A foot corn is a thickened area of skin that develops from repeated pressure or friction. It often appears as a small, raised bump with a hardened center that can become painful when pressed. There are different types of corns. Hard corns usually form on the tops of toes or areas with constant pressure. Soft corns develop between toes where moisture is present, giving them a softer texture. Additionally, seed corns are smaller and often found on the bottom of the foot. Corns form when the skin tries to protect itself from irritation caused by wearing tight shoes, abnormal foot structure, or repeated movement. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, identify the source of pressure, and recommend solutions to prevent recurrence. Proper care helps reduce discomfort and protect skin health. Corns can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions, which may include removal.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single injury. It often occurs when activity levels increase too quickly or when the feet are not properly supported. Symptoms include pain that worsens during weight-bearing activities and improves with rest. Risk factors include overuse, poor footwear, and weak bone health. Preventive steps include wearing properly fitted shoes, gradually increasing exercise intensity, and incorporating cross-training activities to reduce repeated strain. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can support bone strength. Additionally, pushing through pain during exercise can worsen the injury. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat it.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot, termed metatarsalgia, refers to discomfort under the front part of the foot where weight is placed when walking. This pain can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation, and it may worsen with standing or activity. Common causes include overuse, foot injuries, and pressure from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Conditions like a thickened nerve, joint strain, or a small fracture may also contribute to symptoms. Some people notice tingling or numbness in the toes, which can point to nerve involvement. Risk factors include aging and high-impact activities. Poor foot alignment can also increase stress in this area. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot and use imaging to identify the source of pain. Treatment includes custom orthotics, padding, footwear guidance, or other methods to reduce pressure and improve function. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Foot infections can affect anyone, but they tend to be more complicated in people with diabetes. Even a small cut, blister, or sore can worsen quickly when blood flow or sensation is reduced. In these cases, the body may not respond as efficiently, allowing the problem to spread deeper into the skin or surrounding tissue. Compared to those without diabetes, these infections are more likely to return after treatment, require hospital care, or lead to more extensive procedures. Healing can also take longer, especially if the issue is not addressed early. For individuals without diabetes, infections still need prompt attention, but they often resolve more quickly with appropriate care. The key in all cases is early recognition and treatment. If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or increasing pain in your foot, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may require wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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