Foot odor is a common problem, especially among those who perspire excessively, but it can be both embarrassing and physically uncomfortable. If you suffer from foot odor, rest assured that simple lifestyle changes and improved personal hygiene can help reduce and eliminate the smell.

Easy Ways to Eliminate Foot Odor

Since most foot odor is caused from excess sweat and the growth of odor-causing bacteria, it's relatively easy to control and reduce foot odor on your own. Start by taking the following preventative steps:

• Keep your feet clean by washing them with an antibacterial soap on a regular basis to minimize bacteria.
• Keep feet dry as moisture enables the growth of bacteria.
• Alternate shoes and avoid wearing the same pair for multiple days in a row.
• Choose open shoes such as sandals when possible, allowing air onto the feet which evaporates sweat and slows the growth of bacteria.
• Wear cotton socks which whisk away moisture and absorb perspiration.
• Apply foot sprays and powders to the feet. Ask Academy Foot and Ankle for recommended products.
• Disinfect, wash and discard foul smelling shoes as necessary.

The causes of foot odor are typically not harmful to your health, but do create an environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria. It's not unusual for infections such as toenail fungus and athlete's foot to develop as a result.

When improving your foot hygiene doesn't help reduce the smell, you may need to visit Academy Foot and Ankle, as persistent foot odor can indicate an infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, a prescription ointment may be required to treat the problem. Visit our Southlake office and we'll work with you to determine the cause and most effective treatment for your condition.

A Runner's Road Block

While many running-related foot injures can result from a fall or twisted ankle, most running injuries are caused by overuse, meaning the majority of runners experience foot and ankle pain because they do too much for too long. Runners should be aware of the signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly. Common foot and ankle injuries experienced by runners include:

Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis and other calf-related injuries are prevalent in runners. Poor training, overuse and improper footwear are the three most common reasons for this condition. A sudden increase in distance or pace can strain the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle, causing small tears within these structures that result in pain and inflammation. Appropriate shoes and training are the most important steps to preventing Achilles tendonitis. Conservative treatment includes, rest, ice, stretching, and sometimes orthotics or physical therapy.

Heel Pain: Runners develop heel pain more than any other foot-related injury. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, which is the result of excess stress placed on a ligament in the bottom of the foot. Rest, stretching and support are the best ways to ease the pain and inflammation. Reduce your mileage and avoid hill and speed workouts. Stretch before and after you run, and ice your heel after each workout. Special splints and shoe inserts from Academy Foot and Ankle may also provide support and relief for your heel pain.

Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the surface of a bone. Runners generally notice gradual muscle soreness, stiffness, and pain on the affected bone, most often in the lower leg or the foot. Early diagnosis is critical as the small fracture can spread and eventually become a complete fracture of the bone. Stress fractures are typically caused by an increase in training that occurs more quickly than the body's ability to build up and strengthen the bone. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, you should stop running immediately and see a podiatrist at Academy Foot and Ankle. This injury can keep a runner off the roads for several weeks and is not an injury that you can run through. Depending on the severity of the stress fracture, a cast may be necessary.

If you experience chronic foot pain from running, make an appointment with a podiatrist at our Southlake office. Leaving foot injuries untreated could result in more serious conditions, ultimately keeping you from your best performance. Keep in mind that these are not the only foot ailments caused by running, and when at-home foot care isn't effective, you'll need to be evaluated by a podiatrist. As in most cases, prevention is your best treatment. Good footwear, proper training and recognizing a problem before it becomes serious are your keys to staying on the road and avoiding foot injuries.

One common type of flatfoot is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching the tendon that supports the arch. Flexible flatfoot is also common and occurs when the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

Factors than increase your risk of flat feet include:

• Excess weight
• Age
• Injury to your foot or ankle
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pregnancy

When to See Your Southlake Podiatrist

Most adults with a fallen arch experience little to no pain. For these patients, treatment is rarely necessary. A painful flatfoot, however, may be the sign of a congenital abnormality or an injury to the muscles and tendons of the foot. Pain can be severe, making it difficult to walk, wear shoes and perform simple every day tasks. More than achy feet, flatfoot can also lead to other, more serious problems and pain for your ankles, knees, back and hips.

Common symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Swelling along the inside of the ankle
• Feet that tire easily or ache after standing for an extended period of time
• A lack of mobility in your foot and difficulty standing on your toes
• Sore, swollen feet; especially in the heel or arch of your foot

Steps Away from Flatfoot Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain caused by flatfoot, visit Academy Foot and Ankle for an evaluation. We can identify the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatments for your type of arch.

Talk with your podiatrist about the following treatment options:

• Shoe inserts/ Orthotics
• Shoe modifications
• Rest and ice
• Stretching exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgery

Whether you were born with flat feet or you acquired fallen arches over time, if your flat feet are causing you pain or interfering with your day to day activities, visit Academy Foot and Ankle. We can work with you to determine the best treatment options to eliminate the pain, improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you love.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Simple daily foot care can help prevent serious health problems associated with diabetes.

At Academy Foot and Ankle, we recommend the following tips for keeping your feet healthy and preventing foot complications:

• Wash feet daily. Keep feet clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry thoroughly.
• Moisturize. Moisturize daily to keep dry skin from cracking, and avoid putting lotion between your toes as this may cause infection.
• Trim your toenails carefully. Cut straight across, avoiding the corners; visit our office for assistance
• Never treat corns or calluses on your own. Visit your podiatrist for treatment.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold.
• Keep the blood flowing in your feet and legs. Elevate your feet when sitting; don't sit cross-legged; and stay active.
• Inspect your feet every day. Check your feet for cuts, redness, swelling and nail problems. Contact Academy Foot and Ankle if you notice anything unusual- even the slightest change.
• Avoid Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow in the feet
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and never walk barefoot
• Visit Academy Foot and Ankle for regular exams. Seeing a podiatrist at our Southlake office regularly can help prevent diabetic foot problems.

At Academy Foot and Ankle, we understand that living with diabetes can be challenging. Let's discuss simple ways you can reduce your risk of foot injuries. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and gets you back on your feet so you can enjoy the things you love. Remember to inspect your feet every day. If you detect an injury- no matter how small- come in for an exam right away.
 

Identifying a Corn or Callus

Corns and calluses are similar in nature, but differ in size and location. Corns are smaller than calluses and usually have a hard, thickened center surrounded by red, inflamed skin. They typically develop on the tops and sides of your toes and can be painful when touched. Calluses generally develop on your heels and balls of your feet. They vary in size and shape, although almost always larger than corns.

For most people who develop calluses or corns, eliminating the source of pressure is usually enough to make the thickened skin disappear. Academy Foot and Ankle recommends the following for treating corns and calluses:

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. When footwear fits properly, there is less opportunity for friction and rubbing to occur.
• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to help remove corns and calluses. Rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone to remove toughened layers more easily.
• Keeping your feet moisturized with foot cream or lotion will help improve the quality of your skin and rid your feet from calluses or corns.

When to Seek Care from Academy Foot and Ankle

When corns and calluses don't respond to conservative care, contact our Southlake office for a careful evaluation. We can investigate the possible causes of your corn or callus, safely remove the thick, hardened area of skin, and recommend appropriate footwear and treatment, including padding and inserts. Never attempt to cut away a corn or callus on your own, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Instead, seek advice from Academy Foot and Ankle for careful removal and proper care.

Bunions develop due to prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on your big toe joint, most often caused by inherited structural defects, poor-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or congenital deformities. Women are generally more prone to bunions because of the shoe types typically worn, such as high-heels and narrow-toed shoes.

Bunion pain can range from mild to severe, often making it difficult to wear shoes and perform normal activities. You should contact our Southlake office if you notice the following symptoms:

• An enlarged, visible bulge on your big toe joint
• Restricted movement of your big toe or foot that prevents you from performing normal activities
• Irritation, corns or calluses caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Frequent pain, swelling or redness around your big toe joint

Treatment for a bunion will vary depending on its severity. Identifying the condition in its early stages is important to avoid surgery, with the main objective of early treatment being to relieve pressure and stop the progression of the deformity. Many times conservative treatments, such as padding, modified footwear or orthotic devices can be highly effective for preventing further growth and reducing the pressure and pain.

Academy Foot and Ankle recommends the following for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions:

• Wear comfortable shoes that don't cramp or irritate your toes and avoid high-heeled shoes
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain
• Our podiatrists can show you how to apply padding to your foot to place it in its normal position and reduce stress on the bunion

When early treatments fail or the persistent pain associated with your bunion is interfering with your daily activities, a surgical procedure may be recommended as a last resort to realign the toe joint and alleviate the pressure. Academy Foot and Ankle can advise you on the best treatment options available to relieve pressure on the bunion and slow the progression of the joint deformity.

Causes of Bone Spurs in the Feet

When your feet are repeatedly exposed to excessive pressure and stress, a bone spur can form as a result of the body's normal response to repair itself. The following activities and conditions are also common causes of bone spurs in the feet:

• High-impact activities, such as running
• Excessive weight
• Poor-fitting footwear
• Tightening of the plantar fasciitis due to excessive stress
• Aging

Because there are no obvious symptoms associated with bone spurs in the feet, diagnosing the disorder can be difficult. Some people experience unbearable pain in particular areas of their foot when exposed to pressure, which prompts them to seek medical care. Other people can go long periods of time without realizing they even have a bone spur. An x-ray can identify a bone spur in your foot, but if it isn't causing you pain, damaging other tissues or restricting your movement, treatment probably won't be necessary.

Identifying the cause of your bone spur, such as poor-fitting shoes or weight gain, is often times enough to reduce the pressure that is causing the pain.

Conservative treatments for bone spurs include:

• Change in footwear
• Weight loss
• Padding or insoles
• Deep tissue massage and stretching

If you're experiencing chronic foot pain, schedule an appointment at our Southlake, Hurst, and Fort Worth, Texas offices. At Academy Foot and Ankle, we'll carefully examine your feet and evaluate your symptoms to better understand your condition. If you've developed a bone spur, we can work with you to create a treatment plan that best fits your needs and puts an end to your frustrating foot pain.

Tips from Academy Foot and Ankle for avoiding Athlete's Foot:

• Keep your feet dry, allowing them to air out as much as possible
• Wear socks that draw moisture away from your feet and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
• Alternate pairs of shoes, allowing time for your shoes to dry each day
• Always wear waterproof shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers
• Never borrow shoes due to the risk of spreading a fungal infection

Treatment

A mild case of athlete's foot will generally clear up on its own with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. But since re-infection is common due to its contagious nature, many people require prescribed anti-fungal medication to effectively treat the infection. Generally, it's always best to consult with Academy Foot and Ankle before choosing a treatment.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can turn severe and even cause a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your rash has become increasingly red, swollen and painful or you develop blisters and sores, call our Southlake, Hurst, and Fort Worth office right away. Athlete's foot left untreated could eventually spread to other body parts and infect other people around you.

With the right treatment, you'll be cured of your athlete's foot in no time, which means the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without pain and irritation!

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            Heel pain is the most common condition that leads patients to podiatrists.  Pregnancy, improper shoes, and overly strenuous exercise are some of the factors that may contribute to heel pain.  Any heel pain that persists for more than 30 days should be evaluated by a podiatrist.  To avoid heel pain, always consult a podiatrist before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have been inactive for a long time.  Start any exercise program with moderation, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of workouts.  Always stretch before and after exercise, including the feet, calves, and Achilles tendon.  Vary the incline on a treadmill to avoid heel strain.  Maintain properly fitting shoes in good condition, wearing appropriate shoes for various activities. 

            P.S.  Pain should not be a part of an exercise program, so stop if it hurts.

Academy Foot & Ankle Specialists

817-424-FOOT

            More younger patients ages 15 to 25 are suffering from heel pain, and experts blame flip-flop sandals for many of the cases. 

These thin-soled shoes offer no arch support and little other cushioning to protect feet.  Wearing flip-flops, as many young people do regularly, can impair biomechanics while walking and lead to pain and inflammation. 

Other causes of heel pain in youth are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle during winter months.  When people increase activity levels dramatically during the better weather, heel pain often results.  Carrying extra weight also burdens the foot and may cause inflammation. 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by chronic inflammation.  Heel pain can also be caused by systemic medical conditions. 

            P.S.  Keeping weight under control, maintaining consistent activity levels, and wearing appropriate footwear can help prevent heel pain.

P.S.  The average person walks 70,000 miles in a lifetime.  That is three times the distance around the world.

            P.S.  When burning pain in the ball of the foot persists, seek podiatric attention. www.texasfootdoctor.org

This could be inflammation of your plantar fascia if left untreated will get worse.  The sooner you start treatment the easier the treatment can be. There are many simple treatments from stretching on up to surgery.  It is always best to start with conservative care.  If this is you we have more information on www.texasfootdoctor.org view patient education.Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur)

There are many conservative therapies when those fail there is Shockwave a procedure done without incisions and you can walk on it the same day. For more information see www.texasfootdoctor.org under patient information.

Here is a link to read more :

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576158351630076320.html?KEYWORDS=LAURA+JOHANNES

Basketball -- Whether you're making the perfect pass or
finishing off the high-flying dunk, basketball shoes have
several features that will help you prevent injury.
- A thick, stiff sole gives support while running and landing
from jumps.
- High ankle construction supports the ankle during
quick changes in direction. A basketball shoe should
have the strongest support on either side of the ankle.

Racquetball/Tennis -- On the surface, court shoes for tennis and
racquetball may look like any other athletic sneaker, but it's
what's on the inside that makes the difference.
- A court shoe supports both sides of the foot because of all
the quick lateral movements and weight shifts in court sports.
- It provides a flexible sole for fast changes of direction.
- It has less shock absorption than a running or basketball
shoe.

Running -- The running shoe is perhaps the most personal and intricate
of all athletic shoes. Every runner has different needs and there
are a multitude of choices out there.
- A running shoe must provide maximum shock absorption to help
runners avoid ailments such as shin splints and knee pain.
- The shoe should control the way your heel strikes the ground, so
the rest of your foot can fall correctly.
- Know your foot type (high, medium, low arch) so you can get the
shoe with the right support for your foot.

Tips:

Be sure to select a shoe for the activity.

Make sure it fits properly.

Change them out as they show signs of wear.

Arthritis is a frequent component of complex diseases that may involve more than 100 identifiable disorders. More information is available from the Arthritis Foundation.

The podiatric physician cares for people of all ages, treating any foot problem. The common disorders include bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. The podiatric physician also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. If your podiatric surgeon is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he or she has successfully completed a credentialing and examination process and has demonstrated knowledge of podiatric surgery, including the diagnosis of general medical problems and surgical management of foot diseases, deformities, and trauma of the foot, ankle and related structures.

Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms (Tinea Unguium) that can infect fingernails and toenails. The nails of our fingers and toes are very effective barriers. This barrier makes it quite difficult for a superficial infection to invade the nail. Once an infection has set in however, the same barrier that was so effective in protecting us against infection now works against us, making it difficult to treat the infection.

More than 30 million people in the United States get this fungus. The fungus lives underneath the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows, since fungus like dark and damp places. This is why it's hard to reach and stop nail fungus.
Nail polish and plastic or acrylic nails can trap moisture and fungi. Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. The toenails are 6 times more likely to be infected than fingernails. Fungi often cause the area around the base (and the sides) of the nail to become red and irritated. At first, the edges or base of the nail is affected. As it spreads, the nail and nail bed show changes. There is often mild discomfort, itchiness, or even pain around the cuticles (flesh surrounding the nails). Bleeding or detachment of the cuticles may occur. The nail can become discolored-yellow-green, dark yellow-brown, and sometimes white spots are seen. The nails thicken and develop abnormal grooves, lines, and tiny punched out holes.
How does the treatment work?
The laser is a unique dual- wave-length near-infrared diode specifically designed to treat fungal pathogens associated with onychomycosis without causing thermal harm to adjacent healthy tissue. The wave lengths have a unique photo lethal effect on fungal pathogens.
Is laser treatment painful?
The laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. Patients should experience no discomfort during or after the treatment. The sensation associated with the treatment has been described as warming and some have reported a slight pressure. No reports of pain during or after treatments.
How long does the treatment take?
It takes approximately 16 minutes to treat one to four toes and 32 minutes for any additional. Mild to moderate cases take 1 to 2 touch ups after the first treatment. Severe cases may need 3 to 4 touch ups. The first touch up should be done 14 days after the treatment all additional are 60 days apart.

Does it really work?
Clinical studies to date reveal that over 88% of treated patients show significant improvement. In most cases the nail fungus pathogen is completely eliminated.
Patients were able to grow out a regular appearing nail after just one laser treatment. After that treatment, the toenail should grow usually in one year if there's a healthy bed to do so. The success rate here is similar to the oral fungal pill without the risks or remembering to take the medication.
How soon will I see improvement?
On average, a toenail will replace itself every 9 to 12 months. Healthy new growth will be visible within the first 3 months. However, in the first 14 days you may notice less pain, nails are less brittle. In 30- 60 days you may notice decreased odor and color change. At 60 to 180 days you may notice clear nail growth at the base of the nail.
Is this treatment safe?
Yes. In clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of medication available today for treatment of fungus nails carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). Or the pain and possible infection associated with removal of the nail. This laser treatment does not carry these types of risks.

Can anyone have this treatment done?

No. If you are pregnant or taking blood thinners or have a mole or dark spot on the nail to be treated or have had a recent injury to the nail.
Do I have to take any drugs as part of the treatment?
No medication are required. We do recommend the use of antifungal sprays to reduce the fungal load to be used in conjunction with the treatment.
Can I walk after the treatment?
Yes, you will be able to walk out of the office just as well as you walked in. The treatment does not harm you in any way.

Can I wear nail polish after or during the treatment?

No, Not until the nail has grown completely out since the nail polish provides a moisture barrier and a dark place for the fungus to regrow. Nail polish application and removal in less than a 24 hour period is acceptable.

Nail polish can not be worn during treatment as the laser treatment does require the nail to be free of polish and cut short for the treatment.
Does my insurance pay for this?
Currently this procedure is not included as a health insurance benefit; Insurance plans consider this procedure a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure and therefore do not provide coverage. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), Medical Individual Retirement Account (Medical IRA) or other Flexible Medical Spending Accounts (Medical FSA), care credit, you can pay for the procedure with these funds. Otherwise, payment can be made with cash, credit or debit card.

How to Avoid Toe Fungus
Fungus can enter the nail through a cuticle trimming, through an injury near the nail or even a crack on the surface of the skin near the nail.
Killing the nail fungus does not mean you will not get it again. What you need to do is practice good foot hygiene, which, as simple as it sounds, is really tough for some people.
Avoid moist, wet environments, meaning public showers, pools and locker rooms. You've got to be careful when you go to the beach, and even when you go to a friend's apartment.
Be careful when you go for a pedicure. The pedicurist should avoid trimming the cuticles too short, which creates more opportunities for fungus to infect the nail.
Pay attention to your home. You have to clean out your shower stall and check that bath mat you've been stepping on for the past few months -- it can be infested with fungus.
And check your shoes. Fungus could be alive and well in those favorite sneakers you've been wearing for years.

-- Dr. Marciano

The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle imbalance. Tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes often aggravate the condition, crowding your toes forward. A hammertoe can also be the result of injury in which you break or jam the toe, or from conditions like arthritis or stroke that affect nerves and muscles. In some cases, hammertoes may even be inherited.

Because of their clenched, claw-like appearance, hammertoes will generally be visibly present. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Difficult or painful motion of a toe joint
• Redness or swelling at a toe joint
• Development of calluses and corns
• Open sores in severe cases

The foot and ankle professionals at our Southlake office recommend the following for preventing and reducing the symptoms associated with hammertoe:

• Wear comfortable, proper-fitting shoes that provide support and allow enough room for your toes
• Avoid high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes
• Stretch your toe muscles to relieve pressure and pain
• Apply splints, cushions or pads to relieve pressure
• Moisturize with cream to keep the skin soft

Generally, a modification of footwear will reduce the symptoms associated with hammertoe. Other non-surgical treatment includes padding to shield corns and calluses and orthotic devices that are placed in the shoe to help control muscle imbalance. Academy Foot and Ankle can help you determine the best treatment for your symptoms. Severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures may require surgery to restore your toe's flexibility and eliminate the pressure.

Hammertoes are progressive - they don't go away by themselves and the condition usually gets worse over time. Once a podiatrist at Academy Foot and Ankle has evaluated your hammertoe, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

Growing pains are often characterized by a sharp, throbbing pain in the leg muscles, usually occurring during the night and sometimes late afternoon without an apparent cause. The nighttime pain can be so intense that it is enough to wake the child from sleep. While there is no evidence that a child's growth is painful, these pains often occur during an active day of running, jumping or swimming.

Whenever a child is afflicted by episodes of recurrent leg pain, it is always best to have them evaluated by Academy Foot and Ankle. Other foot and leg conditions should be ruled out before a diagnosis of growing pains is made. If the examination is normal, with no redness, tenderness, swelling, or limitation of movement, then it is generally safe to say the child is suffering from growing pains.

Consult with a physician or a podiatrist at Academy Foot and Ankle if aching legs are a chronic complaint or if the pain is so severe it interferes with the child's daily activities. Persistent pain and other unusual symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. The following symptoms are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by a doctor:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling or redness in one specific area or joint
• Limping
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abnormal behavior

There are no treatments or medications available for growing pains, but parents can help ease the pain with simple home remedies.

• Massage and rub the child's ache until the pain passes
• Stretch your child's legs throughout the day and before bed
• Heating pads or warm baths can help soothe sore muscles
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (always consult with physician first)

While growing pains are commonly seen in young children during the growth and development years, lower extremity pain can also be caused by mechanical misalignments and structural imperfections. A thorough evaluation is crucial in order to determine the exact cause of your child's leg pain. If growing pains are the cause of your child's discomfort, rest assured that the pain is only temporary and will pass with time.

People develop ingrown toenails for various reasons. Poor nail-trimming is the most common cause, as this encourages the skin to fold over the nail. Other causes include trauma, such as stubbing a toe, or skin conditions, such as fungal infections or nails that are simply too large. In some cases, the condition may even be inherited. Poor-fitting shoes generally aggravate the condition, making it worse.

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

• Wearing well-fitted shoes and socks
• Protecting feet from trauma when possible
• Trimming toenails straight across and avoiding repeated trimming of the nail borders
• Keeping feet clean and dry to prevent infection

If an infection is not suspected of your ingrown, it can usually be safely treated from home by soaking your foot in warm water. Avoid "bathroom surgery" and repeated cutting of the nail as this will only make the condition worse.

When attempts to reduce your symptoms from home fail, or when pain, inflammation, swelling or discharge accompany your ingrown, the toenail is most likely infected and should be treated by a podiatrist at our Southlake office. People with diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation should always seek care immediately if an ingrown nail is detected, regardless of the severity.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe and determine the best treatment for your condition. For an infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Other treatments may involve trimming or removing the infected nail with a minor in-office surgical procedure.

Ingrown toenails may be annoying, but rest assured that they can easily be prevented and treated with the help of your podiatrist. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, visit Academy Foot and Ankle for quick and easy treatment.

• Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot -- the part of the sole just behind the toes
• Pain that intensifies when you stand, walk or run
• Pain that radiates from the balls of the feet into the toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• A feeling in your feet as if you are walking with a pebble in your shoe
• Pain that increases when walking barefoot

Sometimes a single factor can trigger metatarsalgia. More often, multiple factors contribute to the pain, including:

• Over-training or Over-activity. Extensive training and high-impact sports, especially running, places an abnormal amount of stress on the balls of the feet, causing irritation, inflammation and pain.
• Other foot disorders. High arches, hammertoes, bunions, stress fractures and Morton's neuroma can all trigger metatarsalgia symptoms.
• Poor-fitting footwear. High heels, narrow-toed shoes and shoes without adequate padding can all contribute to metatarsal problems.
• Excess weight. Extra weight places excess pressure on your metatarsals.
• Aging. The fat pads on the metatarsals thin out as a person ages, diminishing the ability of the metatarsal bones to protect themselves.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can disrupt your day to day activities, and when left untreated can lead to additional pain in your unaffected foot, back or hips. Treatment to eliminate metatarsalgia symptoms can be as simple as resting, icing the affected area and wearing proper-fitting shoes to significantly reduce swelling and ease pain.

When conservative treatments aren't affective and pain persists, visit Academy Foot and Ankle for a full exam and a proper diagnosis. In most cases, metatarsalgia can be treated non-surgically. An experienced podiatrist at our Southlake office may prescribe specially-designed orthotics or shock-absorbing insoles and arch supports to prevent and minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.

There are typically no physical signs of Morton's neuroma, such as a lump or a knot. Instead, symptoms may include:

• A sharp, achy or burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Numbness, tingling, or cramping in the toes or forefoot
• Feeling as if you're standing on a pebble in your shoe

While the exact cause of Morton's neuroma is unknown, the growth of the neuroma seems to occur in response to injury, pressure or irritation to one of the nerves that lead to the toes. People with certain foot deformities - bunions, hammertoes and flatfeet- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Women are also more likely to develop this condition as wearing high-heels or narrow-toed shoes can increase pressure on the toes. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running.

Morton's neuroma can make walking and performing normal activities difficult and painful. Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma in its earliest stage of development is important to avoid more invasive treatments or surgical correction. Left untreated, neuromas tend to worsen, so it's always best to visit our Southlake office at the first sign of pain.

Early treatments aim to relieve or reduce pressure on the area around the affected toes. Depending on the severity of your neuroma, a podiatrist may recommend:

• Modifications to footwear. Wide-toed shoes relieve pressure on the neuroma.
• Shoe inserts or padding to provide support for the arch of the foot, which removes pressure from the nerve.
• Anti-inflammatory medications can help ease any pain and inflammation. Ask your doctor first.
• Icing to reduce inflammation.
• Rest to lessen repetitive pressure on the neuroma.

In the most severe cases, surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Academy Foot and Ankle can help you determine the best approach for your specific condition.

Fast, Effective and Pain Free Nail Fungus Treatment from Academy Foot and Ankle

A new breakthrough in technology is making it possible to get rid of your nail fungus fast- a new procedure known as PinPointe FootLaser. The new, patented laser technology treats nail fungus safely and quickly with no drugs, no anesthesia and no pain. It's specially designed to penetrate your toenail, vaporizing the fungus embedded deep in your nail bed. Better yet, the powerful laser beam targets the infection only and has no effect on surrounding healthy tissue. In just one appointment at our Southlake office we can treat your nail fungus, and within months following the treatment, the toenail will replace itself with a healthy, clear, fungus free nail.

Avoiding Irritating Toenail Fungus

Prevention is key to avoiding a fungal infection. The following tips can help you avoid toenail fungus.

• Practice good hygiene and inspect feet and toes regularly
• Try not to injure your nail by cutting it too short, as trauma to the nail may lead to infection
• Wear moisture wicking socks
• Wear dry, proper-fitting shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet
• Wear shower sandals when you are at a public pool or shower

Left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one's ability to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. It's important to seek care when you notice signs of infection.

If you're ready to eliminate your toenail fungus, contact our Southlake office and learn more about the new PinPointe FootLaser. We can evaluate your fungal infection and make recommendations for best treating and eradicating your toenail fungus once and for all.

Repeated strain on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the ligament. As tension and tearing increases, so does inflammation and irritation of the affected area. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include foot arch problems (flat foot and high arches); excess weight; running; and a tight Achilles tendon.
The most common complaint of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of the heel that develops gradually. The pain is usually worse in the morning and after sitting or standing for a long period of time. For some, the pain subsides after walking or stretching.
To reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis:

• Rest. Limit and/or avoid activities that make your heel hurt.
• Ice. Reduce pain and swelling by icing the affected area each day.
• Stretch. Stretch your heel throughout the day, especially when you first wake up in the morning.
• Footwear modifications. Wear shoes that provide good arch support and a cushioned sole. Ask your podiatrist about pads and shoe inserts to relieve your heel pain.

When conservative treatments aren't effective or your pain persists for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with Academy Foot and Ankle to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. A podiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. This may include, stretching exercises, shoe padding, orthotic devices, night splints or therapy. Most patients respond to non-surgical treatments, but for pain that won't go away, surgery may be considered.

With proper rest and treatment, recovering from plantar fasciitis can take just a few months. Visit us at Academy Foot and Ankle when you first experience pain for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.