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Podiatry Associates of Victoria
116-A Imperial Drive
Victoria, TX 77901

(361) 578-2777
Fax (361) 578-2778

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January 2020

Monday, 27 January 2020 00:00

What Is a Podiatrist?

People that are interested in entering the medical field and treating foot and ankle disorders may want to consider a career in podiatry. A podiatrist uses the initials DPM, which is an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Schooling consists of attending a four year program after college, followed by three years of residency training. Foot conditions that are treated generally include hammertoe, bunions, and heel pain, which may be indicative of plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Additionally, podiatrists are able to provide their patients with custom-made orthotics, treat diabetic patients, and perform different types of foot surgery. It is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors 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 our office located in Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Sunday, 26 January 2020 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 00:00

How to Best Treat a Toenail Infection

Nail fungus, typically picked up from not wearing the proper footwear in communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, is contagious and can lead to a great deal of pain if left untreated. When the fungus gets under the nail, it will likely cause the toenail to thicken, harden, and become discolored. The nail may also become brittle and fall off. Those with diabetes, circulatory issues, or an immune deficiency are more likely to develop a toenail fungus infection. Your chances of getting an infection may also increase with age. As far as treating the infection, we recommend you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a physical exam, as well as to get a sample of your nail tested to determine if the infection truly is fungal.  Once diagnosed, a podiatrist may suggest oral treatments, topical treatments, laser treatments, or for more severe cases, surgical treatments. For professional care and an advised treatment plan, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors 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 Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Monday, 13 January 2020 00:00

Symptoms of Gout

There are several types of arthritis, including gout. It is known to be a painful condition that generally affects the big toe. Some of the symptoms that are associated with gout can include severe pain and discomfort, redness, and the affected area may feel hot. It may occur as a result of elevated uric acid levels in the blood, and can form crystals which lodge in the joints of the big toe. Existing factors that may increase the chances of being afflicted with gout can consist of being diabetic, having high blood pressure, or being overweight. There are methods that can be taken which may prevent gout attacks. It is helpful to reduce alcohol intake, eliminate food and drinks that have high sugar levels, and avoid red meat. If you have experienced a gout attack, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

Research has indicated it may be beneficial to purchase running shoes based on the type of running that is desired. When shoes are changed approximately every five hundred miles, they may last as long as they can before they lose their elasticity. Many runners are aware of the importance of having two pairs of running shoes, and alternating between them. When shoes are purchased, it is helpful to look for shoes that have a solid heel. This may ensure the ankle is kept stable. If the shoe is easy to twist, it generally indicates this type of running shoe has less midfoot support. If you are interested in learning more about how to buy running shoes, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you useful tips.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
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