August 2020

A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects up to 10% of all Americans. There are several risk factors for developing this condition. Wearing tight footwear can crowd the toes and cause them to become moist and warm. This creates the perfect conditions for fungus to thrive in, so try to avoid this by wearing wider, open-toed shoes. Exercise might cause repetitive minor trauma to the nail, allowing fungus to invade. Communal showers and other public areas like locker rooms and pools increase your risk of exposure to fungus, so make sure to not walk barefoot in these places. Finally, various diseases, such as diabetes and AIDS that can weaken the immune system, make it easier for fungal nail infections to occur. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment from a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you work on your feet, you may be familiar with the foot pain and soreness associated with standing all day. Stretching and exercising your feet can help relieve your pain and discomfort. Rolling a tennis ball under your feet can help reduce pain on your soles. For best results, remove your shoes and socks and sit on a chair. Press down lightly on the tennis ball with the bottoms of your feet as you roll it around. If you have ankle pain, you can relieve it by rolling your ankles in slow circles. You should feel a gentle stretch along your calves as the Achilles tendon is stretched. For more advice on how to relieve foot and ankle pain from working on your feet, speak with a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are a deformity of the toe joint that cause the big toe to move towards the other toes. The most common complaints of people with bunions are pain, a prominent bulge on the side of their foot, and difficulty wearing shoes. Bunions tend to get progressively worse over time, so it is important to seek medical care. A podiatrist diagnoses bunions by examining the foot, and may then take an X-ray to determine the severity of the condition. The doctor may recommend conservative care to manage the symptoms, or surgery to correct the deformity. If you suspect you have a bunion, it is recommended that you speak with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel is designed to absorb the impact of body weight, and when pain develops, it can be disabling and affect other aspects of the body and life. Heel pain is usually the result of small repetitive injuries that are unable to heal, which then form into a bigger mechanical issue. These issues can include plantar fasciitis, heel bumps, tarsal tunnel syndrome, a fracture, Achilles tendonitis or heel spurs. Some self-care options for heel pain include wearing comfortable shoes, wearing shoes with good cushioning, minimizing walking on hard surfaces, or losing weight. If heel pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is important to consult with a podiatrist in case the injury is more severe. A podiatrist will be able to properly diagnose and treat the source of the heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation in any of the bones and joints within the feet and ankles. Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet and toes are common symptoms of this condition, which can make walking, standing, or going about your daily life very difficult. Psoriatic arthritis also tends to make other podiatric conditions, such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, more likely to occur. Foot and ankle pain is typically most severe during flare ups of psoriatic arthritis, and may be less severe during periods of remission. There are several things that you can do that may help manage the pain in your feet caused by psoriatic arthritis. Wearing wide, properly-fitted shoes or orthotics, doing low-impact exercises, resting, icing, and soaking your feet may ease the pain of this condition. If you are afflicted with psoriatic arthritis, it is suggested that you regularly see a podiatrist who can help you better care for your feet.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.