It is not uncommon for anyone who spends a lot of time at the gym or pool to develop plantar warts, or verrucae, on the bottom of the feet or around the toes. This condition is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) – a highly transmissible virus that loves moist, warm environments, such as locker rooms, shower floors, and swimming pool changing areas. The warts usually appear as a cauliflower-shaped growth with small dots. While they are basically harmless, they spread easily. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get rid of them as soon as possible. Because of this, patients who have a painful plantar wart, especially if it won’t go away on its own, would be wise to visit a podiatrist for treatment. Among the many options are removal with acid-based treatments, which are stronger than over-the-counter ointments, cryotherapy (freezing them off with liquid nitrogen), and laser surgery for larger clusters.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor 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
Treatment
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 our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
When fluid filled lesions form on the feet because of pressure and/or friction, they form blisters. Blisters can be very painful and can form from a variety of factors. Common factors that can cause blisters to form include wearing shoes that are too stiff or don’t fit right, too much moisture in the feet, foot deformities, and wrinkled socks. There are some things that can be done to help prevent blisters that include keeping the feet dry, wearing socks and shoes that fit correctly, and making sure to check the feet for any rubbing or tenderness that is caused by shoes. Patients who do form blisters on the feet should make sure to not pop them because they usually clear up after around 3-7 days. However, patients who have persistent blisters, are diabetic or believe that their blisters are infected would be wise to consult with a podiatrist.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle pain can sometimes be caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune disease which attacks healthy tissue can often start in the joints of the feet and ankles. When RA attacks the lining in the ankle joint, it becomes inflamed and damaged, along with ligaments and cartilage surrounding the joint. Over time, this deterioration weakens the bones of the ankle, causing them to rub together. This can cause pain in the ankle (which worsens as the disease progresses), stiffness, inflammation, difficulty standing, tenderness, redness and warmth, lack of balance, and more. People with RA in their ankles may also develop corns and bunions, hammertoes, bursitis, pain in the ball of their foot, a collapsed arch, and the shape of their foot may change. Symptoms outside of the feet include a loss of appetite and weight, low grade fever, fatigue, and weakness in the muscles. Genetics, obesity, and smoking can increase your risk of getting RA. If you are experiencing ankle pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. Along with a physical examination and review of your medical history, your podiatrist may need blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs to properly diagnose RA and begin a course of treatment to slow its progression and help manage its symptoms.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are a variety of issues and injuries that can result in pain, swelling or stiffness to the feet and ankles, including trauma or just simple wear and tear on the body. While staying active is the best way to help keep your feet in shape, there are signs to look for that may indicate the care of a podiatrist is necessary. Anyone who has experienced significant trauma to a foot or ankle from a fall or direct injury would be wise to have the injured area examined by a professional as soon as possible. Further, if you notice that your feet or ankles are misshapen, have a hot or tender feeling, constantly hurt, or are unable to bear weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to find the source of the issue. Once a diagnosis is made, a podiatrist will be able to help provide a proper treatment plan.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
