Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, usually starting between the toes. It thrives in warm and moist environments and can cause itching, redness, burning, and peeling. If not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the toenails, hands, and groin. Risk factors include wearing damp socks, using shared showers, having sweaty feet, and walking barefoot in public places. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the infection, providing effective treatments, and offering guidance to prevent it from returning. Professional care can also address complications such as cracked skin or nail involvement. If you notice signs of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 William Street Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Measuring your foot is a simple way to ensure proper shoe fit and avoid discomfort. To measure length, place your heel against a wall and mark the tip of your longest toe, then measure the distance. To measure width, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your foot, and then use a conversion chart to determine the correct shoe size. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can lead to blisters, bunions, corns, hammertoes, and even long-term joint pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot shape, gait, and any underlying conditions while recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics for comfort and protection. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips for finding your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation in the feet can cause coldness, numbness, swelling, and fatigue that make daily movement uncomfortable. Improving blood flow begins with simple habits that encourage the vessels to work more efficiently. Regular movement helps tremendously, even gentle activities like walking, ankle rotations, or stretching throughout the day. These actions activate the muscles that naturally push blood back toward the heart. Warm water foot soaks can also provide temporary comfort by relaxing tight tissues. Wearing shoes that fit well, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and elevating your feet while resting can further support healthier flow. People who smoke, have diabetes, or live with vascular concerns may notice circulation improves when these underlying issues are better managed. Compression socks can be useful for some individuals, but they are not right for everyone. If you experience persistent coldness, color changes, or slow-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and tailored care.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is a painful sprain of the joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by a sudden push off, quick change of direction, or intense pressure on the front of the foot. The injury stretches or tears the soft tissues surrounding the joint, leading to swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bending the toe. Some people notice bruising or a sharp ache when pushing off when walking or during sports. Early care focuses on reducing irritation by limiting activities that stress the toe, using supportive footwear, and protecting the joint from further bending. Elevation can ease discomfort, while taping or stiff soled shoes can help control motion as the area heals. Recovery time varies, depending on how severe the injury is and how quickly it is addressed. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, monitor healing, and recommend specific treatments. If your toe pain persists or worsens after injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.