Have you noticed those toenails changing color? Are they yellow, black or brown? Getting thicker or really flaky? And quite possibly a little musty odor in those socks? This all sounds like nail fungus or medically described as onychomycosis.
Anyone can develop nail fungus. It is a common organism found in the environment that once finds a warm, dark, moist place to grow (under your toenails!) it florishes. Those 5 year old tennis shoes don't help either. You can easily transfer the fungus living in those shoes to your toenails. Do you enjoy frequent pedicures? Do you allow your nails to catch a breather? Continual polish on nails increases the suspectibility of getting a fungal infection.
The diagnosis is made with a clinical exam where clippings of the toenail are sent to a labratory where the fungal elements can be seen under a microscope. Once this has been detected, there are 3 options for treatment. There are a couple of topical medications that can resolve a mild fungal nail infection is used properly meaning every day for at least 6-9 months. Some cases may be so severe that an oral medication may be used in combination with the topicals to work from inside out to cure the infection. When one nail is involved and topicals have not worked, then removing the nail and allowing it to regrow without fungus is also another option.
No matter what treatment option you and your doctor decided, it will take at least 6-9 months to notice improvement or resolution. Nail fungus does not have an overnight cure! Oh, and don't forget to change those tennis shoes every 8-10 months!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Who Needs Orthotics and Why
Dr Crane discusses in this video the benefits of functional foot orthotics.
Who needs orthotics? Why?
Watch and learn...if you have a question for any of the doctors at Foot & Ankle Associates of North Texas, contact us and we will add it to the series of Q & A on the blog.
Healthy Steps...For Your Feet...For Your Life!
Who needs orthotics? Why?
Watch and learn...if you have a question for any of the doctors at Foot & Ankle Associates of North Texas, contact us and we will add it to the series of Q & A on the blog.
Healthy Steps...For Your Feet...For Your Life!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Got Sweaty Feet?
Is playing footsie out of the question? Sweaty feet stink! No pun intended! Not only do they stink, but it is a real bummer when you can't wear those awesome sandals since the last time you almost slipped out of them! You already know powder doesn't cut it and have probably "Googled" for help by now! This is where I come in!
Let's try keeping it simple! There are now anti-perspirants made with a stronger concentration of aluminum chloride (the active ingredient that reduces sweating) specifically for under your arms and, yes, your feet! You don't even need a prescription for some of them anymore!
Tired of practically twisting your ankle from slipping and sliding out of your shoes and sandals? If you haven't tried Summer Soles inlays, you will be in for a treat! These wafer-thin inlays for your shoes and sandals literally wick the sweat off your feet so your feet feel dry and they don't slosh around. You know these things are great when people like you say that Summer Soles have changed their lives!
Yes, it this doesn't work, then see me (or another podiatrist is you are not so fortunate to live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area )!
Good foot advise means good feet for a lifetime!
Dr. Adriana Karpati is double board certified in foot surgery and wound care and has special interest in aesthetic foot surgery, diabetic limb salvage and childhood foot problems. She practices with Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, located in Grapevine, Texas.
For more information on various foot conditions or on Dr. Karpati, please visit our website.
Let's try keeping it simple! There are now anti-perspirants made with a stronger concentration of aluminum chloride (the active ingredient that reduces sweating) specifically for under your arms and, yes, your feet! You don't even need a prescription for some of them anymore!
Tired of practically twisting your ankle from slipping and sliding out of your shoes and sandals? If you haven't tried Summer Soles inlays, you will be in for a treat! These wafer-thin inlays for your shoes and sandals literally wick the sweat off your feet so your feet feel dry and they don't slosh around. You know these things are great when people like you say that Summer Soles have changed their lives!
Yes, it this doesn't work, then see me (or another podiatrist is you are not so fortunate to live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area )!
Good foot advise means good feet for a lifetime!
Dr. Adriana Karpati is double board certified in foot surgery and wound care and has special interest in aesthetic foot surgery, diabetic limb salvage and childhood foot problems. She practices with Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, located in Grapevine, Texas.
For more information on various foot conditions or on Dr. Karpati, please visit our website.
Hot Burning Heels?
Got Hot Burning Heels?
Do you know that heel pain is the most common complaint we see in our office?
You could have plantar fascitiis, but did you also know that your pain could be caused by a bone spur, a broken bone or a torn ligament? Heel pain could also be caused by a recent gain in weight, tight calf muscles, sudden change in exercise regiment or improper shoes.
Most people think if they ignore the heel pain that it will go away or at least the pain will get better. I am here to tell you that the pain will not go away and most likely it will get worse! A lot of times we can not remember hurting ourselves and we cant even remember when the pain started, the important thing to know is that if you have heel pain you can get rid of it, no one should have to walk around day to day with pain in their feet.
A few things to think about if you are suffering from heel pain..
- are your shoes old?
- Do your feet feel tired at the end of the day?
- Is the pain worse in the morning when you get out of bed?
- Are you stretching before and after you exercise?
- Do you have to stand for long periods of time when you work?
If the answers to any of these are yes then you should have a docotor look at your feet. Most times conservative treatments can get rid of your pain and make your feet feel new again.
Do you know that heel pain is the most common complaint we see in our office?
You could have plantar fascitiis, but did you also know that your pain could be caused by a bone spur, a broken bone or a torn ligament? Heel pain could also be caused by a recent gain in weight, tight calf muscles, sudden change in exercise regiment or improper shoes.
Most people think if they ignore the heel pain that it will go away or at least the pain will get better. I am here to tell you that the pain will not go away and most likely it will get worse! A lot of times we can not remember hurting ourselves and we cant even remember when the pain started, the important thing to know is that if you have heel pain you can get rid of it, no one should have to walk around day to day with pain in their feet.
A few things to think about if you are suffering from heel pain..
- are your shoes old?
- Do your feet feel tired at the end of the day?
- Is the pain worse in the morning when you get out of bed?
- Are you stretching before and after you exercise?
- Do you have to stand for long periods of time when you work?
If the answers to any of these are yes then you should have a docotor look at your feet. Most times conservative treatments can get rid of your pain and make your feet feel new again.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Do Socks Matter?
What’s in Your Sock Drawer?
I get asked everyday about the types of shoes people should buy, but what about socks? Why do we ignore a very basic part of our shoe gear? New technology has invaded our home, offices and gym bag. It’s changed the way we correspond, drive our cars, listen to music, cushion our running shoes and yes….even our socks have taken a technology based transformation.
New technology has made fabrics lighter, healthier, more comfortable, more-wicking, and more durable. Using a variety of new-age fabrics and even old-fashioned cotton blends can help keep feet dry, leaving them more comfortable and blister-free. My favorite socks are double layer Coolmaxx which keeps my tootsies dry and blister free. Since your feet spend much of their time covered in some kind of footwear, it is essential to choose the right socks for your needs. From fabric to fit, making sure your socks are the right ones for the job are essential. (Yes, socks come in sizes just like shoes!)
Here are some sock buying tips from the trenches:
- A sock with a poly/cotton blend is the best for everyday wear. Sweat wicking blends like Coolmaxx or Dry-weave are best for running. If you have a chronic fungal infection or itchy feet, you may like socks impregnated with silver or copper to decrease the fungus and bacteria collecting in between your toes.
- It really is all about fit. Socks should fit like a glove. No loose fabric or bunching up around the toes and especially no contracting or curling your toes because they are too small! Thin or thick, just make sure they fit and don’t make you shoes too tight.
- Diabetics and those with circulation problems or blister problems at the tips of your toes should wear specialty seamless socks. These are available in many types and sizes.
- All socks should be tried on with the appropriate shoes. Don’t try on your running socks with dress shoes…that’s a recipe for buying the wrong socks!
- When in doubt, visit Healthy Steps, our therapeutic shoe store. We have lots of socks and can help you with your choices for everyday and running…..
I get asked everyday about the types of shoes people should buy, but what about socks? Why do we ignore a very basic part of our shoe gear? New technology has invaded our home, offices and gym bag. It’s changed the way we correspond, drive our cars, listen to music, cushion our running shoes and yes….even our socks have taken a technology based transformation.
New technology has made fabrics lighter, healthier, more comfortable, more-wicking, and more durable. Using a variety of new-age fabrics and even old-fashioned cotton blends can help keep feet dry, leaving them more comfortable and blister-free. My favorite socks are double layer Coolmaxx which keeps my tootsies dry and blister free. Since your feet spend much of their time covered in some kind of footwear, it is essential to choose the right socks for your needs. From fabric to fit, making sure your socks are the right ones for the job are essential. (Yes, socks come in sizes just like shoes!)
Here are some sock buying tips from the trenches:
- A sock with a poly/cotton blend is the best for everyday wear. Sweat wicking blends like Coolmaxx or Dry-weave are best for running. If you have a chronic fungal infection or itchy feet, you may like socks impregnated with silver or copper to decrease the fungus and bacteria collecting in between your toes.
- It really is all about fit. Socks should fit like a glove. No loose fabric or bunching up around the toes and especially no contracting or curling your toes because they are too small! Thin or thick, just make sure they fit and don’t make you shoes too tight.
- Diabetics and those with circulation problems or blister problems at the tips of your toes should wear specialty seamless socks. These are available in many types and sizes.
- All socks should be tried on with the appropriate shoes. Don’t try on your running socks with dress shoes…that’s a recipe for buying the wrong socks!
- When in doubt, visit Healthy Steps, our therapeutic shoe store. We have lots of socks and can help you with your choices for everyday and running…..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)