Items filtered by date: November 2016

If you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you know how painful and how much of a hindrance it can be. It occurs when part of the toenail grows into the tissue of the toe. Medically known as onychocyrptosis, this disorder is typically caused by improper toenail clipping or wearing shoes that do not fit properly. With nearly 3 million cases of patients with ingrown toenails, it is important to contact your podiatrist to learn about proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

Blisters are a fairly common foot condition that can be easily prevented with a few simple steps. The first step is to always ensure the feet or kept clean to prevent any germs or bacteria from penetrating the skin. Wearing the right pair of socks can also help support the feet and reduce friction, which can create blisters. Applying bandages to any already existing blisters can help reduce excess heat or additional friction that can exacerbate the blister.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about blisters on the feet

According to a study published by Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics that focused on Type 2 diabetes cases, “patient-centered care may improve diabetes self-management and patients’ quality of life.” Researchers sought to understand the relationship between patient care and glycemic control. About “an estimated 29.1 million Americans -- 9.3 percent of the US population,” have diabetes, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Patient-centered care focuses on aligning health care with personal values.

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. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

If you have stinky feet, it’s because of the host of bacteria that are living on your skin’s surface. Bacteria thrive on sweat molecules, leading to the bad odor that occurs with stinky feet. As our feet have “more than 250,000 sweat glands in each human foot,” we are prone to developing infections such as athlete’s foot. The reason our feet can continually stink is because of the dead skin and bacteria that can get trapped in our shoes. Breathable socks, proper shoes and proper shoe hygiene, and controlling your foot odor through foot care are measures for preventing stinky feet.

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. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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 helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about athlete’s foot.