February 2023

From the ankle to the toes are about 26 bones and over 30 joints, not to mention numerous tendons, muscles, and ligaments. These all combine to carry the body’s weight whenever you take a step. It is no wonder, then, that experts have recommended that to promote healthy feet, a daily foot exercise regime is important. This can begin before you get up in the morning by flexing the ankles to stretch the calf muscles, which may have become tightened overnight. This occurs because the toes usually point downward during sleep. Hold the flexed position for about 15 seconds, and repeat about 10 times. The muscles on the bottom of the feet benefit from some exercise, too. A simple way to accomplish this is to move the foot back and forth over a foot roller, or a bottle of water if you don’t have a roller, for about five minutes. To strengthen the arches, stand on the toes and hold the pose briefly before slowing lowering the heel. Repeat about 15 times. You may wish to hold onto a wall or chair back for balance. For more information on how to increase the strength and mobility of your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

The painful foot condition that is known as an ingrown toenail can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also occur from improperly trimming the toenails, or possibly if it tends to run in families. An ingrown toenail generally affects the big toe, and is noticeable as the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, and it may become infected. Some patients find temporary relief as they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. An ingrown toenail will generally produce pain and discomfort, and there is no mistaking what it is from. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly assess and treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The medical term for athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis. It is a skin infection of the foot, and it is considered to be contagious. Research has shown approximately 10 percent of Americans are afflicted with this condition, and it may recur in half the people who have athletes’ foot. The most common type of athletes’ foot is referred to as interdigital athlete’s foot, and it is found between the fourth and fifth toes. Many patients notice blisters form between the toes, and it may be an allergic reaction to certain types of fungal organisms. Moccasins-type athlete’s foot is noticeable on the sole and heel. This can cause the skin to become dry and flaky, and it may also affect the toenails. Effective preventative methods for athlete’s foot typically begin with practicing good hygiene habits and wearing appropriate shoes while in locker rooms and public swimming pool areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. If you notice symptoms of athletes’ foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and guide you toward the correct treatment. 

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, and Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toes are made up of two or three small, fragile bones. A toe bone can break or fracture when it is stubbed, or if something heavy is dropped on it. Broken toes are common, and treatment is often successful by staying off of the affected foot and elevating it. Additionally, using the buddy taping method, or taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, can help to provide stability that is needed. If one has a severe toe fracture, the big toe may be involved, and a break may cause the toe to become crooked. Tiny fragments of bone can break off, and may result in an open wound. Injuries to the big toe may need a cast or splint for proper healing, and more severe fractures may require surgery. When an individual breaks a toe, they often feel pain, and the toe may become bruised, swollen, and stiff. If you think you have broken your toe and home care methods are not helping, please consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and provide treatment options that are right for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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