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June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021 00:00

How to Recover From an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This can cause pain, discomfort, and even difficulty walking. If you have sprained your ankle there are some things that you can do to help speed up your recovery. P.R.I.C.E. is an acronym that stands for protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate. These are all the things that you should do as soon as you’ve sprained your ankle. Protect your ankle by sitting or lying down to take pressure off of it. Rest your foot by limiting walking and other activities that put stress on your ankle. Apply ice to reduce inflammation. Compress the ankle with an elastic bandage and elevate it to decrease swelling. After following the P.R.I.C.E. steps it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment to ensure proper healing. It is also important to take any medication that is prescribed to you to alleviate symptoms, as well as to gently exercise your ankle to speed up recovery time and prevent reinjury.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Saturday, 26 June 2021 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications in the feet, including amputation. This is because diabetics tend to lose sensation in their feet which makes it difficult to notice any problems. Diabetes also leads to poor blood flow in the feet which can lead to numbness and slow the time it takes for wounds to heal. Because of this, it is important for diabetics to create a foot care routine with their podiatrist. This daily routine usually involves checking the feet for wounds or sores, washing the feet, keeping the skin soft and smooth, and protecting the feet with properly fitting footwear. Regular check ups with a podiatrist are also important. A podiatrist will be able to create a customized foot care plan, help provide suggestions on safely treating wounds, and help to provide shoes specifically for diabetics.

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 one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection that leads to the destruction of the nails as they become discolored, yellowed, thickened, and brittle, often causing them to break. The variety of fungi that cause onychomycosis thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments such as sweaty shoes, showers, and public locker rooms and pools. Risk factors that can lead to developing a toenail fungus include poor foot hygiene, wearing nail polish, having a chronic disease such as diabetes, and frequently using community showers or pools. Because toenail infections rarely heal on their own, consulting with a podiatrist may be necessary. If the infection is in a small part of the nail, a topical antifungal medication may be prescribed, however for larger infections, an oral antifungal medicine may be necessary. In extreme situations, a podiatrist may need to surgically remove the nail.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus
Tuesday, 08 June 2021 00:00

The Four Types of Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin fn the feet. There are four main types of athlete’s foot, all of which have a different clinical presentation. Chronic hyperkeratotic tinea pedis causes scaling and thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet. Chronic intertriginous tinea pedis causes scaling, redness, and peeling of the skin between and under the toes. Acute ulcerative tinea pedis is characterized by wet, swollen, pruney skin lesions with scaly borders between the toes. This type of athlete’s foot is more likely to get a secondary bacterial infection. Vesiculobullous tinea pedis is characterized by blisters forming on the soles of the feet. If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care.  Our doctors 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete's Foot

The calcaneus is another name for the heel bone, located at the back of the foot. Sometimes, an injury to this area can be severe enough to cause tiny cracks to appear in the bone. This type of stress fracture may occur due to repetitive stress to the heel bone from activities such as running, or due to sudden, high-stress injuries, such as a car accident, a fall from a high position, or a traumatic twisting of the ankle. The symptoms of a calcaneal stress fracture include heel pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a calcaneal stress fracture, please see a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
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