Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Toenail Fungus Symptoms

Toenail fungus is a common nail disorder. It is a fungal infection, and research has shown it affects approximately half of Americans by the time they reach age 70. The fungus that causes this ailment enters the body through small cuts in the nail and may spread to the other nails if prompt medical attention is not sought. This fungus lives in warm environments like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This condition gradually progresses, and one of the first signs can be yellowed toenails, or white spots on the toenail. This is followed by a change in texture, causing the nail to become brittle and possibly fall off. Preventive measures can include wearing appropriate shoes when frequenting these types of areas, such as flip flops or water shoes, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes and socks. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment techniques.

For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

Athlete’s Foot and the Rest of the Body

Many novices to the field of podiatry might already be familiar with the condition known as athlete’s foot. This particular foot affliction is contagious and develops through a fungal infection of the feet. A red rash on the skin is a common symptom of this foot condition. Many patients with athlete's foot are often curious as to how their condition might affect other parts of their body. Although the answer will vary from case to case and patient to patient, it is generally true that the condition can potentially spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands, if left untreated. Fortunately, this is not a very common occurrence. If you are someone that is living with athlete’s foot, it is suggested to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

How to Measure Your Child’s Feet

Finding the right shoes for your child is essential for maintaining the health of their feet as they grow. Experts recommend measuring both feet, as their sizes may differ, and buying shoes that fit the larger foot. An easy way to accomplish this is to have the child stand with their back to the wall and the heels touching the wall. Place a book in front of the longest toe, and measure the distance from heel to toe. The width of the feet is also important to note, so that the toes are not squeezed in their shoes. Be aware that inner soles and stitching may reduce the space inside the shoe. In addition, more space may be required to account for heavier socks if the child is to wear shoes or boots in the colder months. When trying on the shoes, have the child stand on both feet. It is important to leave at least half an inch from the longest toe to the tip of the shoe, as a child’s foot grows rapidly, especially in the early years. Measuring your child’s feet at regular intervals is deemed important to avoid foot deformities and other problems. For more information on proper shoe fitting, please consult a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Friday, 10 February 2023 00:00

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Cracked Heels Can Be Treated

Many people notice that they have cracked heels. It can be unsightly, and patients can feel self-conscious while wearing open-back shoes. If the cracks in the skin become severe, they are known as fissures, and may bleed or become infected. This common foot condition can be caused by wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Many people find relief by soaking their feet in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Patients who have medical conditions such as diabetes may be prone to getting cracked heels, and prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is required. People who are obese may have this condition as a result of the added weight the heels must endure. If you have developed this ailment, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment methods, which may include prescribed topical creams. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

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