if you’re struggling with foot or ankle pain. Just contact the Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. offices in Hamden or Milford to make an appointment with us. You can use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Why does it feel like there’s a pebble in my shoe?

Feeling like you’re walking on a pebble when there isn’t one can be a symptom of a number of different foot issues, but Morton’s neuroma is one of the most common conditions. This is a thickened nerve in between two metatarsal heads, usually the third and fourth toes. The swollen tissue typically creates several other symptoms, as well. Pain, particularly when you put pressure on the foot, is common. You may notice tingling or numbness, often reaching into the toes. However, there won’t visible changes or trauma from the outside of the foot.

The good news is that Morton’s neuroma can be treated, particularly if you don’t wait to manage the problem. Some simple conservative treatments can go a long way in relieving the nerve pain and shrinking the thickened area. Let Dr. Sanjay Patel and Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. in Connecticut help you with your foot pain. You can use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Does diet affect gout symptoms?

Gout symptoms and flare-ups in your feet are affected by your diet. This type of arthritis develops when uric acid crystals build up in your joints. Uric acid—and the crystals it creates—forms when your body breaks down purines in food. These purines are a protein that can be found in many different foods, particularly in animal-based products. Red meat, some poultry, and certain fish tend to be high in purines. Fructose, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, stimulates uric acid production as well. Other foods, like saturated fats and alcohol, can inhibit your body’s ability to eliminate excess uric acid and thus trigger a gout attack.

Adjusting your diet with these things in mind can make a significant difference for your condition. Don’t wait until you’re in intense pain to seek help for your arthritis. Let Dr. Sanjay Patel at Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. in Connecticut help you before pain starts and find a diet that works. You can use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Can I prevent neuropathy if I have diabetes?

It is possible to prevent neuropathy in your feet and ankles, even if you already have diabetes. The key is to begin working against the nerve damage immediately. The largest part of this will be monitoring your blood sugar levels. Since elevated and fluctuating blood sugars damage your nerves, keeping this under control will decrease your likelihood of developing neuropathy.

Taking care of your feet and checking them for damage is also important. Wash and dry your lower limbs every day. Make sure you keep your toenails trimmed and inspect your whole foot for abnormal changes. Always wear clean, moisture-wicking socks and supportive, cushioned shoes. These habits help protect your lower limbs from damage as well as catch problems before they have a chance to progress—all very important when you’re trying to prevent neuropathy. Let Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. help you fight nerve issues. Make an appointment with either of our two Connecticut offices by filling out our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Why does my skin get so dry?

There are many different dry skin causes, from environmental factors to dehydration and poor soaps. The main reason your feet dry out, though, is that they are naturally dry parts of the body. The skin on your feet doesn’t have oil glands keeping you moisturized. Instead, you have thousands of sweat glands. Sweat isn’t always enough to keep your skin moist and supple. That’s typically why your feet dry out.

Other factors can play a significant role in your skin health and comfort. Extreme temperatures, whether heat or cold, and low humidity draw moisture out of your skin. Sun exposure, hard soaps, not drinking enough, insufficient omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, and soaking your feet for too long can all dry out your lower limbs as well. You need to actively moisturize your feet to keep your skin smooth and comfortable.

If you have uncomfortably dry skin that isn’t improving, let us know at Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C., so we can help. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

How can I tell if my toe is broken or sprained?

Fractures and sprains both damage your toes, but knowing whether your digit is broken or sprained is important for treating the injury. A break involves a crack or separation of bone tissue. The affected digit is painful, swollen, red, and possibly bruised. Your toe will be tender to the touch and walking on it may aggravate the discomfort. It may or may not be crooked, depending on whether the bones are displaced. The surest way to tell whether it’s broken is to have an X-ray.

Sprains have very similar symptoms. You’ll develop pain in the affected digit, particularly when you move it. It may be tender to the touch and swollen. Sometimes the toe will bruise. An X-ray can help diagnose this, too, by ruling out a fracture. If your toe is injured and you’re not sure whether it’s sprained or broken, let Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. help. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Why does my ingrown toenail keep coming back?

Unfortunately, sometimes an ingrown toenail keeps coming back. This may be related to your footwear, how you care for your nail, or the natural shape of the hard tissue. Too-tight shoes contribute to ingrown nail formation, so if you continue to wear shoes that do not fit properly as you heal, the nail may simply curve into your toe again. You need to continue to keep your nails cleaned, trimmed, and protected, too. That way, as your nail redevelops, it grows straight instead of curling. One of the most common causes, however, is the natural shape of the nail. Sometimes people are born with nails that may grow too big for their toes, or have too much sideways curve. These nails are far more likely to grow inward repeatedly.

There are procedures to help permanently correct painful nail problems. If your ingrown nail keeps coming back, set up an appointment at Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. in Milford or Hamden, CT. Submit a request through our website to reach us. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Can I treat ingrown toenails at home?

You can treat ingrown toenails at home as a way of relieving the pain and preventing the problem from worsening. Soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes a couple times a day may help reduce inflammation. Antibiotic cream can help prevent infections caused by the nail tissue piercing the skin. You may be able to straighten a curling nail by putting dental floss or cotton under the painful edge to lift it above the skin.

Make sure you wear shoes that don’t squish or squeeze the ends of your toes. These can create or exacerbate nail damage. Our staff may recommend anti-inflammatory pain killers to help with the discomfort as well. If these home remedies do not help, get in touch with Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. in Milford and Hamden, CT. We can help you take care of the problem before it deteriorates and causes worse pain. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Is Sever’s disease hereditary?

Sever’s disease hereditary factors include a child born with any of the following biomechanical defects:

Short Achilles tendon—this exaggerates the tightness of the tendon and its pull on the heel’s growth plate.

Short leg syndrome—if one leg is shorter than the other, the foot on the shorter leg must reach for the ground, increasing strain on the tendons.

Pronation—when the foot rolls outward upon impact, it causes the Achilles tendon to twist and tighten.

Flat or High Arches—A flat or high arch affects the position of your heel and forces it into an abnormal angle, putting stress on the Achilles.

If your child has any of these conditions, he or she could be prone to Sever’s disease. Have Dr. Sanjay Patel examine your little one’s foot and determine if treatment is necessary. Contact Family Foot Care and Surgery, L.L.C. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

What is a 'pump bump'?

For those who may have wondered what is a pump bump and why it is called that, this condition is a fairly common problem. The proper name is “Haglund’s deformity,” and it’s a bony protrusion on the back of the heel bone. Some people develop it as a result of their natural foot shape, while others develop it from aggravations on the back of the heel. Stiff-backed shoes, like pumps, tend to create pressure on the foot that irritates and enlarges the protrusion, giving the deformity the name “pump bump.”

The pain from a Haglund’s Deformity is usually caused by the protrusion rubbing against the bursa between the bone and the Achilles tendon. As the protective sac there becomes irritated and inflamed, you develop painful bursitis. Fortunately, this condition is easy to treat conservatively. If you have an uncomfortable, visible bump on the back of your heels, contact Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. for an appointment to care of it. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Am I at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis?

Many factors can increase your risk for plantar fasciitis. Age plays a role—your plantar fascia bands lose flexibility as you grow older. Obesity and extended hours standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces, also strain the band. Certain activities, like running, dancing, and some aerobics, put a lot of stress on your heel and can contribute to the problem as well. Failing to properly condition your lower limbs for your athletic activity can have a similar effect.

There are ways to prevent plantar fasciitis, however. If you pay attention to your footwear and condition your feet and legs, you have a better chance of avoiding the issue. If you’re already experiencing pain, don’t let it continue. Contact Dr. Sanjay Patel at Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. for an appointment or more information. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Are bunions hereditary?

Are bunions hereditary? Let’s put it this way: the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and neither do the foot problems. If your mother or father has a bunion, chances are you’ll inherit the same condition. Foot disorders are often hereditary. However, there are a few things you can do to slow the rate of bone enlargement and strive to prevent a painful bump from forming.

To lessen your chances of developing bunions, practice good hygiene. Always avoid wearing tight shoes that pinch or crowd the toes, such as pointed-toed heels or boots. Instead, wear shoes that allow your toes room to spread out. Stick to low or flat heels and avoid the platforms and stilettos. Footwear with good arch support is also very helpful.

If you already have bunions, be sure to avoid activities that place pressure on your toes, such as ballet or cycling. If the pain becomes unbearable, visit Family Foot Care and Surgery, L.L.C. in Milford and Hamden, CT. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.

Why do I have intense heel pain in the morning?

Heel pain in the morning is a very common symptom of plantar fasciitis. As the plantar fascia swells and tightens, walking on the affected foot pulls on the tissue and causes micro-tears. Continuing to walk on the foot stretches out the plantar fascia and relieves some of the pain. However, when you’re off your feet for too long, the ligament swells and tightens again. While you sleep over night, your body tries to repair the little tears. Those first few steps in the morning forcibly stretch it out again and re-injure the tightened tissue, causing that sharp pain.

This problem tends to only get worse the longer it goes untreated. Fortunately, conservative treatment is very successful at eliminating the problem. Don’t suffer with heel pain in the morning. Seek treatment from Dr. Sanjay Patel at Family Foot Care & Surgery, L.L.C. in Hamden and Milford, CT. Use our online contact form or call to reach us: 203-288-4055 for Hamden, or 203-876-7736 for Milford.