Do you sometimes experience heel pain or pain in your feet? If so, you may have a heel spur. A heel spur is a type of bone spur, a bony projection that forms on the edges of your bones. Bone spurs commonly occur in the knees, spine, shoulders, fingers, and feet. Though some bone spurs do not cause any outward symptoms, others can be quite painful and can lead to reduced mobility and a knobby appearance in the affected area.

Some bone spurs are caused by osteoarthritis, while heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. Heel spurs may be treated with custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, or injections. In some cases, surgery may be indicated to remove the spurs.

Talk to your podiatrist at Family Foot Center about problems you may be experiencing because of bone spurs. Call us at (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment at our convenient office.

Summer is in full swing, and it can be tempting to go barefoot outside in your yard, at the pool, or at your neighbor’s barbeque. It might be pleasant to feel the cool grass between your toes, but your risk for injury when you do not wear shoes is greatly increased. Going barefoot leaves your feet susceptible to injury and can expose them to viruses and fungi that cause plantar warts.

Puncture Wounds
Even if you are careful when you go barefoot outside, it would be nearly impossible to examine every patch of ground before you take a step. Foreign objects and debris can cause puncture wounds that go deep inside your feet, leading to pain and possible infection. Serious puncture wounds can even cause problems with muscles and tendons inside your feet. If you experience a puncture wound, it is a good idea to visit a foot doctor as soon as you can to avoid complications.

Fungus and Bacteria
Going barefoot exposes you to a variety of fungi and bacteria that can have long-lasting effects on your foot health. Your feet are especially susceptible to bacteria in wet conditions, such as around the pool. Always wear flip-flops to give your feet a barrier against fungi, viruses, and bacteria, especially since feet can get scraped in the pool area.

Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and not wearing shoes can increase your chances of having one. Never go barefoot around a campfire, a grill, or any other area with an open fire, and always wear closed-toe shoes if you are using equipment such as a lawnmower, weed whacker, or drill.

Family Foot Center offers comprehensive podiatric care for all of our patients in the Whitestone area. Call us at (718) 767-5555 if you have any questions or issues about the health of your feet. From ingrown toe nails to heel pain, we are here to help you get back on your feet!

Though the term “foot fungus” may cause some people to cringe, foot fungus is actually a fairly common occurrence. Many types of fungus thrive in warm, moist areas, which is one of the reasons feet are so susceptible to them. It is possible to contract a fungus from another person, animals, clothing, or soil. Keep reading to learn about two of the most common types of foot fungus:

Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal infections. Like many fungi, athlete’s foot grows best in warm, moist environments like shoes, socks, pools, and locker rooms. Some people contract athlete’s foot from using public showers and not wearing shower shoes. Athlete’s foot often causes itching, burning, peeling, and cracking of the feet, and most frequently appears between the two smallest toes. You can prevent athlete’s foot by thoroughly washing your feet every day, keeping your feet dry, and wearing sandals in public showering areas.

Nail Fungus
Fungus can also affect your toenails. You may notice a white or yellowish spot under your toenails, which may indicate the beginning of a fungal infection. If left untreated, nail fungus may cause your toenail to thicken, discolor, and even crumble around the edges. Nail fungus can be uncomfortable as well as unsightly, so visit your foot doctor at the first signs of this condition. Having athlete’s foot can increase your risk of contracting a nail fungus, as can going barefoot in public pool areas, wearing hot and restrictive footwear, and having diabetes. Nail fungus becomes more common as you grow older, and usually affects more men than women.

If you suspect you may have a problem with foot fungus, contact Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555. We are a full-service podiatric medicine and surgery center, and our friendly staff is here to help you take the steps you need to have healthy feet.