Items filtered by date: September 2021

Your podiatrist can help you take care of not only your feet and ankles, but also your toenails. One very common condition that podiatrists treat are fungal toenail infections. These infections often start as athlete’s foot, a skin infection, before spreading to the toenails, although they can also occur on just the nails. Symptoms of toenail fungus include changes in the texture, color, and shape of the nail. The nail may become crumbly, brittle, or thickened and develop yellow, white, or brown spots. In more severe cases, the nail can change shape, separate from the nail bed, emit a foul odor, and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. If you have toenail fungus, and particularly if you have toenail fungus and diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sometimes an ankle sprain and an ankle strain can be difficult to differentiate. Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments in the affected ankle are overstretched or torn, usually during a single incident, like stepping off a curb and twisting your ankle. Ankle strains occur when the muscles or tendons of the affected ankle are repetitively damaged over time. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. At the time of the injury, you may also hear a popping sound or feel a popping sensation, and pain will usually be sudden and intense. Symptoms of an ankle strain include pain, swelling, redness, inflammation, muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness, and a limited range of motion. If you are suffering from ankle pain, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact the foot specialists from Certified Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Uric acid is a by-product of the body breaking down purines—which are present in chemical compounds in the body as well as in certain foods we consume. Most uric acid is excreted, but when too much of it remains (hyperuricemia), it can crystalize on joints. One of the most painful arthritic conditions is known as gout. Some believe lower temperatures in the toes makes a more conducive environment for crystals to form, and so the big toe is often where gout occurs. Gout flare-ups can typically last for days or weeks before going into remission. During a flare-up, you may experience severe pain and swelling, along with heat and redness at the site. Gout with no single cause is known as primary gout. Secondary gout is due to kidney disease or medications affecting the kidney’s ability to expel urate. A podiatrist may make a diagnosis of gout after an examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and fluid aspiration from the affected joint.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Certified Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy running or jogging may find it difficult to perform these activities with a broken toe. It is a common occurrence among people who participate in sporting activities, and runners may be unhappy with taking needed time off from their chosen sport to heal the toe properly. Additionally, a broken toe can occur from dropping a heavy object on it, or from jamming it into a piece of furniture. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can consist of immediate bruising, swelling, and it may be difficult to walk. An effective treatment method can include buddy taping. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and resting it as often as possible. Research has indicated the average time for a broken toe to heal is approximately six weeks and it is important to limit running during this time. If you are experiencing symptoms of a broken toe it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Certified Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Larchmont and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.