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Recognizing Signs of Arthritis in the Feet

Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Arthritis in the feet occurs when joint cartilage gradually wears down or becomes damaged, leading to inflammation and painful movement. Each foot contains dozens of joints, so even small structural changes can affect walking and balance. Early signs of arthritis include aching during activity, swelling, stiffness after rest, and tenderness when pressure is placed on the foot. Osteoarthritis, which commonly affects the big toe joint, develops from long-term joint wear. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis result from immune system disorders that attack joint tissue. Previous injury, aging, excess body weight, family history, and abnormal foot mechanics can increase risk. A podiatrist can evaluate joint motion, identify deformities, order diagnostic imaging, and design a medical plan to reduce inflammation and protect joint function. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM from Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
Age – Risk increases with age
Gender –Most types are more common in women
Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brooklyn, NY and Old Bridge, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Sunday, 01 March 2026

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

When Ingrown Toenails Become More Than a Nuisance

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain along the nail border. Shoes that crowd the toes, improper trimming, repetitive pressure, and nail shape all contribute to this problem. While early cases may cause mild irritation, ongoing ingrowth can lead to infection, drainage, and difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably. Treatment depends on severity and recurrence. Conservative care may include careful trimming, soaking, and reducing pressure on the toe. When symptoms persist or return, a more advanced procedure is often recommended. In clinical practice, partial nail removal combined with treatment of the nail root is commonly used to prevent regrowth of the problematic edge. More invasive surgical approaches are far less frequently needed. If an ingrown toenail becomes painful, infected, or recurrent, it is suggested that an evaluation by a podiatrist can provide effective and lasting relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Treating and Managing Bunion Pain

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

A bunion is a foot deformity that develops when the big toe shifts toward the lesser toes, creating a bony bump along the side of the foot. This alignment change increases stress on joints and soft tissue. A bunion often causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and trouble wearing shoes. It may worsen due to abnormal foot mechanics, inherited foot structure, or prolonged pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist helps manage bunions by assessing foot alignment, gait, and deformity severity. Treatment options include shoe modifications, padding, orthotic devices, activity adjustments, and targeted therapies to reduce pressure and slow progression. In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint and improve function. For help with managing pain caused by bunions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. 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.

Causes of Toenail Fungus

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a disorder that affects the nail plate and can slowly spread if untreated. It often begins as white, yellow, or black spots on the toenail that gradually thicken, discolor, and distort the nail. This condition thrives in warm and moist environments, making prevention an important part of foot care. Helpful habits include trimming toenails straight across, discarding old shoes that may contain fungal spores, and wearing protective footwear in pool areas and shared locker rooms. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, provide targeted treatment, and guide long-term prevention to restore healthier nails. If you notice any of these symptoms on your toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Corinne R. Kauderer, DPM of Dyker Heights Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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

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