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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have fungus on my
nails?
Fungus on the nails usually
presents as a darkening yellow,
sometimes blackish and opaque
discoloration of the nail. It can
also present as white splotches on
the nail. As the fungus progresses,
the nail can get thicker and
brittle.
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How do I know whether I should see a
podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for
my foot problem?
Podiatrists specialize only in
the foot and ankle, while an
orthopedic surgeon has a wider focus
including knees, hips, shoulders,
arms, hands etc… When it comes to
foot and ankle problems, a
podiatrist is the best place to find
the care you need.
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I run for exercise. How often should I
replace my running shoes?
A good rule of thumb is to change
your running footwear every 350-550
miles. Heavier runners should
replace their shoes closer to the
350 mile mark while lighter runners
can stretch shoe mileage closer to
the 550 mile range. If you run 25 or
so per week, you should replace you
shoes every three to four months.
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I sprained my ankle, how should I treat
this?
One of the best home treatments
is to remember the term “RICE”.
(R)est:
If pain is persistent with activity,
Resting it may prevent further
injury - do not try to "work out the
injury"
(I)ce:
Apply a towel-wrapped ice pack to
the injury in 20-minute cycles. (20
min. on, 20 min. off) to help reduce
swelling
(C)ompression:
Wrap an elastic bandage firmly
around the injury to help restrict
swelling. Injury should be
re-wrapped every 3-4 hours
(E)levation:
Elevating the foot and ankle using a
pillow to be even with your heart.
This helps drain fluid away from the
injury.
It is important to see a
podiatrist as soon as possible after
the injury to make sure the injury
is not more severe (for example a
hairline fracture).
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I have orthotics. How often to I need to
have these replaced?
After about a yeaer and a half,
orthotics lose their shape,
stiffness, hence, their function of
properly supporting the foot.
Heavier or more active individuals
may find their otrhotics wearing
sooner. Your orthotics may be
wearing out if you begin to notice
your feet becoming more tired or
your foot pain returns
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My heels hurt. What can I do about the
pain?
The most common cause of heel
pain is what is known as plantar
fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the
inflammation of the plantar fascia
ligament on the bottom of the foot
where it attaches to the heel.
Some pain can be avoided by
wearing a shoe with good arch
support and taking advil as
indicated by your doctor. If this is
not enough, your podiatrist may
prescribe a stronger
anti-inflammatory or other treatment
such as ESWI shockwave treatment
which is exclusively offered on Long
Island at North Shore Podiatry.
My toes are becoming crooked and they
now hurt, why is this?
Crooked toes can be a hereditary
trait or it can be a result of the
shoes you wear. Over time, they may
begin to become painful. Crooked
toes are called "hammertoes" and
when they begin hurting it is due
them becoming arthritic and less
flexible. Wearing wider shoes and
adding padding can help. If these
solutions do not help relieve the
pain caused by hammertoes, there is
a surgical procedure that can
straighten the toes.
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How do I know if I should have my
bunions fixed or just leave them alone?
If shoes are constantly hurting
your feet, have discomfort, or can
no longer perform the activities you
love to do because of bunion pain,
you should see a podiatrist to get
an x-ray and discuss your treatment
options..
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What can I do about preventing athletes’
foot? What can I do if I have it?
Athlete's foot is caused by a
fungus that grows in dark, moist
environments, such as that of your
footwear. The athletes' foot fungus
is contagious and can be spread
around locker rooms, pools, spas,
and other public areas.
You can avoid getting Athletes'
foot by not walking barefoot in
public areas, drying your toes and
feet extremely well after swimming
or bathing, applying anti-fungal
powder to your feet, wearing
"dry-wicking" athletic socks and
changing your socks often.
If you already have Athletes'
foot, your podiatrist can prescribe
anti-fungal medication which will
work to eradicate the infection
inconjunction with the
above-mentioned tips.
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My heels are dry and cracked. Is there a
solution?
The problem of dry and cracked
heels is usually hereditary. This
problem will never just go away,
however you doctor can help treat
and control the problem. If your
heel is cracked and bleeding, it is
important to see a podiatrist as any
open wound can become infected. If
you are dealing only with dryness
and cracking, applying a good
moisturizing cream at least twice a
day, and sleeping with socks on at
night (after applying the cream)
will help soften your skin. After
softening the dry skin, you can use
a pumice stone to remove the flaked
off skin.
If these solutions do not work,
your podiatrist has several
prescription cream options that can
be prescribed for your condition.
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What is causing the pain under the balls
of my feet?
Metatarsalgia, or pain under the
ball of the foot, can be caused by
many things including torn
ligaments, injured nerves, inflamed
joints, or a small facture. See your
podiatrist to find the cause of your
pain and begin to get on the road to
recovery.
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My child has flat feet. Should I seek
treatment?
There are many people with flat
feet who never have a problem with
their feet. If there is a family
history of flat feet with family
members needing surgery or having
bunions, hammertoes or other foot
condition, then yes, your child
should be treated. This does not
mean surgery, rather, a good insert
recommended by their podiatrist. The
best thing to do is to have your
child’s foot examined, then evaluate
the options.
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Are
warts contagious?
Warts are caused by a viral
infection and are contagious if
direct contact is made with them.
Like the athletes' foot fungus, the
viruses that cause warts thrive in
warm, moist environments and as
such, may be transferrable on moist
towels, at spas, pools, locker
rooms, etc. A good way to avoid
catching warts on your feet is to
wear footwear in these environments.
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How do I avoid ingrown nails?
Ingrown nails can be avoided by
trimming your nails and rounding the
corners of your nails using a file.
Toe nails should always be trimmed
using a nail clipper - do NOT tear
your tow nails or you increase the
chances of developing an ingrown
toenail.
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