Foot Infections

Foot infections can come from different sources: a metabolic condition (such as diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases, etc) or trauma to the foot.

In both cases, the infection has to be treated immediately. If not, the infection can spread and more drastic measures might need to be taken.

Infections ordinarily develop after the foot’s skin has been injured or wounded. From there, the affected area becomes inflamed as a normal and protective response from the body’s immune system. When damaged tissue is irritated, the immune system will increase blood flow to the area. This is what causes swelling, redness and warmth. The extra blood (swelling) may end up putting pressure near the affected areas which may cause further discomfort.

This is different from an inflammation as those tend to occur in the joints or extremities. Inflammations may happen when a part of the body is overused. Inflammation may also accompany an injury.

Initially, it may be hard to tell an infection and inflammation apart. Therefore it’s vital to evaluate the symptoms the moment they begin appearing.

There are also different forms of infections that one can get and each needs to be addressed and looked after.

A common one is a fungal infection — more commonly known as athlete’s foot. Next, is a viral infection which can come from a wound in a plantar wart. This is a reminder to never pick at warts as this may lead to an infection and will actually worsen the case.

There are also skin infections (cellulitis). A pus-filled pocket could form under the skin surface or deep within the tissue. This is called an abscess. These are quite tricky because you don’t want them to pop under the skin’s surface or without proper medical supervision as this could lead to a graver and more severe infection.

There could be a joint infection (such as septic arthritis), bursa infection ( septic bursitis), and bone infection (osteomyelitis).
If you have any of these symptoms, you should have the condition professionally evaluated:

  • Increased pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Warmth around the affected area
  • Red streaks extending from the affected area
  • Pus draining from the area
  • Fever

If you have, or think you may have a foot infection, please don’t hesitate, call
Family Foot Center at 718-767-5555.
CALL NOW!

2018-01-08T19:59:49+00:00 December 27th, 2017|
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Is surgery a good idea for bunions?

Studies show that up to thirty percent of adults aged eighteen to sixty-five will develop some form of a bunion on either one foot or both in their lifetime.
Bunions are considered aesthetically unpleasing and quite uncomfortable when wearing certain footwear.  However, Family Foot Center of Whitestone, Queens, New York has a solution to your bunions and will leave both you and your feet looking and feeling happy!

What Is A Bunion?

If you look down at your foot and see a bump developing to the side and bottom of your big toe, that is a bunion.  It is a deformity that occurs at the base of the big toe and pushes on the bones and related soft tissue structures deforming and stretching them.  Bunions are commonly genetic and passed down from one generation to another.  If one or both of your parents or grandparents had one you have a greater chance of getting one too.
Women who wear high heeled and tight fitting shoes which change the natural curvature and arch of the foot are at great risk for bunion formation.  Bunions develop at the base of the joint, making it painful to walk and engage in athletic activities.  The feet carry the entire weight of the body and the skin over a bunion will become inflamed from shoe pressure.

Surgery For Bunions

Bunion surgery, or a “Bunionectomy” is a common outpatient procedure performed daily in Podiatry Centers.  This procedure begins with an incision on the top or side of the large toe joint.  The area is put to sleep with a local anesthetic, but general anesthesia is rarely necessary.  Then the surgeon will remove the unwanted soft tissue and extra bone growths and reset the bones back to their proper position.  In total, this procedure will take about an hour or so.  Small surgical hardware such as wires, screws and plates may be used to secure the new positions of the bones and ensure that everything stays in place.  Recovery time is minimal and you will be back up on your newly shapen feet in no time!
If you are experiencing what seems to be a bunion, visit the Family Foot Center of Whitestone, Queens, New York for an evaluation.  Dr. Zawada will complete a comprehensive examination of both your feet and will let you know what the best surgical or non-invasive approach and procedure plan would be for your feet.  No two feet are the same, so make sure they are in good hands!
Professional treatment begins with taking your history, an examination, X-rays, and is followed by a treatment plan.
• Prescription pain reliever
• Medication to reduce swelling
• Custom shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Specially designed shoes
• Bunion Surgery
If you have or think you might have a bunion, or suffer from pain that might be due to a bunion, don’t hesitate.
Call FAMILY FOOT CENTER at 718-767-5555.
CALL NOW!
2017-12-07T01:41:45+00:00 December 7th, 2017|
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How can a podiatrist improve the appearance of my feet?

We put our feet through some of the toughest tasks of our days. We wake up and they carry our tired bodies to the shower, then we walk on them throughout the whole day. Even things done for fun, such as hiking or just in going shopping, our feet take the brunt of the effort and pounding.
When we take off our shoes after a long day, and we see our tired feet, it’s ok to wonder how to make them look better and feel better. It’s especially relevant, when you’re on your feet all the time.
What are some of the things a podiatrist can do to make your feet feel and look better?

Common Podiatry Treatments

One of the first things a podiatrist is going to look at is the appearance of your toenails. Sometimes there can be health problems underlying the discolored or cracked nails such as diabetes or circulation disease. If your toenails are yellow, discolored and darker it might be a sign of a fungus living in the nail. Have it checked out so you can not only remove the fungus, but improve the appearance of your toes.
Another common condition is a wart. A wart is caused by a unique strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).  They can be painful or not depending on their location. Warts cause the blood vessels of your skin to increase in size and number, so they will easily bleed (and hurt!) if they are scraped or poked at. They can appear anywhere on your feet but are when they occur on your sole they can be mistaken for a callus. Podiatrists can get rid of these easily and simply.  If untreated warts can spread all over the foot, spread to the other foot and can even be transmitted to any other part of your body.  Always wash your hands with soap and water after touching what you think could be a wart, but avoid touching them altogether!  Get them examined!
If your feet display chronic redness, itching, and cracking, these can be signs of athlete’s foot caused by a fungus. This can change the skin between your toes and produce a pretty strong odor. It can prevent anyone from wearing sandals or getting that pedicure they wanted due the unsightliness.
These three simple conditions can be easily taken care of by a podiatrist.
Your feet go through so much on a daily basis, why hide them in your shoes when they’re meant to stand out?
Reach out to your local podiatrist to help you take on these conditions and solve these pesky foot troubles. Soon, your feet will be as pretty as they are healthy!
Family Foot Center specializes in these problems and so much more.  We are ready to help you with these issues. Come by to discuss how to make your feet healthy and nice again!
Professional treatment begins with taking your history, an examination and X-rays (if necessary), and is followed by a treatment plan.
Don’t hesitate, call Family Foot Center at 718-767-5555.
CALL NOW!
2018-07-10T11:22:34+00:00 December 7th, 2017|
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