There are several systemic diseases that can both display symptoms in the feet and impact the health of the feet. Common systemic diseases in the foot include gout, diabetes mellitus, arthritis and neurological disorders such as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. These can all have a significant impact on your feet. At the same time, these systemic diseases can be effectively treated to minimize both joint and muscle damage if they are diagnosed early and treated with medication. Diabetics with a systemic disease must closely monitor their blood sugar levels. People with arthritis that also have a systemic disease must ensure they are taking the proper treatments. If you feel you may have a systemic disease, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as you can.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Babies’ feet are considerably more flexible than the feet of adults. This is because their foot bones have not fully developed; damage to the feet can therefore occur easily to children’s feet when compared to adult feet. Research has indicated it is not necessary for young children to wear shoes while indoors. The toes will become stronger as they grasp the floor, and this will help the feet naturally develop. When shoes are eventually worn, it is helpful to measure your child's feet every three months until they are approximately three years of age. This can ensure that there is enough room in the shoes for the toes to move freely. Research has indicated that many babies are born with flat feet, and this is generally outgrown by the age of six or seven. If you notice your child is walking with their toes pointed inward or outward, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can determine if this is due to any underlying foot conditions.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport and Medina, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Noticeable symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe fractures, the bone may protrude from the skin, which can cause it to appear deformed. This ailment can occur if the toe suddenly hits a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. Some patients can develop a broken toe as a result of a stress fracture. This is caused by repetitive movements or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. After a proper diagnosis takes place, which typically includes having an X-ray taken, the toe can be taped to the toe next to it. This is referred to as buddy taping. This procedure is helpful in maintaining stability as the healing process occurs. If you feel you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Toenail fungus appears after there has been a fungal infection on the feet. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany this condition, including the nail becoming thick and having a yellowish tinge, in addition to lifting off of the nail bed. Many patients notice their nails appear brittle, and the edges of the nail may crumble. If there are existing medical conditions, the possibility of developing toenail fungus may increase. These include diabetes, vascular disease, or immune system issues. Additionally, if you wear shoes which are not made of a breathable material, a fungal infection of the feet may develop. One treatment option includes taking prescribed medicine for several months. If you feel that you may have toenail fungus, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport and Medina, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.