As the last days of summer fade away and cooler autumn temperatures come our way, we at Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC see a change in the foot complaints that patients bring to us. The change from wearing open-toed shoes, sandals and flip flops to closed toed shoes increases the likelihood of these three common foot disorders:
Bunions—although men can get bunions too, women get them more often. And while there’s definitely a hereditary component that predisposes feet to this deformity, shoes can play a big role. For women who are developing a bunion or who have had one but experienced relief over the summer, squeezing feet back into pumps and other shoes with narrow toe boxes makes bunions more painful.
Athlete’s foot—warm, dark moist places, like the insides of closed in shoes, are the ideal breeding ground for fungal and bacterial infections like athlete’s foot. Another factor that contributes to the increase of athlete’s foot at this time of the year is that many people move their fitness routine indoors. If you work out at a gym, be sure to wear shower shoes or flip flops when showering or walking in the changing areas. These infections are spread by direct contact so keeping feet covered will greatly reduce the risk.
Ingrown toenails—moving back into closed toe shoes, especially if they’re tight or narrow, puts pressure on toes and compresses them. Consistently being in this position can give a nail an opportunity to start to grow back into the skin surrounding the toenail. Keep nails trimmed short, but not overly short and straight across to help minimize the chances of an ingrown nail.
If fall brings signs of any of the above foot disorders or you find yourself experiencing foot pain or discomfort that you can’t explain, contact our Valley Stream 516-825-4070 or Lake Success 516-327-0074 office. Our foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight and Dr. Marzana Mleczko will examine your feet and nails, track down the cause of your foot discomfort and provide the appropriate treatment.