Items filtered by date: November 2024

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common condition typically affects the big toe and is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and in some cases, pus or drainage if an infection develops. Relief for ingrown toenails often starts with soaking the foot and wearing looser shoes. In mild cases, a podiatrist may gently lift the nail or trim it to relieve pressure. If the condition is severe or infected, more advanced treatments, such as removing part of the nail or prescribing antibiotics, may be necessary. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the ingrown toenail and recommend the best treatment options. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Paul Drucker of NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. It is characterized by symptoms such as intense itching, burning sensations, and redness. The skin may become dry, flaky, or cracked, and blisters can form in more severe cases. This condition thrives in warm, moist environments, making public showers and swimming pools common sources of infection. To relieve symptoms, it is vital to keep the feet clean and dry, as moisture can cause the problem. For persistent infections, consulting a podiatrist for stronger medications may be necessary. Practicing good foot hygiene and wearing breathable footwear can help prevent future outbreaks. If you have developed this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat athlete’s foot, often with prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Incorporating specific stretches into your routine may help to alleviate the discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. One effective stretch is the calf stretch. Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind the other and gently lean forward, feeling the stretch in the calf of the back leg. Another beneficial stretch is the seated toe stretch. While seated, extend one leg and reach towards your toes to stretch the plantar fascia. The towel stretch is also useful, and is done while sitting, looping a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pulling it towards you to stretch the arch of the foot. Consistently performing these stretches can enhance flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing in the plantar fascia. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you toward additional stretches for relief.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition characterized by pain on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from the misalignment of the cuboid bone. This small bone plays a vital role in foot stability and movement. The pain typically arises during activities that involve weight-bearing or lateral movements. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains, overuse injuries, and improper footwear, which can lead to strain on the surrounding ligaments. Additionally, repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, may contribute to this cuboid syndrome. People with flat feet or high arches are also at greater risk due to altered foot mechanics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Paul Drucker from NYC Foot Care, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 70th Street Manhattan, 60th Street Manhattan, Jamaica, Queens, Plainview, NY and Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.