Items filtered by date: June 2025

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads easily through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, redness, and cracking of the skin. In some cases, it may also cause blisters or thickened skin. Risk factors include wearing damp socks, using public showers, or having sweaty feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection and recommend antifungal treatments, proper foot hygiene practices, and footwear changes to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pseudogout is a joint condition that can cause sudden pain and swelling in the feet and ankles. It occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals collect in the joints, leading to inflammation that can feel similar to gout. While both conditions involve crystal buildup, gout is caused by uric acid crystals and often targets the big toe, whereas pseudogout typically affects the ankle or midfoot and involves different minerals. The pain from pseudogout may come on quickly and can limit movement, making walking difficult. It tends to affect older adults, especially those with osteoarthritis or joint trauma. Diagnosis often requires imaging and lab tests to confirm the type of crystals present. Treatment for pseudogout include anti-inflammatory medication, joint aspiration, and lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups and manage symptoms. If foot or ankle pain appears without warning and does not improve, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight shoes, toe injuries, or naturally curved nails. The area may feel sore, swollen, and, in more severe cases, may produce drainage or pus. When conservative treatments like warm soaks, antibiotics, or lifting the nail fail, a podiatrist may recommend a minor surgical procedure. One common option is partial nail avulsion, where only the ingrown portion is removed. Another method is a wedge resection, where the side of the nail and a portion of the nail bed are removed to stop the problematic section from growing back. These in-office procedures are quick, performed under local anesthesia, and typically offer long-term relief. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.