Toenail fungus is a very common affliction that is caused by an infection of an organism such as fungi and molds. Typically, these infections are most likely found in warm, moist environments where such organisms thrive. If an individual has a fungal infection, they might notice discoloration on the affected toenail. One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely. You might choose to wash your shoes in the washing machine to ensure that they are clean. Including baking soda or vinegar in the wash might be helpful in eliminating harmful organisms. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. In the same vein, it can also be important to be diligent about cleaning and completely drying your own feet on a regular basis to ensure that any harmful organisms are not growing on the foot itself. If you are worried about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist for more information.  

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Different kinds of doctors specialize in a particular part of the body. For example, otolaryngologists specialize in the ear, nose, and throat, while optometrists specialize in treating the eyes. Podiatrists are doctors that primarily focus on all things related to the feet. Podiatrists must complete a rigorous academic course of study, first obtaining a bachelor’s degree and then earning a degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, referred to as DPM. You might find podiatrists working in a variety of environments. For example, you could find them working in hospitals, private or group practice settings, the armed services, or even in the U.S. Public Health Service. A podiatrist’s work is pertinent because the feet are critical parts of the human body. Not only are feet responsible for movement and balance, but they must also bear the full weight of a human’s body. Since the feet are vulnerable to conditions like plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, Morton’s neuroma, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, a podiatrist’s work is essential. If you are interested in taking good care of your feet or you have an existing foot condition, contact a podiatrist. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Juvenile plantar dermatosis is a common and chronic dry skin condition of the feet that usually affects pre-adolescent children between the ages of three and 14 years. It is also known as atopic winter feet and forefoot dermatitis. This condition affects boys slightly more often than girls. It is rarely seen in adults but can persist into adulthood. Juvenile plantar dermatosis can be caused by repetitive frictional movements, the occlusive effect of wearing covered footwear (particularly synthetic shoes), excessive sweating, genetic sensitivities, or warm or cool climate changes. This problem is usually visible on the weight-bearing areas of the soles, ball of the big toes, and forefoot of the foot with itchy, sore, shiny, red skin that has a glazed appearance and a loss of the epidermal ridge pattern. Typically, both feet are affected. The most common complication of juvenile plantar dermatosis is painful cracks and fissures, which may become infected. This affliction is sometimes confused with other skin conditions, such as atopic eczema, plantar psoriasis, or tinea pedis. Wearing well-fitting leather shoes, two or more pairs of cotton and wool socks, and changing socks regularly will help reduce friction. Moisturizing the feet will help prevent dry skin. Resting the feet to allow any fissures to heal will help as well. If your child is experiencing problems with the skin of their feet, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose any conditions and provide options for treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Heel pain is a common affliction that podiatrists treat on a daily basis. They see many different forms of heel pain emanating from injuries to soft tissues and other structures, breaks in bones, and arthritis. Soft tissue inflammatory conditions that cause heel pain include plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot), Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel), ligament sprains and muscles strains near the heel, and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac between the heel and the Achilles tendon). A fractured heel can vary from a small crack to a full break in the bone, and cause a great deal of heel pain. There are also different forms of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis, which can cause pain and tightness in the heel. To have your heel pain properly diagnosed and treated, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help devise an effective treatment plan to address your specific condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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