Items filtered by date: June 2025

Fungal infections of the feet, including athlete’s foot and fungal toenail infections, often develop in warm, moist environments where fungi thrive. Fungal foot infections are more likely to occur when the feet are frequently damp from sweat, confined in enclosed shoes, or exposed to shared areas such as locker rooms, communal showers, and around swimming pools. Wearing synthetic socks and shoes that do not allow air circulation can also raise the risk. Additional risk factors include certain health conditions, like diabetes or circulation issues, as well as a weakened immune system. Athlete’s foot may cause itching, peeling, or flaking skin, especially between the toes, while fungal nail infections can lead to thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails. The infection may begin in one area and gradually spread across the foot or nails if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by providing a proper diagnosis and selecting the most effective treatment based on the severity of the infection. If you believe you have developed a fungal foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 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.

Supination of the foot is a natural motion that occurs when the foot rolls outward during walking or running. This helps the foot form a stable structure for push-off. When this motion becomes excessive, it is called over-supination or underpronation. Too much outward rolling can place stress on the outer edge of the foot and reduce shock absorption. This may lead to heel pain, ankle sprains, arch strain, and fractures in the heel bone. Over-supination is often related to high arches, poor walking patterns, or previous foot injuries. People who over-supinate may notice that their shoes wear out more along the outer edges, causing instability while walking. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait and determine if your foot alignment is contributing to the pain. Custom orthotics, bracing, or surgery may be recommended to correct the issue and improve balance. If you have foot pain caused by your gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force or overuse, often seen in the foot and ankle due to their weight-bearing role. Common causes include intense physical activity, improper footwear, or sudden increases in training. Risk factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and foot abnormalities. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. These injuries can be difficult to detect without proper imaging. A podiatrist can assess symptoms, order diagnostic tests, and develop a treatment plan. This may involve rest, supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. If you have symptoms of a foot and ankle stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist, fall, or misstep on uneven surfaces. This injury is common in sports and daily activities that involve quick changes in direction. Ankle sprains are classified into three grades. A mild sprain, or Grade 1, involves slight stretching of the ligament, while a moderate sprain, or Grade 2, includes partial tearing and more noticeable swelling. A severe sprain, or Grade 3, means the ligament is fully torn, leading to significant instability. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, recommend the appropriate treatment, and provide supportive devices to promote proper healing. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat ankle sprains.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.