Allowing children to walk barefoot until the age of four is beneficial for both brain and body development. Walking without shoes promotes natural foot growth, helping to strengthen muscles and improve balance. It also enhances the sensory experience by allowing the feet to feel different textures and surfaces, which aids in the development of the brain’s sensory pathways. These early experiences help children develop coordination and spatial awareness, important skills for future movement. Barefoot walking also encourages proper posture and alignment, as the feet can move freely, engaging muscles that are vital for walking, running, and jumping. Furthermore, by spending time without shoes, children become more aware of their environment, improving their ability to navigate different terrains. If your child has a foot condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and address any concerns you may have about your child walking barefoot.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bacterial and fungal foot infections are common and can cause significant discomfort. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, is caused by the growth of fungi in warm, damp environments like sweaty shoes or public showers. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin, often between the toes. Bacterial infections, such as cellulitis, occur when bacteria enter through cuts or blisters, causing redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever. Both conditions can worsen if left untreated. Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves antifungal creams or oral medications, while bacterial infections may require antibiotics. Keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and using antifungal powders can help prevent infections. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot infections, providing antifungal or antibiotic prescriptions and offering guidance on proper foot hygiene. If you are experiencing symptoms of a foot infection, it is important to seek care. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the right treatment and avoid complications.

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 Footcare Now. 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic ankle pain and instability often result from repeated ankle injuries, creating a cycle of pain, weakness, and a fear of reinjury. Those affected may experience a sensation of the ankle giving way, soreness, and swelling that make daily activities challenging. This condition frequently affects athletes or active individuals who have had multiple sprains, weakening the ligaments, and leaving the joint unstable. It can also affect older people more. Causes include ligament damage, insufficient healing, or scar tissue buildup, and it is more common in those with high-impact lifestyles or a history of untreated ankle injuries. Without proper care, chronic ankle instability can lead to cartilage damage and arthritis over time. Treatment may include targeted exercise and bracing. In persistent cases, surgery might be considered. If you have chronic ankle pain and instability, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help develop a personalized treatment plan to restore stability and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the nail bed, often starting as a white or yellow spot under the nail. Over time, it can cause nails to thicken, discolor, crumble, or become misshapen, leading to discomfort, and, in some cases, pain. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making athletes, individuals who sweat heavily, and those who wear tight or non-breathable shoes more susceptible. Poor foot hygiene and minor nail injuries also increase risk. Treating toenail fungus can be challenging, as the infection tends to be persistent. For more stubborn infections, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may prescribe oral antifungal medications or laser therapy to target the fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. 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 offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.