Toenail fungus is a common complaint people make when they see the foot doctor. Fungal infections in the toenails can be difficult to treat and can cause pain, loss of the nail, and yellowing. What causes toenail fungus to form in the first place? Watch this video to learn more.

Toenail fungus occurs when fungus infects the nail bed. The fungus may enter via a trauma to the nail, or it may occur as a result of diabetes, particularly diabetes that is poorly controlled. Your foot doctor can treat fungus with topical and oral medications.

Toenail fungus is just one condition we treat at Family Foot Center. The sooner you get diagnosed by our foot doctor serving Whitestone, the sooner you can get treatment, so make your appointment by calling (718) 767-5555.

Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet, and while they can be uncomfortable, they are seldom serious. However, all plantar warts should be evaluated by a podiatrist, who can determine what treatment is necessary. Because plantar warts can spread, prompt treatment is important. What causes plantar warts in the first place, and are you at risk? Here is what you need to know.

Causes

Plantar warts are caused by strains of the human papilloma virus, or HPV. There are over 100 different kinds of HPV, but most types of the virus cause warts on parts of the body other than your feet. To get a plantar wart, one of the strains associated with these kinds of warts must enter your body. This typically happens via cuts, scrapes, cracks in dry skin, or skin that is fragile from prolonged water exposure. Not everyone who is exposed to these strains of HPV will develop warts, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be susceptible to the virus. You are most likely to come into contact with the strains of HPV that cause plantar warts in locker rooms, pools, and other damp places, as the virus thrives with moisture. Coming into direct contact with a plantar wart is unlikely to cause an infection.

Risk Factors

Plantar warts can happen to anyone, and it is not always possible to predict who will develop them. However, children and teenagers are particularly susceptible, as are people with weakened immune systems. If you walk barefoot at the gym or in pools, then you have a higher risk. If your podiatrist has already treated you for one plantar wart, you are more likely to have another one.

Family Foot Center offers several treatments for plantar warts in Whitestone to help you get rid of the painful, unsightly infection for good. If you suspect you have a plantar wart or another foot health issue, call (718) 767-5555 to make an appointment with our podiatrist.

What do you do if you have a health concern that involves your feet? You may start with an appointment at your primary care physician’s office, but in reality, a podiatrist could be the person best suited to provide you with care. A podiatrist has special training in foot health and can diagnose and treat a range of conditions that require specialty care. Should you make an appointment with a podiatrist? Here are some signs that you could benefit from foot care.

You Have a Wound That Doesn’t Heal

The feet are prone to wounds, and most heal on their own without an issue. However, if you have a wound that won’t heal, particularly an open sore, then you should consider making an appointment with a podiatrist. Wounds that don’t heal could indicate an infection that could spread to your bones. Seeing a podiatrist for a persistent wound is especially important if you have diabetes, as you are more prone to slow-healing infections that could put your foot in jeopardy if left untreated.

You Have Pain in One Foot

Pain that is restricted to one foot could indicate an injury to a bone, tendon, or ligament. The pain may be accompanied by swelling. If you have this kind of pain, then have your foot evaluated by a specialist, even if you can’t remember injuring it. Getting treatment will help to prevent long-term damage.

You Have Diabetes

A podiatrist is often an important part of patients’ diabetes care teams. People with diabetes are significantly more vulnerable to infections and nerve damage in the feet that can lead to amputation if not treated aggressively. Your podiatrist can monitor your foot health and help you avoid these complications.

Whether you’re worried about a yellowed toenail, a sprained ankle, or anything in-between, you can get the care you need at Family Foot Center. If you are looking for a foot specialist in Whitestone, call our office today at (718) 767-5555 to make an appointment.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause persistent foot pain, toe pain, and ankle pain, and this discomfort may affect your ability to walk or stand comfortably. Because your ankles and toes bear the majority of your body’s weight throughout the day, their joints are much more susceptible to pain and inflammation. Your foot doctor can use podiatric medicine to provide relief from foot pain and allow you to resume your normal daily activities.

When you visit a foot doctor to discuss your rheumatoid arthritis foot pain, he will first attempt conservative podiatry treatments. These treatments may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory pain medication, physical therapy, splinting, or walking with an assistive device. If these treatment methods are unsuccessful, he may recommend podiatric surgery to eliminate your foot pain.

If you’re suffering from foot pain in Whitestone that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, come see us at Family Foot Center. Our podiatrists can provide a range of safe and effective podiatric medicine to eliminate or reduce your foot pain, toe pain, and ankle pain. To schedule a podiatry appointment, call us today at (718) 767-5555.