Are Your Feet Sandal Ready?

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that our Manhattan patients are enjoying the tease of warmer spring days, giving us a welcome preview of what’s to come. Spring and summer are a time for enjoying sandals and open-toed shoes and baring your feet at the beach and pool and—but are your feet ready? Now’s the time to deal with these unsightly foot problems.

Toenail Fungus—it isn't pretty if you have a fungal toenail infection. Although often not painful, toenails will develop white spots or turn a brown or yellowish color. They may also become thick and deformed in appearance. The edges of the nail can become crumbly and brittle. Toenail fungus can be challenging to eradicate. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, and secondary infections may also develop. The sooner you consult our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff, the better. Treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications and laser therapy. In extreme cases, you may require minor surgery to remove the nail for medication to be effective.

Bunions and Hammertoes—toe deformities are progressive conditions, and so if you think your bunion or hammertoe looks worse this year than last, there's a good chance you're right. These disorders are structural, caused by biomechanical problems with muscles, tendons, joints, or bones. They are best and most effectively treated in their early stages when options like custom orthotics, taping and strapping can help slow the progression. Several different surgical options are available in more advanced stages to improve or correct the deformity. The podiatrist will monitor the progression of your toe deformity and be able to advise you on the best treatment plan.

Black Toenails— sometimes called Runner's Toe, black toenails (especially for the second or third toes) can occur if you're an avid runner due to the toes hitting up against the front of the shoe. Changing your footwear may be the way to eliminate this problem. Check at a professional sports shoe store to ensure your shoes fit correctly.

Make an appointment now at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 and get unsightly foot problems taken care of so that your feet will be ready for summer shoe styles.