Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that develops in stages. In the early stage, the nail may appear dull or discolored with white or yellow spots. As the infection progresses, the nail thickens, becomes brittle, and may start to lift from the nail bed. In the advanced stage, the nail can become dark, crumbly, and emit an unpleasant odor, often causing discomfort or pain while walking. Toenail fungus is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and inside shoes. It can spread easily from one nail to another or to other people through shared surfaces. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through examination and laboratory testing, then provide treatments including antifungal medications or debridement to remove infected nail tissue. Early treatment offers the best results. If you are dealing with toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to restore healthy, clear nails. 

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often develops when the tendon is overstressed, leading to pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle. Common causes include over-training, sudden changes in training surfaces, tight hamstrings, poor shoes, and frequent running on an incline. These factors place extra strain on the tendon and can lead to gradual irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, provide targeted treatments, recommend proper footwear, and guide stretching and strengthening plans to support healing. If Achilles tendon pain is affecting your daily life or exercise routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes irritated and inflamed. It often develops from repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, prolonged standing, high arches, or flat feet. Symptoms usually include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, discomfort after activity, and tenderness along the arch. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide a custom treatment plan, offer orthotics, and guide stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition in which firm, fibrous nodules develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. These nodules usually appear in the arch and can cause pain or discomfort while standing or walking. The exact cause is not always known, but factors such as genetics, repeated trauma, or certain medical conditions may contribute to its development. Symptoms include small lumps in the arch, tenderness, and tightness in the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and imaging tests, then recommend custom orthotics, stretching, or advanced therapies. If you have a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and effective treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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