The arches of the feet facilitate comfortable weight-bearing movement when you stand or walk. Flat feet may occur due to either a congenital foot issue or a change in the structure of the foot when you move.

This video discusses treatment options for flat feet. Although flat feet cannot be cured, certain treatments can reduce pain and allow for comfortable movement. Arch supports inserted into your shoes keep the arch from collapsing. To create arch supports, your podiatrist will take careful measurements of your feet to ensure the right fit.

Do you suffer from flat feet or another condition that affects your ability to move comfortably? The qualified podiatrists at Family Foot Center of Whitestone can offer you the solutions you need to restore your quality of life. Click through our website or call (718) 767-5555 to find out more about our podiatry services.

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can worsen with time if not treated properly. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail begins to grow into the skin of the toe, rather than remain inside the confines of the nail bed. Keep reading to discover some of the common causes of ingrown toenails and how your podiatrist will treat them to relieve pain and prevent infection.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur for many reasons. Clipping your toenails too short or rounding the edges when you cut them can cause the nail to grow into the skin of your foot. Thicker toenails may be more likely to become ingrown if you cut them improperly. Picking at your toenails or tearing the corners can also increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Pressure exerted by shoes that are too tight can also cause toenail problems, especially if you are an athlete.

Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

Treatment for ingrown toenails focuses on eliminating the ingrown nail and treating any infection or swelling it may have caused. If you have an ingrown toenail that is not infected, you can soften the nail by soaking your foot in warm water three to four times a day. As the nail grows out, trim it straight across, rather than in a rounded fashion. If you cannot treat your ingrown toenail at home or it appears to be infected, visit a podiatrist. You may be given medication to treat the infection before it spreads to the rest of your foot. A podiatrist can also remove the part of the toenail that is causing the problem. This is done during a short in-office procedure.

Dr. Stanley J. Zawada of the Family Foot Center offers treatment of ingrown toenails, bunions, plantar warts, corns, arthritis, and more in Whitestone, Bayside, Queens, and Flushing. Contact our office today by calling (718) 767-5555 to schedule your free foot health consultation. You can find additional information about common foot conditions on our blog.

Foot pain can stop you in your tracks, affecting your enjoyment of physical activities and even making everyday tasks difficult or impossible. Understanding the most common causes of foot pain and how to prevent them will protect your feet from conditions that can interfere with your lifestyle. If you have any questions or concerns about foot-related symptoms, including pain, talk to your podiatrist for more information.

Wear Properly-Fitted Shoes

One of the most common causes of foot pain is improperly-fitted shoes. Many people often suffer with shoes that are too big or too small for the sake of fashion, while others simply do not know how to find the right sized shoe for their foot. Wearing shoes that do not fit your feet can put you at risk for foot pain and injuries. Shoes that are too tight can increase your risk for conditions such as ingrown toenails, bunions, and hammertoes. Wearing shoes that are too loose requires your toes to grip the shoes to keep them on, often resulting in tendonitis and inflammation of the toes.

Be Aware of Your Needs

Some people are at higher risk for foot problems than others. Those with diabetes can develop neuropathy, which affects feeling in the feet. If you have severe neuropathy, you may not feel pain until you have done significant damage to your foot. Wash your feet and inspect them daily for signs of cuts or other problems. If you have flat feet or other foot issues that require treatment, follow your podiatrist’s instructions and suggestions. Replace custom orthotics when they become worn out or damaged. If you notice pain, don’t ignore it—schedule a visit with your podiatrist for a checkup.

Don’t let foot pain or problems affect your quality of life—call Family Foot Center today at (718) 767-5555 for a free consultation to find out how Dr. Zawada can help. We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment for a variety of foot problems including arthritis, broken bones, and heel pain. Check us out on the web to find out more about our Whitestone podiatry services!

Broken toes cause pain and swelling in the affected toe. You may also experience bruising and difficulty walking. Stay off your foot and keep it elevated for the first 24-48 hours, which will reduce swelling. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to address swelling and pain. If you are in severe pain or can see a visible deformity in the toe, contact a podiatrist immediately for evaluation and treatment. If home care does not seem to improve your toe or your level of pain after a few weeks, you should also see your podiatrist. Broken toes need at least three to four weeks to heal; stay off your foot as much as possible during this time. Wear sturdy, protective footwear with plenty of room in the toe box to avoid further injury to your foot.

Family Foot Center has been serving the Queens area with foot care services for over 25 years. We take all insurance plans to treat fractures, arthritis, ingrown toenails, and arch pain using state-of-the-art in-office technology. Take a look through our website to learn more about Dr. Zawada or call us at (718) 767-5555 to schedule your visit.