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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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June 2020

Monday, 29 June 2020 00:00

How Did I Develop Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a common foot condition among many people. The symptoms are noticeable, and include brittle edges on the toenails, possible separation from the nail and the nail bed, and tenderness. It is caused by a fungus that spreads under the nail, and is often contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments which include public swimming pools, communal showers, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, as this may help to slow down the spread of toenail fungus. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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.

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 Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus
Wednesday, 24 June 2020 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Monday, 22 June 2020 00:00

The Three Grades of Ankle Sprains

When an ankle sprain occurs, it is categorized as one of three grades. A mild sprain is referred to as a grade one sprain, and will generally heal in approximately 3 weeks. If the ligaments incur damage, it is known as a grade two sprain, and recovery will take several weeks. Grade three sprains are considered to be severe, and may include a bone fracture and extensive ligament damage. As the healing process occurs, it is beneficial to begin and maintain foot exercises and stretches. These can include improving your range of motion, in addition to gaining strength and balance in the affected ankle. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, who can recommend the best course of treatment for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

The symptoms that can occur with poor circulation often include a numbing sensation in the limbs, and the feet can tingle and feel cold. The causes of poor circulation may be medical conditions consisting of diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and obesity. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can be shortness of breath, chest pain, and many patients can feel tired for the majority of the day. It may be beneficial to begin a vitamin regime, in addition to incorporating gentle exercise and stretching techniques into your daily routine. If you are experiencing any symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

Running is a popular sport and hobby among many people. Research has indicated the importance of stretching before and after completing a run, as this may be helpful in preventing running injuries. It is beneficial to gradually increase speed and mileage, in addition to resting between running days. Many runners strengthen their bodies by performing specific exercises that target the core. These can consist of using a stability ball, raising the legs and lowering one leg at a time while lying on a mat, and keeping a plank position for thirty seconds. Additionally, many injuries can be avoided when correct shoes are worn. If you would like more information about how running injuries can impact the feet and how to prevent them, please speak with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Monday, 01 June 2020 00:00

Where Is the Plantar Fascia?

Many types of athletes are familiar with the medical condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis. It is the result of an injury that can happen from frequent running, or from standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. The portion of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot which connects the heel to the toes is known as the plantar fascia. If this tissue becomes damaged, it can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. Orthotics can be prescribed that may bring relief, and this can help to reduce some of the pressure on the inflamed tissue. If you feel pain in the heel or Achilles tendon, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if you have plantar fasciitis, and offer treatment techniques that are correct for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
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