Items filtered by date: September 2019

The most common type of skin infection caused by a fungus is referred to as athlete’s foot. This fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments that often consist of public pools, shower room floors, locker rooms and surrounding areas. Noticeable symptoms that often accompany this condition can include severe itchiness on the soles of the feet, between the toes, and the skin may crack and appear scaly. If you are affected by athlete’s foot, moderate relief can be found when an antifungal medication is used. This can be applied in the form of a spray, cream, or lotion. There are methods that can be taken which may help to prevent contracting this condition. These can include wearing appropriate shoes while in moist environments, in addition to keeping your feet clean and dry. If you are afflicted with a severe case of athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care .  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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical term that is referred to as onychocryptosis, is more commonly known as an ingrown toenail. It typically develops as a result of the corner of the nail digging into the skin surrounding it, and this can produce severe pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms often consist of inflammation near the affected area, and there may be mild drainage if it becomes infected. Patients can experience ingrown toenails for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, toenails that have been trimmed incorrectly, or if an injury has happened to the toe. Moderate relief may be found when the toe is soaked in warm water several times per day. This can help to keep the skin soft around the affected nail. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is beneficial that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

The condition that is known as a heel spur can cause pain and discomfort. It happens as a result of a calcium deposit that forms between the arch and the heel of the foot. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition can include difficulty in walking barefoot, pain in the heel and surrounding areas, and swelling and inflammation. It can develop with muscle and ligament tension, which may cause the soft tissues to wear out. People who frequently participate in sporting activities that involve running and jumping may be prone to developing heel spurs. It is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel area, in addition to resting and elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have developed a heel spur, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options that are correct for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Patients who have experienced toenail fungus typically find it may take a long time to treat. Common symptoms of this type of fungus often include a yellowing and thickening of the toenails, and they can crack as a result of becoming brittle. Toenail fungus may develop if the toes are frequently in a warm and moist environment, which can include hot and sweaty shoes. Additionally, it may be present in public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent this condition from developing. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in public areas, keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing clean socks daily. If you believe you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you towards the proper treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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