Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet and are caused by a viral infection in the outer skin layer. They often develop in areas of pressure, such as the heel or ball of the foot, and may feel like stepping on a small stone. These warts can spread through skin contact or from walking barefoot on damp surfaces like gym floors or locker rooms. While some may go away on their own, others can grow, multiply, or cause discomfort with walking. Avoid picking at the area to prevent spreading the virus, and keep the foot clean and dry. For persistent or painful warts, or, if walking becomes difficult, seeing a podiatrist can help avoid further issues. If a plantar wart is not improving with home care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate care.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. 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

• 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 our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused when the top of the toe shifts, pointing toward the other toes. This misalignment often results in a hard lump on the side of the foot, along with swelling, pain, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include genetics, improper footwear, flat feet, or certain types of arthritis. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion, provide relief through custom orthotics, recommend lifestyle changes, or suggest surgical options, if necessary. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist to ease discomfort and prevent further joint damage.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Fungal toenails, or onychomycosis, are caused by fungi that infect the nail through cracks or cuts in the skin. Warm, moist environments, like sweaty shoes or public shower areas, promote fungal growth. The infection can start in one nail and spread to others, if left untreated. Symptoms include thickened, discolored nails that may appear yellow, brown, or white. The nail may become brittle, crumbly, or distorted in shape. In some cases, it may separate from the nail bed and emit a foul odor. While not always painful, fungal toenails can cause discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose fungal toenails through a physical exam and may take a sample for lab testing to confirm the infection. Treatment options include topical or oral antifungal medication, and in severe cases, nail removal. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving thickened nerve tissue between the toes, often caused by pressure or irritation. Non surgical care focuses on reducing stress to the area and relieving nerve irritation. Switching to wider shoes with soft soles can reduce compression on the forefoot. Custom orthotics may help by redistributing pressure and supporting foot structure. Padding between the toes can also ease discomfort by keeping them in a more natural position. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce swelling and improve comfort. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to calm nerve inflammation. Activity modification, including avoiding high heels or high-impact exercise, may also prevent symptoms from worsening. If nerve pain between the toes continues to interfere with daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments, such as inside tight shoes or sweaty socks. Plastic shoes, which trap heat and moisture, often make the condition worse. Athlete’s foot can spread through direct contact with infected skin or indirectly through shared surfaces like showers, pool decks, socks, or shoes. The infection typically causes itching, stinging, redness, peeling, and cracking of the skin. In more advanced cases, blisters, oozing, and swelling may develop. If untreated, the infection can spread to the toenails, making them thick, discolored, and difficult to trim.  A podiatrist can help diagnose the infection, recommend appropriate medication, and monitor foot health for any complications. If you have developed a problematic athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis can make each step feel like a challenge. The joints in the feet often become inflamed and tender, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Finding the right footwear becomes more than a comfort issue, It becomes part of managing daily life. Orthotics can help ease pressure on affected areas, improve alignment, and support the foot’s structure. Special shoes designed for people with arthritis often have a wider toe box, soft interiors, and extra depth to accommodate inserts. These small changes can have a big impact on how the feet feel during the day. Walking should not be a painful task. If you live with rheumatoid arthritis and have noticed changes in how your feet feel or move, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper relief options.

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 Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. 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

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

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 offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are physically active. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or pressure. This condition is most often seen during periods of rapid growth, when the bones, muscles, and tendons are changing quickly. Symptoms include pain in one or both heels, tenderness, and discomfort during or after physical activity. The pain may worsen with running or jumping and improve with rest. Risk factors include participation in sports that involve running, jumping, or wearing cleats, as well as having tight calf muscles or flat feet. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Robert Stein, DPM from South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Foot and heel pain in children is more common than many realize and can affect daily play, sports, and growth. One frequent cause is Sever’s disease, a condition linked to growing bones and tight tendons. Flat feet, overuse, wearing poor footwear, or injuries from running and jumping can also lead to discomfort. Children may limp, avoid activity, or complain of pain in the heel or arch. Pain may be worse in the morning or after exercise. Wearing supportive shoes, resting, and stretching can often bring relief. Custom orthotics may also help improve alignment and reduce strain. Children’s feet are still developing, so it is important to address pain early to avoid long-term problems. If your child often complains of sore feet or heels, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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