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Monday, 18 March 2019 00:00

Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?

A fungal infection that is referred to as athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and painful. The most common place for this condition to develop is between the toes, which may cause severe itching. The skin may become dry and flaky, and many patients notice a burning or stinging sensation. This ailment is known to be contagious, and lives in warm and moist environments. These areas many include swimming pools, shower room floors, or locker rooms. Additionally, athlete’s foot may develop as a result of wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. This can contribute to sweaty feet, which may create an environment for the fungus to thrive. There are measures that can be implemented, which may help to prevent athlete’s foot. These may include wearing appropriate shoes in public areas and washing the feet and completely drying between the toes. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment.

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. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Read more about Athlete's Foot 101

The most common cause of heel pain may be a condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the thick ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot becomes inflamed. It’s purpose is to aid in walking, in addition to supporting the arch. Some of the symptoms that many patients experience is heel pain and moderate to severe stiffness, which may make walking up and down the steps difficult. This condition may affect people from all walks of life, and more specifically runners, women in late pregnancy, and those who are overweight. Additionally, this ailment may be caused by inherited traits, which may play a role in altering the structure of the foot. If you feel you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it’s important that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can advise what the best possible treatment options are for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Morris Stribling  from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Monday, 11 March 2019 00:00

Possible Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

There is a band of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot. This band, known as the plantar fascia, connects the toes to the heel bone. If the plantar fascia should become inflamed and irritated, a condition that is referred to plantar fasciitis may develop. Symptoms that are characteristic of this condition may include pain and discomfort, in addition to the heel appearing stiff and swollen. Typical reasons for plantar fasciitis to develop may include standing for extended periods of time or wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, this ailment may develop in patients who participate in long distance running. Certain medical conditions, such as flat feet or high arches, may be contributing factors for the onset of plantar fasciitis. Mild relief may be found while resting the affected foot, and it may be helpful to abstain from engaging in the activities that may have caused the condition. If you have heel pain, consult with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affects people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Monday, 04 March 2019 00:00

Noticeable Symptoms of Neuropathy

If you experience a tingling or numbing sensation in the nerves of the feet, you may have a condition that is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. This may occur as a result of genetic traits or medical conditions that may include thyroid disorders or diabetes. Additionally, the aging process or taking certain medications may add to the risk of developing neuropathy. Some of the symptoms that may be noticed can include weakness, clumsiness, or a loss of balance. Patients may feel cramping in the hands and feet or may feel dizzy while standing up from a chair. There may be medications that may be effective in treating neuropathy. If this condition occurs as a result of radiation or chemotherapy, successful recovery may take eighteen months or longer. If you are experiencing any symptoms of this condition, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be trigged by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy, whether it be diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, or others, will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Neuropathy
Friday, 01 March 2019 00:00

Do your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately?

Monday, 25 February 2019 00:00

Can Toenail Fungus Be Avoided?

The foot condition that is known as toenail fungus may be common among people who have a weakened immune system or are over sixty years old. The medical name for this type of fungus is referred to as onychomycosis (OM), and typically lives and thrives in warm and moist areas, without needing sunshine. It can enter the body through small cuts in the skin, or possibly through an opening in the nail, which can penetrate through to the nail bed. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can include yellowed and thickened nails which may easily lift off, or mild discomfort may be felt. There may be measures that can be implemented which may help to prevent toenail fungus. These may include avoiding sharing shoes, washing and drying the feet completely, and keeping the toenails shortly trimmed.  If you have symptoms of a toenail fungus, it is advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Morris Stribling of Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor 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 Central San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Monday, 18 February 2019 00:00

Plantar Warts and Home Remedies

Plantar warts are an uncomfortable condition that affects the soles of the feet. Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow inward through the thick skin on the bottom of the foot. This can cause extreme discomfort and sensitivity. Many people try to fix their plantar warts at home through various methods, including apple cider vinegar, duct tape, and even urine. There is no scientific evidence to support that these remedies actually work, but sometimes they might trigger the immune system. Plantar warts hide in the thick skin on the sole of the foot and usually go undetected by the immune system, which helps them thrive. If attention is brought to them, then the immune system might be able to fight off the infection, but the most effective way to fix plantar warts is to seek help from a medical professional. If you think you may have plantar warts, then it is suggested you speak with a podiatrist to receive the proper treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about Plantar Warts
Monday, 11 February 2019 00:00

Different Types of Foot Pain

There are numerous causes and types of foot pain that many patients may experience over the course of their lifetimes. These may include fractures, sprains, injuries to the Achilles tendon, or objects that may have become imbedded. A type of arthritis which is referred to as gout can cause severe pain and discomfort, and this may last for several days. If shoes are worn that fit incorrectly, corns or blisters may develop, and this may cause pain while walking. Research has shown warts may cause discomfort, and this may be especially true if the wart grows into the heel of the foot, which is known as a plantar wart. If the nail should grow into the surrounding skin, tenderness and redness will often accompany this ailment. Additionally, a common foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may cause extreme pain and discomfort, and this may be a result of inflammation of the band of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot. It is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and begin correct treatments for any type of foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

Flat feet are common, but unfortunately can cause issues, specifically during physical activities. Choosing the right footwear for regular fitness routines can help combat the complications that flat feet cause. Shoes that are straight last are the best fit for those with flat feet, because the design of the shoe is symmetrical to a straight line from the heel to the toe. A straight last shoe provides more base support for lifting weights and balance-oriented exercises. An arch is also essential, but the support should not be limited to the insole. Shoes that have an arch on both the sole and insole, will offer the appropriate amount of support for those with flat feet. The height of the shoe should be almost even at the toe and the heel. Shoes that are higher at the heel put more stress on the feet, which will create problems for flat feet. If you have flat feet and would like more information about the right shoe for you, then it is suggested you speak to a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Morris Stribling from Foot Care of Central San Antonio. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flat Feet
Tuesday, 29 January 2019 00:00

Before you start dancing...

 

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