If you notice that your toenails have become thickened, rough, or stained it may be a sign of onychomycosis, also known as toenail fungus. This fungal infection is contagious and quite common among older adults. Touching the infected nail or any surface infected with the fungus can allow it to spread. The fungus thrives in moist, warm environments like gym locker rooms, swimming pools, and changing areas. If your feet or shoes are damp or sweaty, the fungus is more likely to multiply and feed on the nail tissue. Eventually, it may grow under the nail into the skin, turning the nail yellow and changing its appearance. Toenail fungus is not generally painful, but the nail may develop cracks. Protection against infection includes keeping the feet clean and dry, sprinkling antifungal powder inside shoes, and wearing shoes made of breathable materials. It is suggested that you wear foot coverings when you are in damp areas where the fungus is apt to spread. Please see a podiatrist for more information on medications to combat fungal toenail infections.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is important for diabetic patients to practice exceptional foot care because of an increase for an infection to occur when there is a cut, scrape, or bruise on the bottom of the foot. A person who has diabetes has elevated blood sugar, and it is beneficial to monitor these levels daily. Many diabetic patients experience neuropathy when their blood sugar is high, and this can possibly cause the inability to feel if there are existing cuts on the feet. There are several everyday techniques that can be implemented for patients to practice, and this may help them protect the health of their feet. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly daily, followed by using a mirror, if necessary, to look at the soles of the feet. It is beneficial to refrain from walking barefoot, and wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly is crucial in maintaining good foot care. Additionally, when the nails are properly trimmed weekly, this may prevent unwanted foot conditions such as ingrown toenails from developing. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct management tips.

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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated there is a large percentage of Americans that are considered to be obese. This condition is known to increase the risk of many physical ailments, including heel pain and plantar fasciitis. It can happen as a result of the added impact the feet endure from completing daily activities, and this may possibly damage the plantar fascia. This is defined as the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and connects the heels to the toes. Walking can become difficult, and heel pain may increase. Partial relief may be found when a low-impact exercise routine is frequently followed. This type of exercise can include swimming, water aerobics or cycling, and some patients can feel the benefits of practicing yoga and Pilates as part of their exercise regime. This, along with eating foods that are healthy, are often effective ways to lose weight, which may relieve some of the pressure on the plantar fascia. If you have any type of foot pain, and feel your weight may be a contributing factor, please speak with a podiatrist who can treat foot conditions, and offer additional solutions for weight loss.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Children and young teenagers who have heel pain may have a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It can affect people in this age group who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It can happen as a result of bones that grow faster than the muscles and tendons in the heel, and this can cause the calf muscles to tighten. Common symptoms that are often experienced with Sever’s disease include swelling, tenderness when the heel is touched, and the patient may walk on their toes due to the pain. Relief and treatment can begin with stopping the activity that caused the condition, followed by performing specific stretches that may ease the pain. A calf stretch is generally successful in improving flexibility in the feet and calves. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. The pain typically stops when the growth spurt has been completed, and may return if another growth spurt takes place. If your child has heel pain, please consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is Sever’s disease, and offer correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

One of the stabilizer bones in the foot is referred to as the cuboid bone. It is shaped like a cube, and is located on the outside of the foot. It acts like a pulley, and is instrumental in helping the foot point downward. Cuboid syndrome is the partial dislocation of the cuboid bone where it connects to the heel. It can result from an ankle sprain, or from excessively rolling the foot inward, which can happen from participating in certain sporting activities. Common symptoms experienced with this ailment include pain on the outside of the foot, limited range of motion, and swelling. Treatment generally begins with elevating the affected foot, followed by wearing a supportive walking boot. Strengthening exercises may be performed that can benefit the entire foot, and leisure activities can gradually return to normal. If you have sustained an ankle injury, please speak with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose cuboid syndrome and recommend the correct treatment for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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