Nail Fungus Causes

Fungi are microscopic organisms that don’t need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection. Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections. Read the rest of this entry

Nail Fungus PreventionTo help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:

* Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Thoroughly dry your hands and feet, including between your toes, after bathing.

* Wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wick away moisture may keep your feet dryer than do cotton or wool socks (you can also wear synthetic socks underneath other socks). Change them often, especially if your feet sweat excessively. Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes. Read the rest of this entry

Is it Possible to Get Artificial Nail Fungus From Nail Shops?
Artificial nails have come to stay. It is rare to find a woman who doesn’t wear it these days. This naturally follows that they are used in covering their natural toes and to make them more beautiful. However, women have been known to use artificial nails to cover up nail fungus infection hence resulting in a coined word “artificial nail fungus”. Unfortunately, this doesn’t cure nor solve the problem. Read the rest of this entry

I’m training for my first 10K (April 24) and half-marathon (June 6), and my left foot is mad about it.  I can’t tell if it’s plantar fasciitis or the bones on the top of my foot or what.  The pain seems to shift around in a general cloud of crankiness.  I know I have high arches, so I’ve been using cushioning insoles but I’m intrigued by this running barefoot phenomenon I’ve been hearing about so much.  Is it true that you actually use your feet more properly with less support?  What are your thoughts on this trend? – Mo Perry Read the rest of this entry

As many women will testify, wearing high heels for long periods of time can be extremely painful. In particular, the balls of the feet tend to suffer the most. However foot fillers are one of the latest cosmetic treatments which are helping to ease the pain of high heels.

Foot fillers are not a new phenomenon and many catwalk models are rumoured to have had the procedure done. Foot fillers can also help medical complaints such as Morton’s Neuroma where the nerves running between the third and fourth toes and in the ball of the foot become inflamed.

A foot filler treatment takes around half an hour and is an out-patient procedure only. Dermal fillers are injected into the balls of the feet to help trigger the synthesis of collagen. This helps to ‘plump up’ the ball of the foot and hopefully make it less painful to wear high heels.

The results are not immediate and it may take a couple of weeks before the true effects are seen. There may be minor side effects after the filler has been injected into the foot such as swelling and tenderness, therefore it is best to try and ensure you will be off your feet for 2 or 3 days after the procedure. The results will last around six to nine months before a top-up will be required.

Are Flip Flops Bad for Your Feet?
For those who don’t know what flip flops are, they are the flat soled sandals that make a “flopping” sound when you walk. Over the years flip flops have increased in popularity, so the question of “are flip flops bad for my feet” has been asked.

My answer to that is: Flip flops are terrible for your feet. Flip flops lack support for the medial arch (the arch that runs from the inside of your foot to the outside) and the longitudinal arch (arch from the toes to the heel). They do not properly accept the forces that are applied during the weight acceptance phase of gait, this is the phase when your foot contacts the surface.

The improper distribution of forces may cause muscle strains, ligament sprains, or other soft tissue injury. For example the lack of support may change your gait leading to an over stretching of the plantar fascia. This may cause heel pain or even a heel spur. The altered gait may also lead to improper weight acceptance leading to ankle, knee, hip, and low back dysfunction.

Please choose your footwear with your feet in mind.

Chicago Diabetic Foot Care

Tue, Apr 6, 2010

When it comes to proper Chicago diabetic foot care, being informed is essential. Individuals with Diabetes often suffer from poor foot blood circulation, and this can lead to atherosclerosis if left untreated. Trauma to the foot and infections can also cause serious complications of common foot conditions such as athletes foot and ingrown toenails.

Smoking any form of tobacco can also disrupt the already slow healing process in the bodies of diabetic patients, and as such is a major risk factor for both infections and amputations.

Symptoms of a potential foot problem may vary, and can include persistent pan, redness, swelling, pain in legs or buttocks that increases with walking, localized warmth, drainage of pus, limping or difficulty walking, fever or chills in association with a wound, red streaking away from the infection site, new or lasting numbness in the feel or legs, and other related symptoms and conditions.

Another important component of proper Chicago diabetic foot care is knowing when to make an appointment with your doctor, if you already have a diabetic foot or leg problem.

You should make an appointment with your doctor when you experience any significant trauma to your feet or legs, when you experience any persistent mild to moderate pain in your feet or legs, develop any new blister, wound, or ulcer less than 1 inch across, discover any new areas or warmth redness or swelling, pain redness or swelling around a toenail, and any new or constant numbness to your feet or legs.

If you experience difficulty when walking, you should be evaluated for symptoms of diabetic arthritis, since early intervention is key to preventing serious complications. When you visit your doctor, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and perform an examination that will include your vital signs, i.e. pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, an examination to determine the degree of circulation and sensation in your feet and legs, an examination of the problem area, and certain laboratory tests.

You may be asked to undergo a complete blood cell count, or CBC, to determine the presence and severity of infection, and may have your blood sugars, kidney functions, and electrolytes tested as well. Your doctor may also order X rays of your feet in order to pinpoint bone damage, foreign bodies or gas n the soft tissues, which is an indication of gangrene. Other tests may also be ordered as needed.
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April 5, 2010 at 8:53 am | In
Tags: Foot ailments, foot doctors, foot problems, orthotic supplies, Orthotics, podiatric clinic, Podiatric medicine and surgery, podiatrist doctor, podiatrist doctors

At some time in life most people experience foot problems. If you have had foot ailments in the past then chances are you have already experienced the impact foot pain can have on your quality of life. If your feet hurt, then it seems like your whole body hurts. Orthotics are orthopaedic devices designed to treat various mechanical foot disorders. Orthotics are heel cups or full insoles for shoes that are custom-tailored devices designed to meet the needs of individuals who have had persistent problems with their feet. Orthotics are known to help and relieve Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, heel pain, arch pain, stress fractures and runner’s knee.

Foot and Ankle Associates is a podiatric clinic, where the doctors Dr. Elardo, Dr. Sheth and Dr. Meltzer specialize in podiatric medicine and surgery. It is very important that you check with a podiatrist doctor before purchasing an orthotic. The foot doctors at Foot and Ankle Associates will be able to give you orthotic supplies that is the correct fit for your medical needs. These podiatrist doctors are well-versed in treating foot and ankle pain and they can provide orthotics and prosthetics, including custom made orthotics depending on your foot pain.

The podiatrist doctors at Foot and Ankle Associates specialize in dealing with a variety of foot problems including warts, hammertoes, peripheral arterial disease, bunions, arthritis, tendonitis, Athlete’s foot, children’s foot disorders, etc. Their office is located at Los Altos and they can use their expert knowledge to cure and heal any foot problem you might be affected with.

By Debra Braggs

April 06, 2010, 5:00AM

View full size(Press-Register/Mike Kittrell)April is Foot Health Awareness Month, and podiatrists say it is time to take stock of your summer shoe wardrobe as well as what may be ailing your feet. Doctors recommend sandals with lightweight outer soles and a construction that cradles the foot, like this pair from the eco-friendly company Naya. These sandals are made of re´cycled cork and have natural cork and rubber footbeds. Get them at Dillard’s or Nayashoes.com.

April is Foot Health Awareness month and the American Podiatric Medical Association says spring is a great time to take a good look at your feet.

Not only because it’s time to get those toes ready for public appearances, but because our feet have been cooped up all winter, and they may be in need a little tender loving care.

Did you know that nearly 40 percent of Americans say foot pain has inhibited hampered them from performing life’s daily activities?

The APMA says foot pain is not normal, yet most of us choose to just put up with it. The APMA suggests that transitioning from our winter to our spring shoe wardrobe is a great time to assess our footwear so as to avoid unnecessary problems.

When it comes to women’s shoes, very high heels are trendy now. Unfortunately, doctors of podiatric medicine believe that heels higher than two 2 inches are medically unsound and attribute contribute to postural and even safety problems.

To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women can limit the time they wear them, according to podiatrists. And Alternating with between heels and good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day is also suggested.

Women should also vary heel height. There are comfortable and attractive “walking” pumps (also called “comfort” or “performance” pumps) for work and social activities. They blend fashion considerations and comfort. These pumps offer athletic shoe-derived construction, reinforced heels and wider toe room.

Yes, ladies, these shoes may cost a little more, but they’re certainly worth it.

Podiatrists at the APMA also say that men as well as women should also match the shoe to the activity buy shoes for work, leisure and special activities, and events.

The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles, shoes ordinarily associated with wing tip or cap toe designs. Also suitable are slip-ons, dressy loafers and low dress boots.

Male and female office workers should earmark three to five pairs of shoes for business hours — general oxfords and loafers for men; pumps and oxfords for women. And cushioned-sole shoes that give good support are essential for those who spend most of their working day on their feet.

In order to start this season off right, foot experts at the APMA suggest the following at-home treatments to get your feet ready to make their debut:

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and be sure it is large enough for both of your feet to soak.

2. Find a comfortable chair where you can relax and place the bucket in front of the chair.

3. Remove nail polish with non-acetone polish remover.

4. Stimulate foot circulation and warm up your feet by propping one foot at a time on your lap, grasping it the foot and begin and slowly moving your thumbs from the top of your toes to the bottom of your heel and back. Repeat this stroking technique as many times as needed to get your feet warmed up for some serious pampering. Repeat on the other foot.

5. Use a nail clipper to cut toenails straight across. Then, use an emery board to smooth the nail edges by filing in one direction without drastically rounding the edges.

6. Dip either a foot file or a pumice stone into the water. Next, use the file or pumice stone to gently smooth the skin around the heel, and the balls and sides of your feet.

7. For extra soothing and softening, use a scrub, like Avon’s Foot Works Double Action Sloughing Cream, and massage your entire foot and lower leg. The scrub exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin buildup that is often caused by wearing certain types of shoes. Remove scrub with a damp towel.

8. Use a fresh towel to pat feet dry and be sure to dry between each toe. While you are drying, loosen your foot joints by cupping your heel with one hand at the ankle and grabbing the top of your foot with the other. Then, rotate the foot slowly at the ankle a few times in each direction.

9. Apply and massage a healthy amount of emollient-enriched skin lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation. For added relief and relaxation while moisturizing, use your thumbs to apply extra pressure to the ball of your foot and arch. This will help to release tension in your arches. Then, for all-over relief, use your hand to squeeze your Achilles tendon (the fleshy area above your heel), one foot at a time, for 5 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.

10. Gently push back cuticles with an instrument such as a cuticle pusher or manicure stick. Cuticles, which are located between the nail and underlying soft tissue, provide a protective barrier against infection and should never be cut. Destruction of the cuticle could result in infection, and incessantly pushing back your cuticles will only make them thicker.

Finishing Toe Touches — Only if you have healthy nails should nail polish be applied. Whether you have discolored nails or not, it is advisable to remove polish regularly. Before bed, very lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot. The cellophane will act as a makeshift sauna by locking in moisture. By morning your feet will feel soothingly soft. Continue to keep your feet healthy all season long by protecting the skin that surrounds them with a waterproof, oil-free sunscreen every time you slip on your favorite pair of sandals or go barefoot at the beach.

The human foot is made up of 26 different bones (25% of all the bones in the body), 22 distinct joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The foot can be broken down into six separate sections: the heel, the instep, the sole, the ball of the foot, the toes and the toenails. Since this section of the body is so complex, many different ailments take place in the feet.

Pressure related problems: An average day of walking around is the equivalent of hundreds of tons of pressure to your feet. Injuries like fallen arches can result after a lifetime of being on your feet all day, every day. Long term effects of fallen arches can result in chronic knee pain and shin splints.

Traumatic injuries: As any professional athlete can tell you, traumatic foot injuries can be a pain in the, well, foot. Broken toes and foot bones can take months to heel, and Achilles tendon injuries can be debilitating for life. One of the most common injuries to the foot is simply dropping something heavy onto the foot and crushing one or more bones in the process.

Ingrown Toenails: An ingrown toenail is when the side or the corner of the toenail end up digging into the skin and causing moderate to severe pain, swelling, redness and in extreme cases, infection. They can usually be cured by simply soaking the toe in hot water for about 30 minutes and then placing thin fabric under the nail to keep it from digging into the foot. In serious cases, minor surgery might be needed to remove the nail from the foot.

Plantars warts: Plantar warts are small, usually round warts that appear on the sole of the foot and are caused by the HPV virus. They sometimes have small black specks with them that will bleed when the surface is punctured. The wart is usually covered by a layer of hard skin due to the pressure on the foot during periods of standing and walking. It can be spread by use of common showers or around swimming pools. They are usually treated by using regular over-the-counter wart medicine containing acid.

Arthritis: Arthritis in the foot is extremely common in older people since the foot alone has 33 joints. Any sort of traumatic injury to the foot can cause arthritis in the future.

Heel conditions: The two most common causes of severe pain in the heel belong to plantar fasciitis and bone spurs in the heel. Bone spurs are caused by a calcium deposit attached to the bone of the heel. They can go from mildly annoying to excruciating depending on the size. We’ll discuss plantar fasciitis later.

Athelte’s Foot: Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that attacks the feet. It ranges from being almost painless to causing extreme burning and itching all over the toes and sole of the foot. There are many different over the counter remedies for Athlete’s foot, but if you use many common areas barefoot, you may have to treat it over and over again as it’s easy to catch.

Nerve Problems in the feet: Most nerve problems in the feet are caused by the long-term effects of diabetes. The nerves in the feet are the longest nerves in the body and are susceptible to neuropathy and other ailments brought on by diabetes.

Diabetes: Other than the aforementioned nerve problems, diabetes seriously effects the circulation in the body and many serious diabetes sufferers have lost fingers, toes and even feet due to lack of circulation due to a lifetime of diabetes.

Congenital foot conditions: Birth defects can range from misshapen feet to bone protrusions, to nerve problems. Most congenital problems can be dealt with through surgery.

You can see from this brief overview how many aspects there are to the feet and why foot pain can be such a common and complicated problem for many people.

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