A contagious foot condition that affects the toes is known as toenail fungus. One of the most common symptoms related to toenail fungus is the discoloration of the affected toenail. Toenails may have a whitish to yellowish spot on the affected toenail. When not treated promptly, the symptoms and fungus can easily spread from toe to toe. Other symptoms can include the nail thickening, becoming brittle and crumbly, or taking on a distorted shape. Fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, so it is important to ensure that you have the proper footwear on while in locations such as communal swimming pools or locker room areas. Wearing proper footwear may help to prevent you from getting this condition. For more advice on how to treat toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. 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 office located in Alexandria, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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The medical condition that is known as athlete’s foot is common among many people, and is not limited to athletes. It is caused by a fungal infection, and symptoms can be seen on the bottom of the foot or between the toes. It can generally cause severe itchiness, and the skin may become red and blistered. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, which often include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Mild relief may be found when an antifungal powder is applied. For recurring or severe cases of this condition, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat athlete’s foot.
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 Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. 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:
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:
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 our office located in Alexandria, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
A growth on the sole of the foot may indicate a plantar wart. A plantar wart is described as a small, thick patch of skin that grows into the bottom of the foot. This happens as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure by walking, standing, and running. This type of wart is caused by a virus that is known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is considered to be contagious. Common symptoms that are often seen with plantar warts can include severe pain and discomfort while walking, and the wart may have small black dots in the center, which is dried blood. There are a variety of methods to treat plantar warts, consisting of applying salicylic acid directly on the wart, utilizing cryotherapy, or other forms of medicine. If you have developed this type of wart, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar warts.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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
Treatment
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 office located in Alexandria, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Falling can be a devastating experience, and it is common among people who are aged sixty-five and older. It can cause severe foot injuries, and may compromise the quality of life. Falls can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, muscle weakness, or safety hazards in the living environment. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of having regular medical and vision examinations where existing medications can be reviewed, keeping rooms uncluttered, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please speak to a podiatrist who can help you with proper preventive methods.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Alexandria, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Research has indicated the best time to purchase running shoes is at the end of the day. The feet have a tendency to be larger at this time of the day, and this may be a result of the foot expanding as daily activities are pursued. It is beneficial to try running shoes on before they are purchased, and it is helpful to run on a treadmill, which may be available in specific stores. Shoes that fit properly will feel good at the time they are tried on, and may not have to be broken in. Shoes that are constructed with mesh materials typically have more room and flexibility than shoes that are made of hard plastic. If you would like additional information about buying running shoes, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.
Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Alexandria, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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