November 2022

Painful Plantar Warts

Plantar warts can cause severe pain. This may be because of where they are located, on the bottom of the foot. The pain may happen as a result of the wart growing inward from the weight that is put on the foot during everyday activities. The medical name for a plantar wart is referred to as verruca and comes from the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is contagious and it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in the areas this virus is found. These can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This type of wart can resemble a callus and appear to be a small, hardened area of skin. There may be tiny black dots in the center of the wart, which is dried blood that is found inside the capillaries. There are several treatment options available so if you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine which one is best for you. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about Plantar Warts

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

When a Broken Foot Is Untreated

When an individual breaks or fractures their foot, it can be important to seek out immediate medical attention so that a professional can treat this injury. This is because leaving a bone fracture in the foot untreated can wreak havoc on the feet. Specifically, untreated bone features in the feet might lead to some kind of long-term nerve damage. Autonomic, motor, or sensory nerves may be damaged. Additionally, it is possible that an untreated bone fracture could ultimately lead to an infection of the bone. In severe cases, sometimes even the bone marrow may become infected. More broadly, leaving a bone fracture untreated could lead to improper healing that results in misalignment. See a podiatrist today for more details.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

Helpful Tips That May Protect the Feet While Working

There are many professions that require standing for the majority of the day. These can include hairdressers, restaurant employees, and many retail workers. The feet endure the weight of the body, and foot pain at the end of the day is a common ailment among people in these types of occupations. A portion of this discomfort may be avoided when comfortable shoes are worn, in addition to standing on a cushioned mat. This is also referred to as a stress mat, and is possibly helpful in reducing strain on the joints and muscles. It is beneficial to sit down and elevate the feet often, if applicable. Additionally, people may choose to wear compression socks. These are designed with elastic materials that compress the feet and ankles, and force the blood flow away from the feet. When the workday is finished, relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by enjoying a relaxing foot massage. If you would like more information about how to care for your feet while working, please ask a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Working on Your Feet

What Is an Ankle Eversion Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs by twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. A common type of sprain is the eversion sprain, resulting from rolling the ankle inward. Doing this can damage the ligaments in the ankle and cause severe pain or discomfort. The ankle can be sprained in several ways, including running on uneven surfaces and changing directions suddenly while engaging in sporting activities. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or provide minimal support may be another reason a sprained ankle can happen. An X-ray is often taken to provide a proper diagnosis. This is successful in ruling out a fracture, and the right course of treatment can begin. Many people use crutches to keep their weight off the affected foot. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult a podiatrist who can determine the type of sprain and help you with the correct treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains

Various Treatment Methods For Broken Toes

Most people notice immediately if they have broken a toe. Broken toes typically occur when the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture or when something heavy is dropped on them. The symptoms are noticeable and often include immediate swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking.  Pain generally accompanies a broken toe, but it may feel better when the toe is elevated. This can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. In severe fractures, the toe may protrude and appear to be displaced, and surgery may be required to move the bone back into place. An effective treatment method for mild breaks is known as buddy taping. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it for stability which is needed for proper healing. It is also suggested to wear shoes that can accommodate the broken toe as well as protect the toe from being bent or squashed. If you have sustained a toe injury, please contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and effectively treat any ailment involving the feet or toes. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

Connect With Us