Items filtered by date: June 2024

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure, often on the feet. They typically form on the tops or sides of toes and can be painful when pressed. There are two main types of corns which are hard and soft. Hard corns are the most common, appearing as small, dense, and circular areas of thickened skin, usually found on the tops of toes or other bony areas. Soft corns, in contrast, are whitish and rubbery in texture, typically developing between the toes where the skin is moist from sweat. Both types of corns result from excessive pressure and friction, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal toe movements. Corns on the feet can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. They often result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Genetic predisposition and certain activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or ballet, can also contribute to this condition. People with curved or thick nails are more susceptible to ingrown toenails. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and sometimes pus if an infection develops. If left untreated, the pain can intensify, making walking difficult. To find relief for an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in warm water to reduce swelling, and gently lift the nail away from the skin using a cotton ball or dental floss. Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across, wearing properly fitting shoes, and avoiding trauma to the toes. If you have a persistent or severe ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional treatment and guidance. 

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 doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ensuring accurate shoe fitting in older adults is essential for comfort and mobility. The Brannock device, a traditional tool used for decades, measures foot length and width manually. While it is reliable for basic measurements, it does not capture the full complexity of foot shape. In contrast, three-dimensional, or 3D, foot scanning technology offers a more comprehensive analysis. This advanced method creates a detailed digital model of the foot, accounting for variations in arch height, toe shape, and other nuances. Older adults, who often experience changes in foot structure due to aging, can benefit significantly from the precision of 3-D scanning. This technology provides tailored recommendations, enhancing both comfort and support. Although the Brannock device remains a valuable tool, the detailed insights from 3-D foot scanning represent a significant advancement in ensuring the best fit for older individuals. If you are wearing shoes that do not fit properly and have developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you with relief options and guide you on the best way to determine your shoe size.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Ensuring the health of your feet is paramount for overall well-being, yet it is a facet of the body that is often disregarded until discomfort arises. With the intricate structure of 28 bones, more than 30 joints, numerous ligaments, tendons and muscles, your feet demand regular maintenance. Starting out the day with gentle calf stretches has been pivotal in alleviating strain, and is especially beneficial for individuals susceptible to overuse conditions like plantar fasciitis. Incorporating simple foot massages with a roller or water bottle aids in releasing tension and fosters relaxation. This simple exercise also offers respite after enduring hours of standing or activity. Foot exercises concentrating on the arch area serve to fortify foot muscles, thereby enhancing stability and bolstering support. By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you can help to ward off foot pain and fatigue, enabling you to remain on your feet for extended periods of time with reduced strain. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. 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 office located in Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.