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January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Toenail Fungus Is Treatable

A noticeable symptom of toenail fungus is yellowish or white nails. In severe cases, they can eventually crumble and fall off, and it is advised that medical attention is sought from a podiatrist before this happens. It develops as a result of a fungus that enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of shower room floors and public swimming pools. It is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes and socks, in addition to wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas. Toenail fungus is treatable, and it generally takes up to a year for a complete recovery. After the fungus has stopped growing, the new nail will grow in, and prescribed medication is gradually stopped. If you see signs that you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will take a sample of the fungus, and start you on the right treatment path.

For more information about treatment, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. 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 Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

How Being Overweight Can Affect Your Feet

Being overweight can contribute to the development of foot problems in several  ways. Carrying excess weight can negatively affect the structure of your feet, especially in the heels. It also increases the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The more extra weight you carry, the worse any foot ailment becomes. Being overweight can result in overuse foot problems, such as tendonitis, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis or other heel pain. It is also believed that excess weight increases your chances of developing high cholesterol, poor circulation, and diabetes. These conditions can have a direct result on damage to your feet. The main ways to reduce the effects of obesity is to become more physically active, find an eating plan that allows you to lose weight gradually, and make some lifestyle changes regarding food habits. If you have foot pain that is a direct result of excessive body weight, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine your feet and ankles and offer appropriate treatment options. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like?

As painful as a plantar wart can be, it is considered to be a harmless skin growth. It is a small area of hardened skin that is sometimes filled with black dots, which are blood vessels. It is caused by a fungus and develops on the sole of the foot. It generally grows inward as a result of the pressure the bottom of the foot endures from body weight. Many people experience extreme discomfort with a plantar wart and often look for prompt medical attention for relief. They are considered to be contagious, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Medicine may be prescribed that can freeze the wart, or for stubborn plantar warts, surgery may be necessary for removal. It is beneficial to choose shoes that are comfortable, and avoid wearing any type of shoe that puts pressure on the heels. Some patients find it helpful to put a protective covering over the wart which may help to ease the pressure that is felt from walking. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the necessary treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. 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 Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Pregnancy and Plantar Fasciitis

Pregnancy can have a variety of different effects on the feet as the pregnant woman progresses through each trimester of her pregnancy. Plantar fasciitis is one risk factor in the feet associated with pregnancy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the arch of the feet, becomes significantly inflamed. It is common for an individual who is pregnant to demonstrate some kind of overpronation, which is typical because of the increase in weight gained from the pregnancy. Due to the overpronation, a pregnant individual can ultimately stretch their plantar fascia in a damaging way, eventually resulting in plantar fasciitis. Pregnant women should take extra special care of their feet due to the risk factors associated with pregnancy. Also, keeping the feet healthy and strong can ensure that the feet are less likely to cause some kind of fall in a pregnant woman. Contact a podiatrist today if you are pregnant or are planning to be. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health
Friday, 06 January 2023 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Effective Relief Methods for Arthritic Feet

Arthritis in the feet can cause severe pain and discomfort. It is possible that relief can be found when specific methods are practiced. Self-management techniques can include learning how to reduce stress, improve mood, and generally feel more in control of health issues. This is instrumental in managing some of the pain that is associated with arthritic feet. Additionally, physical activity is linked to an improved sense of well-being, and it may help to eliminate some of the discomforts that occur with feet that have arthritis. Research has indicated it is beneficial to lose weight with existing arthritis, often improving foot mobility and range of motion. It is important to incorporate a gentle exercise program into the daily routine which may help to reduce the risk of injury in completing daily activities. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly urged that you routinely visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper management and relief tactics.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
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