It can be hard to get rid of tinea pedis, a condition more commonly known as athlete’s foot. It is caused by exposure to dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm and moist places, such as swimming pools, locker rooms and gyms, and even sweaty feet in tight shoes. Because it is highly contagious and can be spread by direct and indirect contact, it can be difficult to eradicate. Symptoms include itching, scaly skin on the sides of the feet, blisters between the toes, and dry, patchy scales on the bottom of your feet. It can be spread to others by walking barefoot in wet areas, close contact with another person and wearing damp socks. You can also spread the infection to other parts of your own body through touch. Home remedies include anti-fungal sprays that are available over the counter. If athlete’s foot does not go away, or keeps coming back over and over again, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer other treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

After years of wearing high heels with pointy toe boxes, or other ill-fitting shoes, many women develop hammertoes in the second and third toe. A raised bump forms on the joint of the toe, which then rubs against the top of your shoe and can become painful. One of the first things you can do to alleviate some of the discomfort is to find shoes that do not aggravate the condition. Look for shoes with a lower heel, wider toe box and softer material on top. It is also a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your foot and assess the need for orthotics to help align your foot as you walk. This can improve mobility and alleviate pressure around the toes. In some cases, surgery can help to correct the condition. Your podiatrist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM from New York. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in the Upper West Side, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The band of tissue that supports the arch, running along the bottom of the foot and connecting the heel to the toes, is known as the plantar fascia. When this ligament becomes inflamed or strained, the injury is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Patients who are commonly affected by plantar fasciitis include those who are middle aged, frequently on their feet, overweight, or have tight Achilles tendons. Plantar fasciitis is usually at its worst in the morning after getting out of bed or after resting for a long period of time. If you are suffering from heel pain that may be plantar fasciitis, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis of your pain and effective treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM  from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in the Upper West Side, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungal infections are a very common disease of the nails. The fungus responsible for toenail infections is called onychomycosis, or tinea unguium. It is very hearty and can be resistant to D-I-Y treatments at home. Fungal infections can cause the toenails to become brittle, crumbly, thickened, ragged, and discolored with yellow or white streaking or spots. A podiatrist may treat toenail fungal infections with oral medications, topical therapies, removal of damaged areas of the nail (debridement), or laser therapy. If you think you have a toenail fungal infection, reach out to a podiatrist to discuss your treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact Emmanuel Bustos, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in the Upper West Side, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.