Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and cause inflammation and swelling. This occurs when the side of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe. Watch this video for a few tips on preventing and treating ingrown toenails.

It is important to prevent ingrown toenails and treat them when they occur because they can lead to infection of the toes. You can prevent ingrown toenails by practicing proper nail care. This involves cutting your nails straight across instead of around the sides. You can then gently file the nails down to make them smoother and softer in appearance. It is helpful to cut your toenails after taking a shower, as they are softer and easier to cut. You can treat ingrown toenails by soaking your toes for about 15 minutes and then applying a bandage with antibiotic ointment.

Do you suffer from ingrown toenails? Contact the Family Foot Center or visit our website. We are a podiatry practice that serves the Queens and Whitestone areas. You can learn more about our foot doctors and podiatry practice in Queens by calling (718) 767-5555 or stopping by to see us today.

2017-06-08T12:21:06+00:00 September 30th, 2014|

Avoiding Arch Pain

Arch pain can be very inconvenient, especially if you have to be on your feet for a long period of time. There are several causes for this condition, but there are also several remedies. Watch this video for a few tips for avoiding arch pain.

Arch pain frequently stems from plantar fasciitis, which is a result of excessive tension on your plantar fascia. There are many different reasons that this condition may occur. If you change your exercise routine or stretch improperly, you may be feeling arch pain. You can avoid this by wearing the right shoes for your feet and stretching properly before athletic activity. Talk to your podiatrist about physical therapy and exercises that can help your feet.

Family Foot Center is happy to serve the Queens area with podiatrist services. If you would like to know more about our foot doctors, visit our website or give us a call at (718) 767-5555. You can also stop by and talk to one of our podiatrists today.

2017-06-08T12:24:59+00:00 September 23rd, 2014|

Figuring Out the Source of Your Arch Pain

If you are suffering from arch pain, there are several possible causes. Narrowing down the factors can help to relieve your symptoms and get you back on your feet. Keep reading for help in figuring out the source of your arch pain and how your podiatrist can help relieve your pain.

Exercising

One popular cause of arch pain is exercise. It is helpful to stretch before you begin an exercise routine, but it is important to stretch in the proper way. Many people develop pain in their feet when they change their exercise routine; this can cause plantar fasciitis, which results in pain and inflammation in your arches. Running on a treadmill set to the highest possible incline or running uphill can have negative effects on your feet. Be sure to wear the proper footwear when you exercise so that your arches are supported; consider athletic shoes with shock absorbing soles. You can also use removable foot insoles to alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Obesity

People who are obese tend to put more pressure on their arches. This can lead to pain and inflammation in the feet. If this occurs, try to shed some weight through exercise and dieting. However, be sure to stretch properly before exercising and do not overwork your feet, as this will only make the pain worse.

Flat Feet

Some people suffer from arch pain simply due to the shape of their feet. Individuals with flat feet tend to be more prone to this condition. If you suffer from arch pain caused by flat feet, talk to your podiatrist about how you can properly support your arches and alleviate your foot pain.

For more information about arch pain please do not hesitate to call the foot professionals at Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555. We provide a variety of podiatry services in the Queens area. If you would like to know more about our practice feel free to visit our website or come in and meet with one of our podiatrists today.

2017-06-08T12:21:21+00:00 September 16th, 2014|

What is Gout and How Does it Affect Your Feet?

Gout can be caused by a number of events, and it affects various parts of your body. Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid. This can occur if your kidneys are not effectively filtering uric acid or if you eat an abundance of purine-heavy foods. Many people realize that they have gout after an attack on their big toes. Gout causes your big toe to become red, swollen, stiff, and warm. It is also very painful. This condition may affect joints like your heels and ankles, as well as your insteps. If you are suffering from gout, talk to your podiatrist about treatment options.

If you would like to know more about gout, please do not hesitate to contact Family Foot Center or visit our website. We are a podiatry practice that serves the Queens area. For more information about the services our foot doctors provide, please give us a call at (718) 767-5555 or stop in and meet with us today.

2017-06-08T12:25:16+00:00 September 9th, 2014|

What are Curved Toes?

Curved toes may look strange, but it’s the pain they cause that’s the real concern. In serious cases surgery may even be necessary to correct curved toes. If you suffer from curved toes, talk to your podiatrist about possible solutions. Keep reading to take a closer look at the different types and causes of curved toes.

Hammer

If you notice that one or more of your toes is bending downwards, you may have a hammer toe. In this case the middle joint of the toe rises up. Hammer toes usually occur in the toes directly adjacent to the big toe and typically occur with bunions.

Claw

Claw toes create a claw shape by curling up and then down to the ground. The toe points upward at the toe and foot joint, and then curls downwards at the middle joint. This may occur in all four of your smaller toes, though curved toes are not typically seen in big toes.

Mallet

Like the hammer toe, mallet toe usually occurs in the toe next to the big toe. A mallet toe is normal until the joint furthest from the foot, where it bends downward. This may impair your ability to walk or cause calluses on the affected toe.

Causes

Curved toes such as hammer, claw, and mallet toes are often caused by improper footwear. Tight shoes may constrict your toes and force them into awkward positions. Shoes can also interfere with the muscles in your toes; when they are kept in an awkward position for too long they may be unable to return to normal. Curved toes are more common among women who wear high heels and shoes that have narrow toes. This condition is sometimes acquired as a result of a trauma or injury to the foot or ankle.

Family Foot Center is a podiatry practice in Queens. If you would like to know more about our services please feel free to call us at (718) 767-5555 or visit our website. If you live in the area, stop in and meet with us to find out more about what our foot doctors can do for you.

2017-06-08T12:22:13+00:00 September 2nd, 2014|