Athlete’s Foot and How It Affects Foot Health

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. Unlike ordinary dry skin, athlete’s foot is contagious and can cause itching, burning, redness, cracking, peeling, and blisters. The infection often develops in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, or near swimming pools. Causes include exposure to the fungus, poor foot hygiene, sweaty feet, and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose athlete’s foot, differentiate it from dry skin or other skin conditions, and recommend antifungal treatments, proper foot care, and preventive measures. If you notice persistent itching, redness, or peeling between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wearing the Right Shoes for Office Work

Wearing the right shoes for office work plays an important role in comfort, posture, and overall productivity. Shoes that fit properly help support natural alignment which can reduce strain on the feet, knees, hips and lower back. When posture improves, many people experience less fatigue and greater confidence throughout the workday. Wearing well-fitting shoes also allows you to stay focused on tasks rather than being distracted by foot pain or discomfort. Comfortable office shoes should provide adequate arch support, cushioning, a stable sole, and enough room for the toes to move naturally. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and suggest custom orthotics, when needed. If workday foot pain is affecting your comfort or performance, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear for work.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

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Explaining a Cheilectomy for Bone Spurs in the Toe Joint

A cheilectomy, pronounced ky-lec-toe-me, is a type of surgery used to remove bone spurs that form around the big toe joint and limit motion. These extra bony bumps develop along the top or sides of the first metatarsal, which is the long bone leading to the big toe, and they can cause pain when the toe bends or when shoes press on the area. This bone spur surgery involves smoothing the bone to create more space in the joint and improve movement. After the spur is removed, many patients notice reduced stiffness, although underlying arthritis can still cause discomfort. A podiatrist can explain whether a cheilectomy is an appropriate treatment, based on how the bone spur affects walking, joint motion, and shoe comfort, especially in enclosed shoes or flip-flops. If you have symptoms of bone spurs in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and possible surgical treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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Toe Pain Caused by Sesamoiditis

Toe pain caused by sesamoiditis often develops when the small sesamoid bones beneath the big toe become irritated from repeated pressure during walking, running, or increased time on hard surfaces. These tiny bones act like pulleys that help the big toe move smoothly and absorb weight with each step. People usually describe a sharp ache directly under the big toe that worsens when pushing off the ground or bending the toe upward. Higher arched feet can place more force under this area, and shoes that lack adequate support, like thin flip-flops, can add further strain. A podiatrist can examine the toe, assess how the sesamoids are functioning, and use imaging to rule out issues like stress fractures. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure under the big toe with offloading inserts, wearing supportive shoes, and changes in activity. Surgery is reserved for rare cases involving ongoing pain or structural problems. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

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Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

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