Do you know how to treat a foot problem when it happens to you?
Foot problems happen to most people at some point during their lifetime. It’s important that you know what to do about it to prevent further issues. Our New York City podiatrists at Kenneth R. Meisler & Associates are here to share the most common foot conditions and problems we see and what you can do to treat your condition and manage your symptoms.
Bunions
This deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe is a fairly common condition that occurs over time. More women develop bunions than men and it usually is more noticeable later in life. This deformity is progressive, meaning that it will continue to grow and get worse if the proper measures aren’t taken to treat it.
While bunion surgery is the only way to repair the joint, the majority of people can get away with managing their symptoms with non-invasive measures such as:
- Heat therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Custom orthotics
- Proper footwear
- Bunion pads
Heel Pain
While there are a few conditions that can lead to heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause. Plantar fasciitis is when there are microtears or inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the soles of the feet. If you also notice arch pain along with heel pain then you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Luckily, plantar fasciitis will often go away on its own. In the meantime, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms:
- Brace or splint the heel
- Wear orthotics (custom shoe inserts)
- Wear shoes that offer more support and padding
- Avoid high-impact exercises
- Rest the foot and elevate it
If symptoms don’t improve after a week of at-home care, then it’s time to visit one of our New York City foot doctors.
Fungal Infection
While fungal infections are rarely serious, it’s still important that you treat the infection to prevent it from spreading. There are over-the-counter antifungal medications that you can use; however, it can be tricky to treat fungal nail infections. Sometimes you’ll need to turn to a foot specialist for a prescription medication or for laser nail treatment.
If you are experiencing any of these issues above, or any other foot problems, don’t hesitate to call our New York, NY podiatry office right away for treatment. Even if you just have questions about the services we offer, we are here to answer them.