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February 2019

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.

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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.

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Published in Blog
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.

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Published in Blog

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.

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