Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful foot condition that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Redness, swelling, and tenderness often accompany an ingrown toenail, which can cause discomfort when walking. The big toe is the most common site for ingrown toenails to appear. Possible causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or sustaining foot injuries. People with naturally curved or thick nails can be more prone to ingrown toenails. Conservative treatments for an ingrown toenail include warm foot soaks and proper nail care, while surgical approaches may be used in more severe cases. Podiatrists specialize in treating ingrown toenails. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with this type of doctor who offers treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors 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 Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection. The fungi thrive in warm, moist places, such as locker rooms and communal showers. Symptoms of athlete's foot include intense itching, cracked skin, blistering, and redness, typically concentrated between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Diagnosing athlete's foot is usually straightforward, involving a thorough examination and discussion of lifestyle habits and footwear. Treatment requires patience, with antifungal medications often taking weeks to months for symptoms to fully resolve. Recurrence is common without proper foot care and preventative measures. To manage and prevent athlete's foot, it's essential to keep feet clean and dry, wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes, and avoid walking barefoot in public areas. If you have a persistent case of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized treatment and guidance.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing appropriate footwear is paramount for individuals with flat feet to maintain comfort, stability, and overall foot health. Flat feet, a common condition where the arches of the feet collapse, can lead to various issues such as overpronation, arch pain, and discomfort while walking or standing. Proper shoes for flat feet offer vital support and alignment, helping distribute weight evenly across the feet and reducing strain on ligaments and muscles. Shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning may help to alleviate discomfort and prevent the progression of foot-related problems associated with flat feet. Additionally, supportive footwear can promote proper alignment of the lower body, reducing the risk of related issues such as ankle and knee pain. By choosing shoes designed specifically for flat feet and prioritizing comfort and support, individuals can reduce discomfort, enhance stability, and maintain an active lifestyle with confidence and ease. If you have flat feet and are interested in purchasing shoes that can bring relief and offer adequate support, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Haglund's deformity, an abnormality affecting the foot bone and soft tissues, can be recognized by a bony growth at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon is located. This enlargement, often referred to as a pump bump, can result in irritation of the adjacent soft tissue when it rubs against rigid shoes. Haglund’s deformity can lead to bursitis, a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between the tendon and the bone. While this deformity can develop in anyone, it is most commonly observed in individuals who wear stiff, closed-heel shoes, particularly pump-style high heels. Several risk factors increase susceptibility to Haglund's deformity, including a high foot arch, a tight Achilles tendon, or a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel. Symptoms can include a noticeable bony bump on the back of the heel, severe pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, swelling in the bursa, and redness near the inflamed tissue. If you suspect you have Haglund's deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and suggested treatment options. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.