Items filtered by date: February 2022

Wednesday, 23 February 2022 00:00

Causes and Treatments for Toenail Infections

Onychomycosis, also known more commonly as a toenail fungus, is an infection that causes the toenails to become discolored, yellow, thick, and brittle. There are a variety of fungi that cause toenail fungus, and they tend to thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments like sweaty shoes, showers, pools and locker rooms. Poor foot hygiene, wearing nail polish, having a chronic disease such as diabetes, and frequently using community showers or pools are all contributing factors to developing toenail fungus. Because of this, wearing footwear in these areas, along with not sharing shoes or socks, is key to preventing toenail fungus from spreading. Fungal nail infections rarely heal on their own, which means that patients who have an infected nail may wish to consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist may choose to remove part of the infected nail, prescribe a topical antifungal medication, or prescribe an oral antifungal medication. 

For more information about treatment, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. 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 offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 15 February 2022 00:00

Treatment for Foot Ulcers Caused by Diabetes

People with diabetes often develop peripheral neuropathy, caused by damaged nerves that make the feet numb. This condition often results in the inability of the diabetic to feel pain in the foot or toes. Cuts and sores that go unnoticed can take a long time to heal and eventually form into ulcers. When this happens, the health of the diabetic is at risk, as the ulcers can lead to gangrene or even limb loss in extreme cases. One way to treat the ulcers is with a total contact cast which is designed to protect the skin by placing a layer of foam between the foot and the plastic shell of the cast. As a result, the pressure is taken off the ulcer and gives it a chance to heal. This process can take up to 8 weeks. If you have neuropathy and notice sores on your feet that are not healing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and offer treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

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Thursday, 10 February 2022 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 February 2022 00:00

Three Types of Athlete’s Foot Infection

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. This condition can cause symptoms such as red, dry, peeling, itchy skin, a burning sensation in the feet, blisters, and foul odor. There are three main types of athlete’s foot, named after the areas affected by the infection. A toe web infection affects the skin in between the toes, particularly between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin here typically peels and cracks. A moccasin type infection affects the bottom or heel of your foot, leading to thick, cracked skin and a foul odor. A vesicular type infection causes blisters on the soles of the feet. If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

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 Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas.  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 offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 01 February 2022 00:00

Multiple Sclerosis and Hot Feet

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys otherwise healthy nerve cell linings in the brain and spinal cord. This impairs nerve function and causes symptoms throughout the body – including in the feet. Many people who have MS suffer from dysesthesia, or abnormal sensations in the skin. When dysesthesia affects the feet, you may experience symptoms ranging from a mild itching or burning sensation or pins and needles, to a severe feeling of the feet “being on fire” or “electrically shocked.” Despite any sensations of heat, the feet themselves will remain cool to the touch. This is because the burning sensations are caused by impaired nervous system functioning. Fortunately, there are things you can do to relieve pain, such as wearing special pressure socks. If you have MS, a podiatrist can help you manage your foot health. 

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 Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. 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 triggered 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 will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. 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 offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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