Gout typically occurs in the big toe and can cause severe pain and inflammation, if it is not treated. If your podiatrist has told you that you have gout, you should start looking at the foods and drinks you consume, because these are causing a buildup of uric acid in your blood.

As you will learn in this video, uric acid is actually a product of proteins called purine. As urine breaks down, it produces uric acid, which will eventually be discharged from your body through your kidneys. If your kidneys are damaged, or you have an unhealthy diet that encourages excess uric acid production, then you could be in danger of gout.

Come down to Family Foot Center, your expert on podiatric medicine and gout near Whitestone. Call our foot center at (718) 767-5555 or visit us online to schedule your next appointment right away.

Warts are a common occurrence in life, but that does not mean they cannot be treated. Podiatrists, also known as foot doctors, can treat the plantar warts that develop on the soles of your feet, causing great discomfort. If your feet have been in pain, and you think you may have warts, then you should make an appointment to see your podiatrist soon.

Symptoms

Plantar warts are similar to warts you may develop elsewhere on your body, but they may change in shape, color, and size the longer they remain on your feet. Typically, a wart will look like a fleshy growth on the bottom of your foot. Since plantar warts are located on the bottom of the foot, they may get pushed into the skin and develop a type of callus that covers the area. You may also notice tiny black spots where blood vessels have formed to deliver blood to the wart. The wart can become painful, as if you have a rock in your shoe whenever you walk or stand.

Treatments

Many times, a plantar wart will disappear on its own, but this may take over a year. There are some over-the-counter medications that can treat the area, but if the warts return or the treatment did not get rid of them, then visit your podiatrist. Your foot doctor may prescribe one of several medications or therapies, depending on the severity of the condition. Common treatments include an application of a peeling or freezing medication. Other treatments may include topical acids, minor surgery to remove the wart, or the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Prevention

To prevent any type of wart infection, you should avoid contact with anyone’s warts, including your own. Use disposable emery boards, or refrain from using one that was used by someone else. Wear foot protection around pools or recreation centers where warts have been found.

If you have been suffering from bunions, fungus, or plantar warts in Whitestone, then call Family Foot Doctor at (718) 767-5555. With Dr. Stanley Zawada, you will receive complete care and understanding about any and all of your foot concerns.

Because of myths related to hammertoes and podiatry as a whole, patients can become injured to the point of surgery and even amputation. Continue reading to learn about common hammertoe myths that, if believed, could see your feet become very unhealthy.

Myth #1: Hammertoes always require surgery.

Though surgery is a common treatment option for hammertoes, it is not always the first suggestion your podiatrist will make. If the condition is caught early enough, then your podiatrist may suggest wearing specially-made shoes or shoes that fit larger on your feet. He may also suggest toe stretches and exercises that will work the muscles of the toes and relieve some of the pain. If these methods do not work, or the condition has progressed too far, podiatric surgery may be the best course of action.

Myth #2: Corns are unconnected to hammertoes.

Corns are typically a result of developing a hammertoe. A corn is a collection of skin that develops on the knuckle or tip of a toe. The toe has usually been rubbing the inside of a shoe because of various reasons that may lead to a hammertoe. Many patients may resort to over-the-counter corn pads to remove the corn, or they may even cut it off themselves. This is considered very dangerous and can lead to infection or amputation of the toe. Consult with your podiatrist before administering any medication at home.

Myth #3: Hammertoes are only caused by arthritis.

There are many misunderstandings and inconsistencies about how hammertoes develop. There are four common ways that may affect the development of a hammertoe, including arthritis. The most common hammertoe cause comes from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes regularly. As the toes crowd, the middle toes receive the most amount of pressure and begin to curl downward, causing a hammertoe. Other causes may be hereditary or bunions that cause pressure on the toes.

Don’t hurt your feet because of common myths. Visit Family Foot Center to have your hammertoes in Whitestone and any other podiatry problem checked out. We are available online or at (718) 767-5555.

Have you been thinking about seeing a podiatrist about foot pain for which you can’t pinpoint a particular cause? If so, you may be suffering from fibromyalgia. This syndrome is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, but it is one of the most common types of musculoskeletal conditions. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include fatigue, widespread pain, anxiety, depression, a reduced pain threshold, and tender areas on the body.

The chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia can significantly impact your activities and quality of life. Often, people who have fibromyalgia want to exercise and be active, but they are hindered by pain in their feet, knees, hips, or other joints.

If you are experiencing foot pain, consider seeing a foot doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Family Foot Center offers high-quality and experienced care for a range of issues that can affect your ankle and foot health in Whitestone. To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (718) 767-5555.

Broken toes are a painful and common injury treated by podiatrists. If you think your toe may be broken, be sure to visit a foot doctor as soon as possible. Watch this video for some helpful tips on determining if you have broken your toe.

First, remove your shoes and socks. If you notice any bumps or deformities when you feel your toe, this can indicate a break. Next, wiggle your toe. If you experience severe pain, there is a good chance that your toe is broken. Other signs of a broken toe include popping or grating sounds when you move your toe, extreme swelling, or a significant difference in appearance when compared to the same toe on your other foot.

Have you broken a toe? Is so, you can schedule your free consultation with an experienced podiatrist in Whitestone by calling Family Foot Center today at (718) 767-5555.