FAQ

Athletes foot is a fungus infection. It is characterized by dry, flaky skin most often. Occasionally very small blisters may form. One way to know if you have a fungus infection is to apply lotion or cream to your foot and if you still see it looks scaly or dry then you most likely have a fungus infection. Most often your podiatrist will prescribe an antifungal cream which can take up to 3 months to cure the infection. To prevent fungus infections, be sure your socks are dry and clean. If you sweat a lot, then do not wear the same pair of shoes daily. Allow your shoes to dry out for 48 hours. Spray your shoes with antifungal foot spray. Wash white socks with hot water and bleach.

Bunions are the big bump that forms in some people by the great toe. It is passed on genetically. High heels do not cause bunions and can accelerate their growth. Bunions cannot be corrected non-surgically however surgery can be avoided in many patients by wearing properly fitting shoes. Custom made orthotics by your podiatrist may slow down the progression of bunions.

Corns and calluses form when the body senses high pressure against bone. Never use corn removing acids or pads as this does not solve the root cause. Seeing a podiatrist can help you find out what is causing the corn or callus and conservative, corrective measures can be taken. It is particularly important to minimize corns and calluses in patients with neuropathy or loss of sensation.

Regular exercise such as walking can improve foot circulation. If you have leg pain or cold feet then see a podiatrist who can evaluate your foot circulation and refer to the proper specialist to open up blood flow if needed.

We sweat 1/2 – 1 cup of sweat per day from our feet. Bacteria causes foot odor. Wearing acryclic/cotton blend socks, avoiding shoes made from vinyl or plastic, and using foot powders may help in reducing foot odor.

There are many reasons for foot pain such as arthritis, tendonitis, infections, neuropathy and back pain. It’s important to see a podiatrist if your pain lasts more than a few days to help prevent further damage and alleviate your pain faster.

A hammertoe is a toe that is contracted. It occurs due to a muscle imbalance or due to a certain type of foot structure. Tight shoes may be another cause. They are treated conservatively by modifying shoegear, padding and strapping may help. Occasionally a patient may need surgical correction.

80% of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. The other 20% can involve nerve entrapment, sciatica, achilles tendon problems, certain autoimmune diseases, stress fracture and thinning of the fat pad. Often treatment by a podiatrist includes shoe modification, strapping, padding and sometimes steroid injections are needed. An xray or MRI may be needed.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a ligamentous band of tissue at the bottom of your foot. You can self treat by stretching the foot in the morning before getting out of bed, massage with a golf ball, ice for 20 minutes and wearing properly fitting athletic style shoes. If your pain persists more than 1 week then see a podiatrist.

An ingrown toenail is very painful. It’s when the edge of the nail digs into the skin causing pain, inflammation and sometimes infection. Even the bedsheets can hurt. In order to prevent them, do not cut the corners of your toenail too short. Leave them a bit longer. Soak in warm water with epsom salts or dish soap for 10 minutes. Wear shoes that are properly fitted. If this doesn’t work then visit your podiatrist for a more permanent solution. I do not recommend frequent visits to a nail salon as a treatment solution.

It is important to see a podiatrist if your feet are always cold or numb as that can be a sign of poor circulation or neuropathy.

Foot pain is not normal so see a podiatrist if your pain lasts more than a few days. Other tips: properly fitting shoes, moisturize, trimming nails regularly, healthy weight and regular exercise can help prevent foot problems.

Purchase shoes after 5:00 pm as we all swell and this may make a difference in shoe fit. Try a variety of sizes because there is no standardization for shoe size in the industry. It’s important to remember to wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity such as athletic style shoes for walking around the mall or the park, walking sandals while you’re on vacation. Wearing high heels daily is not recommended. Ladies, mix it up with flats!

Toenail fungus can be caused from multiple reasons including fungal skin infection (athlete’s foot), frequent pedicures, frequent use of nailpolish, wearing closed toe shoes for an excessive amount of time. Depending upon the severity of the infection, you will need either a topical solution or oral medication for more severe infections. Antifungal toenail medication work by protecting the healthy nail from being infected. Topicals do not work on severe toenail infections. Rarely do over the counter medications help.