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Thursday, 10 January 2019 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Monday, 07 January 2019 00:00

Contagious Athlete’s Foot

The obvious symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot is mild to severe itching, especially between the toes. This uncomfortable condition is caused by a fungus that is known as trichophyton, and thrives in warm and moist areas, which may include the inside of shoes or socks. Additionally, this contagious fungus may live in public pools, locker rooms and surrounding areas, and it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes if you are in these places. Patients who have severe cases of athlete's’ foot may experience red, flaky, and cracked skin on the side and soles of the feet, and in extreme cases, blisters and swelling may develop. If you have become afflicted with these symptoms, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can perform a correct diagnosis and proper treatment options can be discussed.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Wednesday, 02 January 2019 00:00

Where Is Pain from Morton’s Neuroma Located?

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort on the sole of your foot, you may have what is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. It is an inflammation and thickening of the nerve near one of the toes, and may be caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some patients have foot conditions, which may include bunions, hammer toes, and flat or high arches, and this may lead to the development of Morton’s neuroma. If you feel you may have this ailment, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis, which may include having an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound performed. Treatment options, which may be considered may include performing gently stretching exercises that may be helpful in loosening the ligaments and tendons, in addition to resting and massaging the bottom of the foot. It is strongly suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can perform the correct tests that are needed for a proper diagnosis, in addition to discussing treatment techniques.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Thursday, 27 December 2018 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Wednesday, 26 December 2018 00:00

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Patients who suffer from the unsightly condition that is known as cracked heels may be familiar with the pain and discomfort, which may be associated with this ailment. It is defined as deep cracks, which may also be known as fissures, which form on the heel of the foot. It may originate from wearing shoes that have open backs, which do not provide adequate support the heels need, in addition to having medical conditions such as obesity, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Research has shown that patients who experience underactive thyroid imbalances may develop cracked heels. This may be a result of sweat glands, located in the feet, being under regulated, and can possibly cause the skin to become excessively dry. If you have developed cracked heels, it is strongly advised to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause of this condition and guide you to begin correct treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Monday, 17 December 2018 00:00

Foot Pain and Running

People who indulge in the sport of running may often notice mild to severe foot pain, which may develop as a result of the impact the feet endure as they land on the ground. Different levels of pain may accompany specific foot conditions, which may include plantar fasciitis. This condition may develop gradually and can affect the ability to run if not treated properly and promptly. Additionally, an ailment that is known as metatarsalgia may be typically characterized by pain felt near the arch of the foot, and walking may be painful after completing a long run. If you enjoy running and are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat any foot pain that may be present.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Thursday, 13 December 2018 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 10 December 2018 00:00

Barefoot Babies

The foot is comprised of several bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, which provide us with the ability to balance and stand upright. When babies are born, their feet consist of cartilage and will gradually form into bones as the child gets older, which is typically at eight years of age. Research has shown the importance of babies going barefoot until walking commences, which is generally at approximately twelve months old. This is suggested because the feet can properly stretch without wearing shoes, which may promote stronger foot muscles. Once your child begins to walk, it is important to measure their feet properly, which will determine the correct size shoe to purchase. These shoes should consist of a lightweight and flexible material, and any heel is strongly advised against. If you would like additional information about the health of your child’s foot, please speak with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Monday, 03 December 2018 00:00

Causes of Corns

Many people who experience corns on the feet may be familiar with the pain and discomfort that is often associated with them. Corns may typically develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, which may create excess pressure on the toes. Additionally, corns may develop on the soles of the feet, and this may be a result of walking or standing for extended periods of time. Certain measures can be implemented to potentially prevent corns from developing, including wearing shoes that have adequate cushioning and making sure there is enough room in the shoes for the toes to move. It’s important to properly trim the toenails and this can be a significant factor in keeping the toes properly aligned. If you believe you have developed a corn, please speak with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment options for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Thursday, 29 November 2018 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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