Ouch! My Feet Hurt! Tips from the Foot Doctor

If you’ve ever experienced pain in your feet, you know how quickly it can get your attention, and how fast it can make your life miserable. Here are some common afflictions of the foot, ways to avoid them, and some treatment tips.

1. Athlete’s Foot. Most people become familiar with this fungal infection in high school, when sharing showers after gym class. The fungus that causes it—the most common fungal skin infection — likes to grow in warm, moist places. You can get it by touching the toes of someone who has it, but more often from walking barefoot on contaminated areas near swimming pools and locker rooms. It spreads easily, and can grow in your shoes once you’ve picked it up. Symptoms include burning, itching, and a rashlike redness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. The skin can peel and crack, even develop infections if left untreated. In the worst cases, blisters can form and toenails degrade. 
To avoid catching this unpleasant parasite, keep feet clean and dry. Wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes made with breathable materials like real leather. If you’re exercising in the middle of the day, bring fresh socks to wear when you’re finished, and consider packing along some foot powder. Always wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re in public places like gyms or pools, and if you do catch the infection, get to your doctor right away. Topical creams and oral medications are available to treat the condition. Without attention, it may spread to other parts of the body

2. Flat Feet (or Fallen Arches). If you have flat feet, your arches lay down like boards instead of curving up into your ankle. It happens to a lot of people—sometimes during childhood development, because of aging, or after childbirth—and is often a painless condition. However, it can cause your ankles to bend inward, which can put pressure on your tendons, knees, even your hips and back.
If you suspect flat feet, see a foot doctor or an orthopedic surgeon. He/she can fit you with orthotics that can help support your feet and thereby the rest of your body, saving you a lot of aches and pains down the road.

3. Heel Pain. Heel pain can be caused by many different things, including heel spurs, stress fractures, nerve irritation, arthritis, or tendonitis. However, the most common cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue (plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes.
What causes this condition? Wearing nonsupportive shoes on hard surfaces for long periods of time, going barefoot too often (where feet are not supported), and having flat feet or high arches. Being overweight can make it worse, as can a lack of exercise. 
If you suspect plantar fasciitis could be causing your heel pain, check with your foot doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment involves a combination of tactics, including targeted stretching exercises, supportive shoes, weight loss, and over-the-counter pain medications. Your doctor may also approve orthotics, night splints, and/or padding to improve walking comfort.

4. Toe Fungus. People often go to the podiatrist because of a thickened, discolored toenail that’s become painful. This is often the result of a fungal infection called onchyomycosis. It can happen underneath or within the nail, causing it to become thick, crumbly, and discolored. The condition may be caused by unsanitary instruments used in nail salons, trauma to the toenail, poor hygiene, and medical issues such as diabetes and poor circulation.
There are ways to control the fungal infection, but unfortunately, there is no cure for it. Topical agents can be applied directly to the toenail and may take up to three months to show results. Oral medication may be used, although monthly blood work is required to monitor liver enzymes. Laser treatments are also available.
To prevent toe fungus, practice proper foot hygiene, carefully evaluate any nail salons you may frequent, and wear shoes with a comfortably wide toe box. If you suspect an infection, see your podiatrist right away for an evaluation.

Dr. Shazia AMAR
35 Ocean Pkwy.,
Brooklyn, NY 11218
(718) 853-5560
702 8th Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 840-0660
5205-7 Church Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 688-8000
Ave J
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 677-1710
DrSAmarDPM@yahoo.com