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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
If your toenails become thick and begin turning yellow, chances are you may have a fungal infection. Also referred to as onychomycosis (OM), many people suffer from this, especially those afflicted with other health issues including diabetes or a weakened immune system. This type of fungus grows and lives in moist environments that are warm, typically affecting people whose feet sweat frequently. The infection may occur because of small cuts on the toes or under the nail, thereby allowing the fungi to enter. Prevention of this condition may include drying the feet thoroughly, keeping nails short, and wearing proper footwear in public showers. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for optimum treatment options.
For more information about treatment, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The Causes of Gout
Painful attacks in the joints of the foot, especially the big toe, may be indicative of a condition referred to as gout. When an excess of uric acid builds up in the body, it can typically form into crystals; this can inflame the joints, possibly causing severe pain and swelling. Long-term arthritis is common if the cartilage is damaged due to a build up of crystals. Most sufferers of gout can find relief in lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. Lowering the amount of uric acid in the body is an effective way in treating gout and can possibly be achieved by drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol. Additionally, avoiding red meat and consuming a diet rich in vitamin C may also be helpful in eliminating crystals from the kidneys. If you experience pain in the big toe and foot, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Everything You Need to Know About GoutDo Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Causes of Sensations in Your Feet
While many people will experience a harmless tingling sensation in their feet at some point in their life, in some cases this may be a sign of a potentially serious underlying condition. Neuropathy, or a loss of sensation that commonly occurs in the extremities due to diabetes, can cause a tingling sensation in the feet or even numbness. A number of infections, such as AIDS, leprosy, Lyme disease, and others, can cause a tingling sensation in the feet. Pregnancy can also cause sensation loss or a "pins and needles" feeling in the feet. The list of potential causes is large, with some including toxin exposure, alcoholism, vitamin deficiency, vasculitis, and others. Due to the wide array of potential causes, it is advised that you see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the cause and provide treatment.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Every Day Foot CarePreventing Athlete’s Foot Among Children
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the foot. While generally not a serious condition, it can be bothersome and is contagious. As a parent, making sure your children maintain proper foot care is an important step in preventing ailments like athlete’s foot. Here are some steps that you should teach your children to help prevent athlete’s foot. Make sure that they wear flip-flops or sandals in public bathrooms and around pools. When they are drying their feet, make sure they dry in between their toes, as athlete’s foot often occurs in this area. Keep your house and their play areas clean. Teach them to not share some items like towels or shoes, as these items may be contaminated already. Finally, check their feet for any symptoms of athlete’s foot such as redness, itchiness, or scaly skin.
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 Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Warts are Caused By A Virus
When a wart occurs on the bottom of the foot, it is called a plantar wart. Commonly affecting children and young adults, plantar warts are often extremely painful and can make walking very difficult. Caused by the human papillomavirus, the condition may originate in public showers and can develop from a poor immune system. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts on the sole of the foot but may not become visible for several weeks. Resembling a small cauliflower, a plantar wart often has small black dots in the center, which may be hemorrhages under the skin. By avoiding direct contact with infected surfaces such as public pools and shower floors, contracting the HPV virus may be prevented. Treatment may include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or surgical removal in severe cases. A consultation with a podiatrist is important for the diagnosis and treatment of plantar warts.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about All About Plantar Warts
What are Foot Ulcers and What They Mean for Diabetics
Foot ulcers can be very serious for diabetics, but knowing what to do and look for can help prevent them. A foot ulcer is an open wound on the foot. There are a number of ways they can occur and even the smallest wounds can be potentially very serious for a diabetic. The World Health Organization reports that more than half of all non-traumatic lower limb amputations are due to diabetes. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, which typically greatly impacts the feet. One consequence of this is that when a diabetic sustains a wound on their foot, it will have a harder time healing and is more likely to become infected. If the wound becomes too infected, there is a chance that amputation may be necessary. To help prevent this, monitor your feet everyday to make sure you have no wounds or abnormalities. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet to help keep your diabetes in check. If you have a wound on your foot, keep off of it, and be sure to visit a podiatrist as soon as possible. A podiatrist can monitor the wound and clean it for you.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about How to Care for Diabetic FootTreating and Preventing Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are generally a minor and common – albeit discomforting – foot condition. The heels typically become cracked because of a lack of moisture. Therefore, it is important to moisturize your feet if they tend to become dry. Apply a moisturizer twice daily to help prevent the skin on the feet from becoming cracked. Washing your feet daily in a foot bath can help as well. It is important to keep the foot dry beyond moisturizing because bacteria and fungus thrive in wet and hot environments, like the feet. Wear socks that allow the feet to breath. Cotton socks are standard wear for most people and should be fine, but synthetic socks generally wick away moisture and allow for better air circulation. Similarly, shoes should be breathable as well.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Miami Heat Forward Breaks Foot
Miami Heat forward player Okaro White recently broke his left foot. The 6’ 8’’ second year player sustained the injury while performing a layup in a practice drill. The injury will most likely leave him on the sidelines for a couple of months, and he will be undergoing surgery to repair his fractured fifth metatarsal in his foot. Miami Heat general manager Andy Elisburg and president Pat Riley are currently figuring out the best course of strategy to replace White while he recovers.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.