Fungal infections often affect the feet because their warm, moist environment creates a hospitable environment for fungus. These infections can cause discomfort and spread to other areas of the body if not properly treated. Contact your podiatrist for an exam if you suspect you have a fungal infection for prompt treatment to prevent worsening of your condition.

Athlete’s Foot
Althete’s foot is one of the most common types of foot fungus. This condition is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which grow quickly in conditions that are warm and damp. Athlete’s foot causes an itching, burning sensation and peeling, red, or cracked skin. Treatment for an athlete’s foot infection includes the use of herbal remedies or antifungal medication to eliminate the fungus in addition to taking steps to keep the feet clean and dry.

Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that frequently affects the nails; it is so common that half of all Americans will experience an infection in at least one toenail by age 70. This infection is caused by fungus that reproduces quickly in the dark, warm, and often moist conditions inside your socks and shoes. A fungal infection can cause the toenail to become discolored and brittle; the nail may also begin to pull away from the nail bed. Medication may be taken orally or administered topically to treat the infection.

Candida
A candida infection causes the toenails to grow thicker and become deformed. Nails affected by candida may turn an opaque yellow or green color. Candida can also cause swelling and inflammation of the surrounding skin, which is sometimes mistaken for an ingrown toenail. The infection is treated with medication prescribed by your podiatrist.

Fungal infections can spread quickly and are often extremely contagious. Contact Family Foot Center by calling (347) 625-5256 for evaluation and treatment of fungal infections, warts, foot pain, and more in Queens and Whitestone. Read through our blog to learn more about the many factors that affect your foot health.

Heel pain can hinder movement and limit your ability to take part in activities you enjoy.  The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is caused by an inflammation of the ligament on the bottom of the foot.

Pain from plantar fasciitis is often worse in the morning when you take your first few steps upon waking. The pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing, and is caused by tiny tears that occur in the tissue of the plantar fascia. Check out this video for more details about the causes of plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Don’t let plantar fasciitis pain diminish your quality of life—call Family Foot Center today at (347) 625-5256 for comprehensive foot care in Whitestone and Queens. Check us out on the Web for more information about Dr. Stanley Zawada and his dedicated team of foot specialists.

Athlete’s foot is one of the most widespread and well-known fungal infections that affect the foot. Although it is most common in athletes, this infection can occur in anyone and may spread or worsen without proper treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with athlete’s foot, your podiatrist can provide treatment and suggestions to prevent the infection from recurring.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is caused by one of two types of fungus: Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Trichophyton rubrum. Infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes is more severe but easier to treat. Trichophyton rubrum infections tend to be chronic and recurring, and are more difficult to treat. Both types of athlete’s foot occur when fungi grow unchecked on the skin of the foot. This rapid growth is generally caused by conditions that are damp and warm, such as foot sweating or living in an area that is hot and humid. Wearing dirty socks and shoes with poor ventilation can also raise your risk of developing athlete’s foot.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
An athlete’s foot infection generally causes itching or burning sensations on the affected skin. The skin of your feet may become dry, red, and cracked, or develop peeling, scaling, and blisters. Although athlete’s foot most frequently affects the skin of the toes, infections may also occur on the bottom of the foot. In some cases, you may notice changes in your toenails, such as discoloration or deformation of the nail. While most athlete’s foot symptoms are merely uncomfortable, some symptoms signal a more severe infection and the need for professional treatment from a podiatrist. If you notice a rash or red streaks on the skin of your foot, blisters or cracked skin that discharge pus, or your infection hasn’t improved with two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, contact your podiatrist for help.

Family Foot Center provides full service podiatric medicine and surgery in Queens. If you’re experiencing foot pain or other symptoms, contact us by calling (347) 625-5256 to schedule an appointment. Check out our website to view our current special offers!

Plantar warts are a variety of wart that grows specifically on the bottom of the feet. Under the right circumstances, plantar warts can rapidly multiply, which can lead to unsightly and painful complications. Warts may develop when HPV is present in the body, which is why protecting yourself from this virus is important. This virus can be transferred through both other people and the environment. When in a facility that has wet floors, wear sandals. You should also avoid borrowing personal hygiene products with friends or family members. Because the virus can easily infiltrate wounded skin, take all necessary precautions to reduce the incidence of cuts or scratches to your feet.

Family Foot Center can quickly address your plantar wart problems. If you suffer from this condition, call our Whitestone office today at (347) 625-5256. Dr. Stanley J. Zawada has several decades of experience in treating wart issues, and he can effectively remedy yours as well!