Did you know that about one-third of all skin infections are attributed to fungal toenails? It’s particularly common among women, runners, and those who regularly get pedicures. Toenail fungus is very difficult to treat and it often recurs, which is one reason why it’s advisable to visit a foot doctor for the proper care.

Watch this video to learn more about fungal toenails. You’ll learn that any physical trauma to the nail or nail matrix creates an opportunity for fungus to enter and spread the infection. You’ll also learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of toenail fungus.

At Family Foot Center in Whitestone, our foot specialists can provide effective treatment for your fungal toenails and other foot-related health problems. Call (718) 767-5555 today to request an examination from an expert podiatrist.

Blisters can be quite painful, especially if they develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot or on areas that are subject to friction. Blisters also present a risk of infection. If you have a particularly painful blister or you think a blister may be infected, consider seeing a podiatrist promptly. Your foot doctor can give you some tips to reduce your risk of blisters in the future.

Shoes

In many cases, blisters are the result of excessive friction between the foot and the shoe. This means that your shoe should provide enough space for your foot. However, it also shouldn’t be too large because this allows the foot to shift excessively within the shoe. Choose the right type of footwear for your activity. Use running shoes while running, hiking boots while hiking, and comfortable, supportive formal shoes in the office. Feet tend to swell slightly later in the day. When shopping for new shoes, try to do so later in the afternoon to increase your chances of getting a good fit.

Socks

Excessive moisture can also encourage blister formation. Choose moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet from becoming too sweaty. As an added bonus, moisture-wicking socks can help prevent fungal infections of the feet. Even with good socks, some people have a tendency to sweat excessively. Consider stashing a spare pair of socks in your desk or the trunk of your car, just in case your first pair gets too sweaty.

Products

Individuals who are prone to blisters, such as runners and other athletes, may need to go a step further for effective blister prevention. Consider asking your podiatrist for product recommendations. Lightly shaking a layer of powder on your clean, dry feet before putting on your socks and shoes may help prevent this painful foot problem.

At Family Foot Center in Whitestone, our foot specialist is dedicated to providing superior patient care within a comfortable setting. Our podiatric medicine services encompass all types of foot-related health issues, including blisters, bunions, gout, and sprained ankles. Call us at (718) 767-5555 for more information.

The arch is the middle section of the foot that curves upward. It includes the tarsal and metatarsal bones, and it is supported by tendons and ligaments. The arches of your feet play an important role in stabilizing the body during movement, absorbing the shock of an impact, and adapting to sloped and uneven surfaces. Unfortunately, they’re also a common cause of foot pain. Since there are several conditions that can affect the arches, it’s best to consult a podiatrist to find the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Possible Causes

Fallen arches, also known as flat feet, are one common cause of arch pain. Some people are born with very low arches, while others acquire fallen arches when the supporting tendons and ligaments become very weak. This condition can cause severe foot pain. The pain often radiates up through the ankles, lower legs, hips, and into the lower back region. Another possible cause of arch pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot. When it becomes inflamed, severe pain can occur in the heel, the arch, or both.

Effective Treatments

Your specific treatment plan depends on the cause of your symptoms, as well as the type and severity of your symptoms. Often, podiatrists recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment. For example, if you have severe plantar fasciitis, your foot doctor may inject an anti-inflammatory medication and recommend a change of footwear. Many people can benefit from orthotic devices, especially those with arch pain caused by flat feet or fallen arches. Your podiatrist can fabricate custom orthotic devices that meet your feet’s unique needs. If you’re an athlete, you may need to take a break from training until your symptoms resolve. In the meantime, apply ice packs to your arches for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Family Foot Center is your source for comprehensive podiatric medicine in Whitestone. Visit our podiatrist to get to the bottom of your foot pain and identify the treatment options that are best for you. You can reach our office at (718) 767-5555.

If the entirety of the sole of your foot touches the ground when you stand or walk, then your podiatrist will diagnose you with flatfeet. Flatfeet may develop in childhood or it may be an acquired condition later in life. It isn’t always necessary to have podiatric surgery to treat flatfeet. However, if your condition is causing you pain or other symptoms, then surgical correction may be recommended.

Undergoing surgery for flatfeet can resolve bothersome symptoms such as persistent pain in the heel or arch area. This pain can worsen with physical activity, which can make it difficult for patients to lead an active lifestyle and execute the responsibilities of their jobs. Flatfoot is also associated with complications, such as tendon tears or ruptures. In these cases, surgical reconstruction is particularly beneficial.

Here at Family Foot Center in Whitestone, our foot specialist is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety. If you’ve been referred for podiatric surgery for flatfeet, you can call us today at (718) 767-5555 to request a consult.