May 2024

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, extends its reach far beyond the realm of athletes. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making anyone susceptible, regardless of their athletic pursuits. Individuals who frequent communal spaces like gyms, swimming pools, or shared showers are at highest risk. Preventive measures play an important role in warding off this uncomfortable infection. Keeping feet clean and dry, especially between toes, helps create an unsatisfactory environment for fungi to flourish. Wearing breathable footwear made of natural materials and changing socks regularly can minimize moisture buildup. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas and using antifungal powders or sprays as a preventive measure can further reduce the risk of infection. Athlete’s foot can be treated by a podiatrist. If you notice signs of this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can prescribe medication for effective 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 Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. 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 our office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The process of learning to walk is a significant milestone in a child's foot development, marking the transition from dependency to independence. As infants, babies typically begin to explore their surroundings by lifting their heads, rolling over, and eventually crawling. Over time, they develop the strength and coordination needed to pull themselves up and stand with support. As they gain confidence and stability, they take their first tentative steps, often holding onto furniture or caregivers for balance. With practice and encouragement, children gradually refine their walking skills, progressing from unsteady toddling to confident, independent walking. Along the way, they learn to coordinate their movements, maintain balance, and navigate obstacles in their environment. Walking not only facilitates physical exploration but also fosters cognitive and social development, enabling children to engage more actively with their surroundings and interact with others. If your child is delayed in walking, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Co-Op City, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Beyond the well-known effects on your lungs and heart, smoking can also severely affect your feet, particularly through a condition known as Buerger’s disease. This disease targets the blood vessels in the arms and legs, causing swelling and reduced blood flow, which leads to the formation of clots. Consequently, individuals may experience pain, open sores or ulcers, and gangrene, which if not properly treated by a podiatrist may lead to limb loss. While the precise cause of Buerger’s disease remains uncertain, one undeniable link is tobacco use. Chemicals in tobacco irritate blood vessel linings, which then triggers inflammation and constriction. Nearly all diagnosed cases of Buerger’s disease are associated with tobacco use, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. Prevention is key, and that begins with quitting smoking and avoiding all forms of tobacco. But prioritizing your foot health is also essential, and by seeking guidance from a podiatrist you can manage symptoms and receive the needed wound care. If you're experiencing any symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

A broken foot, or foot fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the foot are cracked or broken. This can happen due to trauma from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or from repetitive stress over time. Fractures are categorized as open, when the bone breaks through the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. Treatment for a broken foot depends on the location and severity of the fracture. It may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, rest, elevation, and sometimes surgery to realign the bones and facilitate proper healing. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide expert assessment, develop a tailored treatment plan, and offer ongoing care to ensure optimal recovery and long-term foot health.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lewis Wolstein, DPM, P.C. & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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