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September 2018

Monday, 24 September 2018 00:00

Signs You May Have Athlete’s Foot

If you have noticed that your feet are scaling and itchy, you may have a condition that is referred to as athlete’s feet. The most common place of discomfort may occur in between the toes, and this may lead to the formation of blisters. This contagious fungal infection typically thrives in moist places including public pools and shower floors. There are several symptoms that are associated with this uncomfortable condition including peeling skin, a burning sensation on the soles of the feet or in between the toes, in addition to severe itching. To prevent the onset of athlete's foot, it is suggested that appropriate shoes are worn in locker rooms, public pools, showers, and surrounding areas. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that consist of breathable materials may aid in controlling this condition. Cotton socks may absorb any excess sweat that exists, and this may help to maintain a level of comfort. Please consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with athlete’s foot to learn about correct treatment techniques that are right for you.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Monday, 17 September 2018 00:00

Is Pursuing a Podiatric Career Right for Me?

If you should choose podiatric medicine as a career, you will be treating the ankles and feet for multiple foot conditions. These may include performing proper treatment techniques for corns, bunions, foot ulcers, which may typically originate from diabetes, hammertoe or ingrown toenails. Other important functions of a podiatrist is to offer preventative foot care advice in addition to possibly performing surgery to heal specific foot issues. There are certain skills this type of physician may benefit from, including excellent communication, finesse, and a caring and compassionate nature. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this type of medicine, it’s suggested to confer with a podiatrist who can share valuable information with you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Research has shown the differences between walking and running shoes. If you should engage in daily or frequent running or walking practices, it’s beneficial to be educated on the right types of shoes for the right activity. There are different forms of running, including racing and long-distance, and it’s important to choose the correct shoe. Running shoes have more cushioning in the heel and toe areas because of the impact the feet have on the ground while performing most running movements. The opposite is true of many people who choose to walk, and will most often need less cushioning. Lighter weight shoes are beneficial for fitness walkers to wear, and this may protect the feet, while providing ample cushioning. If you would like additional information about the differences between running and walking shoes, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 04 September 2018 00:00

Diabetes and Wound Care

It’s important for most people to check their feet frequently for abnormal conditions, and this is especially true for diabetic patients. If cuts, scrapes and blisters are not noticed, the chances of developing an infection may be amplified because of the body’s inability to heal efficiently. If there are wounds on the feet, recent research has shown the importance of resting frequently, which takes pressure off of the affected area. If you notice cuts on your feet and ankles, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible. At this time a treatment plan can be discussed, which may include what type of wound dressing to use and how often it should be changed. It may be helpful to the patient and may aid in the healing process if the blood sugar levels can be controlled by maintaining a healthy diet and gentle exercise plan.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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