People who are overweight may experience foot pain that may be indicative of specific foot conditions. Any additional weight the feet endure may lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which may lead to the painful and uncomfortable condition known as plantar fasciitis. This particular tendon is located at the bottom of the foot and its main function is to connect the heel bone to the toes. If this should become irritated as a result of extra weight the body carries, daily activities such as walking may prove difficult to accomplish. This may cause an altered style of walking, which may result in imbalance. Falling may occur, which may lead to breaking or spraining an ankle. Additionally, medical conditions may develop that may be linked to obesity including gout, osteoarthritis, or diabetes. If you are afflicted with additional weight gain that may be causing foot concerns, please consult with a podiatrist so proper advice for relief may be obtained.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 and ankle needs.

The medical name for Athlete’s foot is referred to as tinea pedis. This common fungal infection that attacks the skin on the feet may typically affect a large percentage of people who will develop this at some point in their lives. This fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin. It is generally found in public pools and surrounding areas, locker rooms, or contaminated surfaces. Patients who experience this contagious skin condition may often notice itchy and red skin between the toes or on the sole of the foot, blisters, or in severe cases, cracked skin may develop. There may be several ways to prevent this condition from developing, including washing and drying the feet regularly, avoiding the sharing of shoes and towels, and failing to alternate shoes. If you feel you have Athlete’s foot, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options for you.

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 one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care of Long Island. Our doctors 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 office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The definition of an ingrown toenail is described as the toenail growing into a portion of the skin on either side of the nail. This condition may cause little discomfort in the early stages of development and may worsen as time progresses. Swelling, redness, or a possible infection may occur as a result of the nail piercing the skin, and this may lead to an infection. The body’s natural response for healing is to have a specific type of skin that may grow at the site of the infection, which is known as hypergranulation. This will generally dissolve once treatment has begun and the infection dissipates. There are several causes for this ailment to occur, and these may include wearing poorly fitting shoes or socks, having a family history of ingrown toenails, or improperly trimming the toenails. If you feel you have developed this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested to seek the advice of a podiatrist who can properly assist in the correct treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Many people who have heel pain are often diagnosed with a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the name of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, which connects the heel bone to the toes. If this should become inflamed, plantar fasciitis may most likely develop. A proper examination is typically conducted to determine if this condition exists and this may include paying close attention to the arches of the foot, which may be exceptionally high, and pressing on the heel, which can pinpoint where the pain is originating from. Most patients who are afflicted with plantar fasciitis may experience heel pain as the first steps are taken in the morning. Additionally, if exercising is part of a daily routine, heel pain may be noticed after the workout is completed. Research has shown that recent lifestyle changes may play a significant role in developing this condition, which may include starting a new job, or spending extended periods of time walking or standing. This may be a result of the plantar fascia moving out of proper alignment. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist, so a proper diagnosis can be performed, and the correct treatment can begin.

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.

Choosing the correct running shoe is crucial in protecting the feet while pursuing an active hobby or sport. One of the first things to do is to determine what type of running style you intend to pursue, as this can aid in selecting the shoes that are most comfortable and supportive for you. There are shoes specifically designed for different types of running, and these can include jogging on hard surfaces, running on trails, which may have rocks and other obstacles, or running where balance is required. Research has shown that it may be beneficial to recognize any patterns in how the shoes are wearing. This may be helpful in determining which type of shoe is best for you. If you would like additional information on how to choose a running shoe that is right for your feet and needs, speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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