It’s no wonder that your feet will occasionally give you pain and trouble.  Considering that we stand and walk on them all day; feet hold up remarkably well!  From wearing high heels to smelly old socks, there are plenty of things that you probably do that will cause foot problems.  Some problems can be easily prevented with proper care while others are more serious, and may require surgery.  A foot doctor, or podiatrist, will be able to diagnose many common foot ailments from ingrown toenails to plantar warts and bunions.  Check out this list of some of the most common foot problems that podiatrist treat.

• Ingrown Toenails – This very common foot ailment usually involves the nail of the big toe, but can actually affect any of your toes.  The cause of the pain is that your nail has begun to grow into the skin at the end or the side of your toe.  Ingrown toenails can cause inflammation, pain, and even serious infections if left untreated.

• Bunions – This foot problem is identified as a big toe that curves into the secondary toes.  It can be caused by genetics or tight toed shoes, such as high heels.  Pain will develop as the toes rub together, and you may develop a painful bump at the site of constant friction.

• Hammertoes – Podiatrists are able to help with hammertoes and should be contacted early to prevent more serious problems.  Hammertoe is the bending of the last few toes to the point where they begin to curl under each other.  This can create a very painful situation when you need to wear shoes or stand for long periods of time.

If you are suffering from a painful foot ailment, then it is time to visit your local podiatrist.  In North Queens there is only one place to head for the best in foot care: The Family Foot Center.  Dr. Stanley Zawada and staff have been serving community residents for over 23 years.  We work on all foot ailments and will accept any insurance coverage.  Set up an appointment with us today, and start feeling better in no time.

Keeping your feet healthy and happy is crucial to your well-being.  Foot massages are a great way to pamper your feet while relaxing your entire body. And who doesn’t love a good foot massage? Watch this amazing video on foot massage to learn how to massage your own feet.

As you are watching this video, you should be massaging your feet to learn the proper techniques.

To continue keeping your feet healthy, contact Family Foot Center to schedule an appointment with us. We can treat all of your foot ailments, including heel pain, bunions, plantar warts, and ingrown toenails. Call us today and let us help you get healthy, happy feet!

Just the mention of athlete’s foot brings to mind images of locker rooms, community showers, and the smell of sweaty towels. Athlete’s foot is out there, but it’s up to you to avoid getting it. Here is a list of tips to help you stay away from the dreaded itch and some treatment ideas if you do get it.

Things to Avoid 

• Avoid improper drying techniques. Carefully and thoroughly dry your feet and in between each toe after a shower or bath, even at home.
• Avoid wearing sweaty socks. Change your socks frequently if your feet sweat.
• Avoid synthetic socks. 100% cotton socks absorb moisture much better than blends.
• Avoid waterproof shoes for everyday use. They do not allow your feet to breathe. Look for leather shoes, or shoes made from other natural materials.
• Avoid going barefoot in community showers. Wear sandals or shower shoes any time you use a community shower.
• Avoid wearing the same shoes every day to work out. Rotate your gym shoes to allow them to dry.
• If, despite your best efforts, you begin to feel that itch and burning between your toes, then there are things you can do to stop athlete’s foot in its tracks. First, use an anti-fungal cream each day, as directed on the package. Make sure to apply the cream after your shower and before going to bed.
• Continue to dry your feet thoroughly each day. If you perspire excessively at night, consider putting cotton balls between each toe before bed. Go barefooted whenever possible.
• Change your socks frequently. If you will be wearing the same socks and/or shoes for an extended period of time, then sprinkle some anti-fungal powder in the bottom of your socks and shoes. This will help keep excessive moisture away from your feet and provide an extra dose of medication.

Contact Family Foot Center for all your foot care needs, including athlete’s foot treatment. Our staff is experienced in all aspects of foot care, and we look forward to treating you!

3 Most Common Causes of Heel Pain

“Oh, my aching feet!” is a common complaint from people who spend a good deal of time on their feet. While ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and bunions are sometimes the culprit, often it is heel pain that really gets people’s attention. Here are 3 of the most common causes of heel pain.

• Probably the most common reason for heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is an irritation or inflammation of the ligament at the heel bone. Pain is most often felt in the morning or when standing after sitting for long periods of time, and the pain may subside only to return later as the ligaments, which contracted during the night, stretch during the day. Treatment options include physical therapy, stretching, and splints, with surgery for more serious cases.

• Related to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs are also a common cause of heel pain. A hook of bone develops on the heel bone, or calcaneous, causing pain, and most cases of plantar fasciitis have an associated heel spur. Treatment options are the same as above, with rest, ice, and shoe inserts being viable options for both diagnoses.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is another common cause of heel pain. This disease is very similar to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, only the compressed nerve is near the heel. The pain is often sharp or burning, and treatment options, like the other two common heel aliments, are stretching, physical therapy, splints, and surgery for more serious cases.

Having foot pain, especially heel pain, can be very frustrating. The pain can keep you from doing your job, exercising, and playing with your kids or grandkids. Proper and prompt treatment is essential to correcting your heel pain so you can get back to enjoying life.

Here at Family Foot Center, we are dedicated to helping you with your foot pain. We offer a variety of treatments for many different foot problems, including heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar wards, hammertoes, and bunions. Contact us today to for your appointment and get back on your feet again.