Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Toenail Fungus and Prevention Methods

A fungal infection of the toenails is medically referred to as onychomycosis. It can be unsightly as a result of the toenails becoming thick and yellowed, which are common symptoms of toenail fungus. It is considered to be a contagious infection and lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is advised to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. These may be effective prevention methods, but it is also suggested to frequently wash and thoroughly dry the feet, as well as practice overall good hygiene. Toenail fungus can be difficult to treat and may take several months. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the best treatment options for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr.Kitana of practice new. ourdoctor Joomla 3 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 ouroffice Joomla 3 located in Contact Us TAG . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Falls Prevention

Elderly Americans are very susceptible to falls as they get older. Everyone experiences decreases in flexibility, balance, strength, and the senses as they age. This correlates to some eye-opening statistics. 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. An elderly American is being treated for a fall in an emergency room every 11 seconds, and every 19 minutes, an older person dies from falling. In light of these striking statistics, one can see the importance of taking steps to prevent falls.

Finding an exercise program for the elderly is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of falls. Look for an exercise program that improves strength and balance. Elderly people who live a more sedentary lifestyle, with little physical activity, are at an increased risk of falling. Wearing well-fitted footwear that provides good foot support and cushion will help prevent falls from poorly fitted shoes. Talking to a podiatrist about your susceptibility to falls and about inspecting your prescriptions will help to avoid any medication that could make falls more likely. Due to a decline in the senses among the elderly, having your eyes and hearing checked is recommended.

Around half of all falls occur in the household. Removing tripping hazards in the home and making it more accommodating to older persons can significantly reduce falls. Some notable household changes include increasing lighting around the house, installing grab bars in the shower and bathroom, and making sure the floor is clear of clutter. Other smart options include installing a shower chair, using rubber-bottomed rugs, and placing railings on both sides of stairwells.  

Finally, discuss with a doctor and your family about your fear of falling. This will help to increase awareness among the population on the need for fall prevention. A lack of awareness on the matter, and a downplaying of importance are what increase the risks of falling. Following these tips can help to reduce the risk for yourself and your loved ones.

 

Research has shown the risk of falling among construction workers is greater than other professions. Many construction workers use tall ladders and climb on rooftops. There are prevention techniques that can be implemented that may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include inspection of the work site on a daily basis, and proper clean up at the end of the day. Additionally, it is helpful for the employees to be aware of a fall protection program, and it is beneficial that the employer provides proper protective equipment. Many construction sites have guard rails in place that can help to prevent falling. Falling can affect the feet and ankles, and can hinder completing daily activities. If you would like additional information about how the feet can be harmed from falling, and to learn about proper prevention techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr.Kitana from practice new. ourdoctor Joomla 3 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:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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 ouroffice Joomla 3 located in Contact Us TAG . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the heel and connects the calf muscles to the heel.  It is used for walking, running, and pointing and flexing the foot. A sudden accident to the foot can result in an Achilles tendon injury, and this can often cause severe pain and discomfort. Some patients experience an Achilles tendon partial rupture which indicates the tendon is still attached to the calf muscles. A complete tear can occur when there is no connection between the tendon and the calf muscles. Common symptoms of this type of injury can include walking flat-footed, bruising, swelling, and the inability to stand on your tiptoes. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options, which may include surgery.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr.Kitana of practice new. ourdoctor Joomla 3 can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact ouroffice Joomla 3 located in Contact Us TAG . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

When Is Toe Surgery Needed?

Without healthy toes, it is much more difficult to walk, run or live a normal, active life. Sometimes the toes become injured or damaged in such a way that only surgery can alleviate the problem. The most common reasons for toe surgery are changes in the shape of the toe (bunions, hammertoe, claw toe), pain in the toe joints (arthritis), and pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). Non-surgical treatment includes padding between the toes to keep them from rubbing against each other, wearing soft shoes that reduce the pain caused by toes rubbing against the top or side, and wearing inserts in your shoes to better cushion them. Surgical treatment includes releasing or strengthening tendons, straightening a toe by removing a bone, and realigning the bones of the toes. If toe pain or deformity is an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist who can examine your toes, diagnose the problem, and formulate a treatment plan that is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr.Kitana of practice new. ourdoctor Joomla 3 will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact ouroffice Joomla 3 located in Contact Us TAG . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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