Dealing With Warts on the Feet

Warts that develop on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which infects the top layer of the skin and causes it to thicken. Plantar warts usually appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heel or the ball of the foot. They often look like rough, callus-like patches of skin and may contain small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels within the wart. Some plantar warts cause little discomfort, while others can become painful when pressure is placed on them when walking or standing. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin and are contagious. A podiatrist can examine the growth, confirm the diagnosis, and provide medical treatment to remove the wart safely and reduce discomfort. If you notice a growth on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast 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 Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Wearing Proper Pickleball Shoes Matters for Performance and Safety

Wearing proper pickleball shoes is essential for safety and performance on the court. These shoes are designed for side-to-side movement, quick stops, and a strong grip. Using them only for pickleball helps preserve their specialized structure, since other activities can break down support and traction. Wearing the wrong footwear may increase the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress- related foot pain. Proper shoes help maintain balance and reduce strain during play. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics and recommend the best footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions and guidance on wearing the right footwear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

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What Popping in the Ankle Joint Can Mean

A popping or clicking sound in the ankle can happen when you walk, stand up, or move your foot. In many cases, ankle popping is harmless. The sound may occur when small gas bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are released as the ankle moves. It can also happen when tendons, the strong bands that connect muscles to bones, slide over the bones in the ankle. Tight muscles or tendons may make the sound occur more often. However, ankle popping may sometimes be linked to a problem in the joint. If the sound occurs along with pain, swelling, stiffness, or trouble walking, it could mean there is an injury or joint damage. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, determine why the sound is happening, and recommend proper treatment to protect the joint and prevent further damage. If you notice a popping sound in the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Why Is My Big Toe Numb?

Numbness in the big toe can develop when nerves that supply sensation become irritated, compressed, or damaged. Common causes include injury to the foot, nerve damage, bunions that place pressure on nearby nerves, and wearing tight-fitting shoes that restrict normal circulation and nerve function. Chronic health conditions like diabetes may also contribute to nerve-related changes that lead to numbness. Risk factors include repetitive pressure on the foot, poor footwear choices, structural foot problems, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include tingling, reduced sensation, burning discomfort, or weakness in the toe area. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, foot structure, and footwear habits to guide treatment and relieve pressure on affected nerves. If numbness persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Read more about Toe Pain

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

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