Now’s the Time to Address Unsightly Foot Problems

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that with the recent winter weather, putting on a pair of sandals is the farthest thing from our Manhattan patients’ minds right now. However, warmer days are quickly coming and that will mean time for taking your feet out of heavy socks and boots. Will you be ready? Many people are embarrassed about the way their feet look due to a podiatric condition that affects the appearance of the foot. Help is available, but many of these types of disorders take time to correct. Below are some common conditions that patients feel self-conscious about.

Fungal Toenails

Do you have one or more toenails that looks yellowish in color and is unusually thick or even crumbling at the edges? This is often the way a toenail looks that has a fungal infection. Fungal infections are spread by direct contact and can be picked up at the gym, nail salon or local pool. They thrive in warm, moist places like the insides of your shoes. Toenail fungus can be stubborn and take time to eradicate. Treatment for this condition can be a topical or oral medication or--the latest technique--laser therapy. Laser therapy is non-invasive, painless and requires no downtime after treatment.

Bunions/Hammertoes

Toe deformities such as bunions and hammertoes are usually the result of a biomechanical problem or muscle imbalance in your foot. They are progressive conditions that get worse over time. The tendency for these types of toe troubles is often genetic. There are several conservative treatments available for treating toe deformities, depending on how severe the condition is. Surgery is the only way to completely eliminate a bunion or hammertoe.

Plantar Warts

This annoying foot disorder is caused by a virus that you can pick up in any public place where you walk barefoot. A distinguishing mark of a plantar wart are tiny black dots in the center of the wart. These are blood vessels that nourish the wart. Warts may occur singly or in clusters. They can also spread. We offer a variety of treatment options to get rid of warts. Your first step if you have one of the above conditions or another issue with your foot that makes you want to keep your socks on is to contact our Upper West Side office  by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia or Dr. Kristina Ruff will examine your feet and make recommendations for the best course of treatment to get your feet looking lovely for the summer.