You may be suffering from athlete’s foot if you experience a burning sensation in the skin of your foot, if the skin appears red or puffy, of if the skin is flaking or peeling. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection frequently treated by podiatrists.

Watch this video to learn more about athlete’s foot. People typically develop this fungal infection after their skin comes in direct contact with the fungus, or when the skin of their foot is subject to excessive moisture or heat.

Are you looking for a foot doctor serving Whitestone to treat your athlete’s foot? At Family Foot Center, our experienced podiatrists treat a broad range of conditions that can affect your foot health. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at (718) 767-5555.

For many people, walking and running are vital to their everyday lives. If you’re experiencing foot pain, you may be suffering from one of a variety of conditions that can affect the health of your feet. The following are some of the signs that you should see a podiatrist for your foot pain:

Pain and Swelling

Edema, or swelling, and pain in one foot and not the other is an abnormal condition that should be examined by a podiatrist. A variety of issues can cause this symptom, including tendonitis, a broken bone, infection, or a ruptured tendon.

Severe Pain

If you experience severe pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, call your podiatrist. Immediate treatment is particularly important if you have recently undergone surgery, as this symptom can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, infection, a dressing that is too tight, or compartment syndrome.

Pain with Activity

Pain in your foot or ankle that increases with activity can indicate a stress fracture. Early treatment for stress fractures can potentially prevent more serious problems and reduce the patient’s healing time.

Open Sores and Wounds

An open sore on your foot or ankle can result in a skin or bone infection if not treated. If you have a wound that won’t heal, it’s important to see a foot doctor for treatment. Medical care is vital for diabetics, whose injuries can take longer to heal, putting them at a higher risk for infection.

Strange Sensations

If you notice burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, these symptoms can be a sign of neuropathy, a condition that increases your risk for foot ulcers. Diabetes is a frequent cause of neuropathy and is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. For diabetics diagnosed with this disease, it’s essential that their foot health is closely monitored by a doctor.

If you’re looking for a skilled podiatrist to treat your foot pain in Whitestone, call Family Foot Center today at (718) 767-5555. We offer free consultations and can diagnose and treat a variety of foot conditions.

Have you been considering a trip to the podiatrist for your foot pain? For many people, the nature of their job or what shoes they wear at work can negatively affect their foot health.

Extended Standing

Your feet are designed for walking, not standing in place for long periods. If your job requires you to regularly stand in a stationary position for too long, your muscles and tendons can be damaged and result in soft tissue injuries. Individuals who spend significant parts of their workday on their feet and in place, such as cashiers, hairdressers, factory workers, and teachers, are at risk for developing foot issues, particularly if they wear unsupportive shoes. Common problems caused by standing for too long include severe foot pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bunions, fallen arches, and osteoarthritis.

Walking Surfaces

If you spend much of your work day standing and walking, the surfaces beneath your feet could be affecting your foot health. Concrete floors can cause significant impact to your heel with each step you take. Also, if the walking surfaces in your workplace are slippery, wearing shoes that aren’t slip-proof can result in twisted ankles, fractures, and falls.

Poor Footwear

While wearing the right shoes can keep your feet comfortable and in good health, the wrong footwear can cause significant pain and even injury. In some workplaces, heels are a required part of the dress code. These shoes prop up the heel and place extra pressure on the ball and toes of the foot. Additionally, they can affect your posture and lead to back, knee, and calf problems. If high heels are required for your job, podiatrists recommend that you wear pairs no higher than two inches, that you wear them for short periods of time, and that you stretch your calves before and after.

Family Foot Center offers podiatric medicine near Whitestone. If you are experiencing ankle or foot pain, call us today at (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment.

After deciding to have surgical treatment for bunions, patients can look forward to less foot pain and better day-to-day function. Before having podiatric surgery, your foot doctor will need to know about all of the medications you’re taking, such as blood-thinners, and medical conditions you have, including whether you’ve previously had adverse reactions to anesthesia or sedatives. You might have a few medical tests to ensure you can safely undergo podiatric surgery.

Another good way to prepare for your surgery is to become better informed about the steps of the procedure. When you watch this video, you’ll see an animated demonstration of the surgical approach your podiatrist can use to fix your foot.

The foot surgeon at Family Foot Center performs all podiatric surgeries at our Whitestone location for your convenience. To schedule a consult and learn whether surgical bunion treatment is right for you, call us at (718) 767-5555.

Summer is nearly here and while you’re busy making plans to travel, hit the pool, and visit friends, you’re probably not thinking much about your foot health. But summertime is a peak season for foot health issues like fungal infections, cuts and scrapes, and many other uncomfortable problems. Podiatric medicine specialists urge their patients to take a few simple precautionary measures to keep their feet in pristine condition.

Going Barefoot

In the summertime, you may be tempted to shed your shoes to feel the hot beach sand between your toes or the lush lawn on your feet. But podiatrists warn against going barefoot-whether outdoors or indoors. Walking around without footwear increases your risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the lack of support. It also exposes your feet to injuries, which in turn raises your risk of infections.

Wearing Sandals

Wearing flip flops or sandals could be just as bad for your feet as walking around barefoot. For starters, minimalist footwear doesn’t offer the support of a sturdy athletic shoe. It also doesn’t protect your feet from stubbed or broken toes. That being said, there are some circumstances in which podiatrists actually recommend wearing flip flops. You can wear flip flops around the pool, in locker room shower areas, and around in hotel rooms to protect your feet from infections. In these cases, wearing flip flops is definitely better than going barefoot.

Getting Sweaty Feet

If sweaty feet are making you shy away from supportive footwear, there are steps you can take to reduce the moisture. After bathing, dry your feet well and apply a spray-on antiperspirant. You can also lightly cover your feet in foot powder. Wear socks that wick moisture away from the skin and choose athletic shoes with fabric that allow for good air circulation.

If you do develop foot pain, athlete’s foot, corns or calluses, or any other type of foot problem this summer, you can count on Family Foot Center. Our foot doctor serves Whitestone-area residents with exceptional care in a state-of-the-art clinic. Call (718) 767-5555 for an appointment with our trusted foot doctor.