Well, Memorial Day has passed here in NYC and everywhere else. And despite the forecast that would indicate otherwise, summer has officially begun. And that means it’s time to start thinking about exposing those toes once again, with all its ramifications. Before digging the sandals out of the closet, here are a few things for my NYC podiatry patients to think about.
Tough as nails:
After a winter of hibernation, the nails get a bit hammered (pun intended). Watch for ingrown nails, especially the corner of the big toes. Redness, swelling, pain and discharge are all common signs of the pesky ingrown nail. Yellow, thick nails may be a sign of a fungal infection. It takes a few months for a new nail to grow out with any treatment- oral or topical medication, laser therapy- so the nails won’t be ready for this summer, but it’s always a good idea to check now and plan for later.
A Fungus Among us:
Feet in boots are warm and wet- the perfect breeding ground for the fungal infection that causes Athlete’s foot. The feet may or may not burn and itch, and the skin may or may not peel and appear wet in the spaces between the toes. Not sure? Have your friendly local NYC podiatrist check it out.
Start Low, Go Slow:
Those of us who are crazy enough to run through NYC winters are mostly conditioned for the spring. But for those who have been slumming it in the gym or (gasp!) not working out for the winter, it’s important to ease into workouts. The muscles may be tight, and the feet may not be ready for a half marathon on the first nice weekend of the year. Warm up, stretch, listen to your feet and avoid stress fractures, tendonitis and foot pain. And consider an inspection and tune-up by your favorite NYC podiatrist.
This is the season we have all waited for. It’s time to get out and get active again, and enjoy the days that nature will hopefully gift to us.
See you in the office.
Dr. Ernest L. Isaacson
