Blisters often heal without medical intervention, but blisters on the foot can be trickier to get rid of. If you have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or a compromised immune system, it’s best to err on the side of caution and visit a podiatrist. This is because blisters can easily tear open from the pressure and friction within a shoe. When this happens, you’re at risk of an infection that may become serious. A podiatrist can safely treat your blister, prevent or treat infections, and offer some tips on preventing future foot blisters.

In the meantime, resist the urge to pop the blister. Keeping it intact reduces the risk of infection. While waiting for the blister to dry up and heal, you can protect it with blister pads or cushions. These keep the blister from popping and they reduce friction on the area, which alleviates your pain.

For all of your foot health concerns, you can turn to Family Foot Center in Whitestone. Call us at (718) 767-5555 and ask us about our special services for patients with diabetes.

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One common cause of arch pain is fallen arches. This condition can be quite painful, but a podiatrist can help you rehabilitate your feet. Your foot doctor may demonstrate exercises that you can do at home to strengthen your feet, such as toe raises.

When you watch this video, you’ll see a demonstration of how to do toe raises properly. This health expert recommends holding each toe raise for five to 10 seconds. You can also try circular toe raises and balancing exercises to improve the strength of your feet.

If you suffer from arch pain and live near Whitestone, you can find the effective podiatric medicine solutions you need at Family Foot Center. Call our office at (718) 767-5555 and let us know how we can help you.

Many people take their foot health for granted—until a disabling injury or progressively worsening pain interferes with daily life. Since the foot is a complex structure that is susceptible to a vast range of health problems, it’s best to take your concerns to a doctor of podiatric medicine. These foot specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the foot. Your podiatrist can also provide lifestyle guidance to help you keep your feet healthy for your lifetime.

Myth: Walking around barefoot is not harmful.

Being barefoot may be natural, but it’s not without its risks. Foot doctors strongly recommend wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes to reduce the risk of injuries and infections. Walking around without shoes leaves you susceptible to cuts and scrapes, as well as fungal and bacterial infections. These problems are particularly dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or blood circulation disorders. Some diabetics develop foot problems that are so severe that the foot has to be amputated. Wearing shoes inside and outdoors is a simple way to prevent foot health problems.

Myth: Foot pain is inevitable for people with active jobs.

If you’re on your feet all day long, you might return home with tired, aching feet or perhaps with sharp, stabbing pain in your heel from plantar fasciitis. Foot pain may be common, but it’s also often preventable. For help navigating your busy lifestyle, you can turn to a doctor of podiatric medicine. Your podiatrist can evaluate your walking gait and recommend the best shoes to wear to work or to the gym. Custom orthotics are another specialty of foot doctors.

Myth: The majority of foot health problems are not serious.

The feet are susceptible to a broad range of problems and many of them are relatively minor, including corns and calluses. But for many patients, foot health problems can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. Patients with diabetes, for instance, can support their longevity by including a podiatrist on their diabetes care team. Podiatrists also frequently treat serious conditions like compound fractures, tumors, and deformities.

When you have a foot health issue, you can put your trust in Dr. Stanley Zawada, who has been board-certified by three distinct podiatric medicine organizations. At Family Foot Center of Whitestone, you’ll receive personalized attention and specialized care for your unique foot health concerns. Call us today at (718) 767-5555 for more information.

During work, workouts, and family activities, your feet can take quite a pounding. The stressors of daily life and the development of acute injuries can cause considerable foot pain. If you have developed severe or persistent pain in your heel, don’t delay seeing a podiatrist. If you try to wait for the pain to resolve itself, it may only worsen your condition. Your foot specialist may diagnose you with one of the following conditions that commonly cause heel pain.

Stress Fractures

Unlike most types of fractures that often result from a sudden injury, stress fractures are typically due to repetitive strain on an area. This overuse injury is often diagnosed in athletes, particularly those who are starting a new exercise routine. The heel pain associated with stress fractures of the feet often gets worse with activity and improves with rest. It may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness of the heel. Your foot specialist may request X-rays when a stress fracture is suspected. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the primary treatment methods include rest, followed by a gradual return to low-impact activities. Some patients may use a walking boot or crutches. Occasionally, surgery is required.

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition occurs in athletes and non-athletes alike. It’s particularly common among people who spend a great deal of time on their feet. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. The heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis is often described as an intense, stabbing sensation. Rest, cold therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications or injections are often prescribed to heal the plantar fascia. Your podiatrist may also recommend night splints and custom orthotics.

Achilles Tendinitis

The calf muscles of the lower leg are attached to the heel bone with the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that is common among “weekend warriors” and those who suddenly increase the intensity of their workouts without proper conditioning. The heel pain can extend upward to the back of the leg. Achilles tendinitis can be quite severe, but is often treatable with medications and physical therapy. Some patients may need surgical repair.

Don’t let heel pain interfere with your daily activities any longer. Turn to the caring team at Family Foot Center and find out how our foot specialist in Whitestone can get you on the road to recovery. Give us a call today at (718) 767-5555 to request an appointment with our podiatrist.

Warts are a contagious, viral condition that affects the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. For this reason, they are a problem frequently seen by podiatrists. Having plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful and, if left untreated, they can spread and multiply on your skin.

When should you see a podiatrist for treatment? If home remedies and self-care fail to treat the wart, then you can benefit from seeing a foot doctor for treatment. If the wart seems to be growing, is easily irritated, or is spreading, then consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Lastly, if the wart causes you significant pain when you walk or appears to be infected, then you should see your podiatrist.

At Family Foot Center, we treat plantar warts and a broad range of foot conditions to help keep your feet healthy and pain-free. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with a foot doctor serving Whitestone, please give us a call at (718) 767-5555.