• Athlete's Foot
• Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
• Ingrown Nails
• Bunion Prevention
• Corns and Calluses
• Fungal Nails
• Diabetic Foot Care
• Burning Feet

Athelete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes.

The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.

The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.

Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.

Symptoms

The signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, are dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.

Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

Prevention

It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture, help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet. Also helpful is daily use of a quality foot powder.

Foot Odor and Smelly Feet

The feet and hands contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body (about 3,000 glands per square inch). Feet smell for two reasons: you wear shoes and your feet sweat. The interaction between your perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in your shoes and socks generates the odor. Any attempt to reduce foot odor has to address both your sweating and your footwear.

Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which primarily affects males. Stress, some medications, fluid intake and hormonal changes also can increase the amount of perspiration your body produces.

Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin, often causing infection. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure.

Toenails should be trimmed straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe, with toenail clippers.

If they become painful or infected, contact our office. We may remove the ingrown portion of the nail and if the condition reoccurs frequently, may permanently remove the nail.

Bunion Prevention

Because bunions develop slowly, taking care of your feet during childhood and early adulthood can pay off later in life. Keep track of the shape of your feet as they develop over time, especially if foot problems run in your family.

Exercising your feet can strengthen them. Learn to pick up small objects with your toes. Wear shoes that fit properly and that do not cramp or pinch your toes. Women should avoid shoes with high heels or pointed toes.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet. The friction and pressure can burn or otherwise be painful and may be relieved by moleskin or padding on the affected areas.

Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument, and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist`s instructions.

Fungal Nails

Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Diabetic Foot Care

Symptoms.
People with diabetes can have several problems ranging from poor healing, decreased immune system, poor circulation to loss of feeling. Diabetics often get infections and complications which may lead to amputation. If you experience any burning, excessive pain, numbness, or tingling then inform your doctor. You should also inform your doctor of any arch or calf cramps or pain.

Maintain and Regulate Blood Sugars.
It is very important diabetics monitor their daily blood sugar levels. If your levels are fluctuating or staying high then keep a record of levels, time of day of meals, and medications to review with your diabetes doctor. Regulate your blood sugar by proper diet and exercising. Talk to your doctors about diet, weight, and exercising programs.

Lose weight.
People with diabetes are commonly overweight, which nearly doubles the risk of complications. Ask your doctor about exercise and diet programs which will help you lose and control your weight.

Exercise.
Exercising will help improve your blood sugar levels, reduce and control weight, improve circulation, and condition your feet. Walking is one of the best all-around exercises for the diabetic patient. Walking at minimum for 20 minutes is beneficial. Ask your doctor about other stretching exercises or alternative exercises if you are unable to walk or need assistance. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes when exercising. Ask your podiatric physician what’s best for you.

Stop smoking.
Diabetics are already at risk for poor circulation. Cigarette smoking accelerates blood circulation damage by affecting the blood and vessels at an increased rate of 3-4 times. If you currently do smoke you need to quit smoking. Talk to your primary care doctor about different options to quit smoking.

Inspect feet and toes daily.
Check your feet every day. If you are unable to see the bottom of your feet, then put your foot on a chair or stand and use a mirror with a long handle. Look for openings in the skin, cuts, discoloration including redness, bruises, sores, swelling, or changes. Remember to look at the toenails and surrounding area for any changes such as discoloration or drainage. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes.

Wash feet daily.
You may shower and take daily baths. Clean your feet everyday with soap and water. Diabetics can lose feeling in their feet which prevents you from distinguishing water temperatures. Do not use your foot to check water temperatures. Use a thermometer check water temperatures before stepping into the shower or bath. If you have good feeling in your hands then you can use your hands. Do not soak your feet unless you are advised by your doctor.

Moisturize your feet.
Use a good moisturizing cream daily but avoid excessive amounts between the toes. Rub thoroughly between toes.

Do Not Go Barefoot.
Diabetics tend to lose feeling as well as joint perception and accommodation on different terrain. It is recommended not to walk barefoot. This will protect your joints and bones and help prevent wounds and infection. You should wear shoes or slippers at all times even in the house. Wear comfortable well fitted shoes which do rub on your feet and provide adequate cushioning for protection. Before wearing any shoes or slippers look and check the inside for any objects.

Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes.
It is very important to have well fitted shoes to prevent any rubbing or pressure on your feet. Diabetics often suffer problems from poor fitted shoes. Talk to your doctor about the proper shoe for your feet and needs. Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes. When purchasing shoes always consider the length, width, shape, depth, and insole or cushioning. You may require additional inserts. Talk to your doctor about what is the best shoe for your needs.

Cut toenails only as directed.
Only cut nails when instructed or advised by your podiatrist. Do not cut into the corners or too far back where the nail is attached. Toenails need to be cut to the shape of the nail. If you have any problems call your podiatrist.

See your podiatric physician.
Regular check ups by your podiatric physician is very important to monitor your circulation and sensation status. Your podiatric physician will also check for any wounds or infection. Your podiatric physician will determine how often you need to be checked based on the health of your feet. Patients may be checked annually, six months, 3 months or more frequently if having treatment or monitoring for a specific condition.

Burning Feet

Burning feet are a common complaint among many groups of people, most commonly those over 50 years of age and in diabetics. There are many causes. Heavy alcohol use may lead to the condition. Neuropathy and loss of sensation often are contributors as well. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and gastric restriction in obesity. Some infectious diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a rarely reported neurologic change secondary to a bacteria, also may cause burning feet.

Treatment

Treatments vary, depending on the cause of the burning foot syndrome. Diagnostic tests often are performed before a diagnosis is made.