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Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

Tips to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is characterized by dry, peeling skin that is red, itchy, and may also sting and burn. While over-the-counter and prescription antifungal medications are effective for treating athlete’s foot, it is still important to take measures to prevent getting the infection in the first place. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments like public swimming pools and locker rooms. When going to these areas, wear shoes to protect your feet. Athlete’s foot can be highly contagious, so it is best to avoid sharing shoes, socks, towels, and personal items with others. Keeping your feet clean and dry will make them less hospitable to the fungi. This can be achieved by maintaining good foot hygiene and wearing breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. If you find yourself afflicted with athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for 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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Wednesday, 01 September 2021 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00

What Is Infectious Arthritis?

Infectious arthritis is a sudden and painful form of arthritis caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. This type of arthritis typically only affects one joint and can be caused by an infection spreading from one part of your body to the joint or joint lining, or by an infection-causing germ entering the body through open wounds, injections, or surgery. The symptoms of infectious arthritis include intense swelling, pain, fever, and chills. Although infectious arthritis usually affects the knees, it can also attack hips, wrists, and ankles. If you have symptoms of infectious arthritis in your ankle, a podiatrist may be able to help. For more information about the different types of arthritis, the effects of arthritis on your feet, and how to care for arthritic feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.    

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

How Are Flat Feet Diagnosed in Children?

The majority of children are born with flat feet and gradually develop an arch during early childhood, typically between the ages of 3 and 5. Some children, however, continue to have flat feet past this age and even into adulthood. Flat feet may not cause any noticeable symptoms, or they may lead to foot and ankle pain, abnormal walking patterns, and an increased risk of other foot problems. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination. Your child may be asked to stand on the ground, sit with their feet dangling over the edge of a chair, stand on their tiptoes, or walk around the room so that the doctor can see how their feet look and function under various conditions. The doctor may also examine their ankles to see if they have a short Achilles tendon, which sometimes co-occurs with flat feet. If you are concerned about the health of your child’s feet, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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Tuesday, 17 August 2021 00:00

How Can I Heal a Blister Quickly?

Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form between the top-most layer of skin and the layer beneath it. Blisters typically develop on the feet as a protective measure for your skin in response to friction. They often heal best when they are left alone, but some blisters can be quite painful or pop due to friction. You can help the blister heal by covering it loosely with a bandage or blister pad. Don’t touch or pop the blister, as this can expose the raw skin underneath it to germs and increase the risk of infection. If your blister continues to be very painful, does not seem to be healing well on its own, is showing signs of infection, or if you have diabetes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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Tuesday, 10 August 2021 00:00

What Can Cause an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the outside edges of the skin. It generally affects the big toe and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or possibly from genetic factors. Additionally, the shape of the nail may be conducive to developing an ingrown toenail. Research has indicated that ingrown toenails may happen more often in children and pregnant women. This can be a result of the accelerated speed of the nail growth. Mild relief may be found when the affected toe is soaked in warm water which can be beneficial in pulling the nail away from the softened skin. An ingrown toenail can easily become infected if not promptly treated. If you are afflicted with this ailment it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00

Healthy Foot Tips for Hiking

Whether you are heading out for a quick day hike or plan on camping and hiking for a few days, there are measures that can be implemented to ensure that your feet are up to the task. One of the most common conditions that can wreak havoc on the feet during a hike is developing an ingrown toenail. Having long toenails can cause discomfort, but cutting the nails too short and having them grow into the skin can be excruciating. The best advice to help prevent ingrown toenails is to cut the toenails straight across and not too short before you even leave for a hike. The next step is to make sure that your shoes or hiking boots fit properly by ensuring the back of the heel sits tight to the back of the shoe, but the toes can still wiggle. Once hiking, any discomfort to the feet should be addressed right away. This can be accomplished by changing socks and bandaging any areas that may be forming blisters. After the hike it is important not to pop any blisters on the feet in order to reduce the risk of infection. If you have questions about keeping your feet healthy during your next hike or camping trip, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Monday, 02 August 2021 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 00:00

Why Do I Have Hammertoes?

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which the toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape. This deformity typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes and causes pain, discomfort, and joint stiffness. There are many reasons why a hammertoe may develop. Chronically wearing ill-fitting shoes which are too tight, narrow, have excessively high heels, or squeeze your toes together, can contribute to the formation of hammertoes. Hereditary foot differences, having unusually long toe bones, weakness in the muscles of the feet, or injuries can also make hammertoes more likely. Other foot conditions, including bunions and rheumatoid arthritis, may increase your risk of hammertoes. If you notice that your toes are changing in appearance, or if you are experiencing any foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. Treating hammertoes early can help stop or slow their progression.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:00

Teaching Children How to Care for Their Feet

It is important for parents to teach their children how to take care of their feet. Children are often fascinated to learn that each of their feet have twenty-six bones, in addition to several muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They understand their feet can feel good when they are washed and dried every day, and when they wear shoes that fit correctly. Babies' feet will get stronger when they can walk barefoot while indoors, due the toes gripping the floor to maintain balance. When the toenails are trimmed, ingrown toenails may be prevented. This is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it can make it difficult for children to run and play. If you would like more information about methods on how to teach children the proper way to care for their feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
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