Items filtered by date: December 2012

Toenail fungus is generally not a serious foot condition despite its unsightly appearance. Toenail fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet, so it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. People who have diabetes, immune system disorders, or nerve damage may be prone to developing toenail fungus. Symptoms can include a thickening of the nail, a change in the nail shape, and in severe cases, the nail may lift or crumble. Prevention methods can include refraining from sharing shoes, towels, and socks, and it is helpful to maintain good foot care. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are branches of medicine that target specific areas of the body. Podiatry is aimed at treating disorders of the feet and ankles that can include common ailments, injuries, and deformities. The mandatory education to become a podiatrist begins with earning a bachelor's degree, followed by completing four years at a podiatric school. A residency program that will take three years to complete starts after podiatry school. This generally takes place in a hospital setting, which can provide the students with practical experience. At this point, qualified candidates will become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, which is abbreviated as DPM, and these letters will follow their name. Podiatry has become a popular branch of medicine as a result of increased incidents of diabetes and chronic diseases. These types of illnesses can affect the feet, and medical attention is often sought for relief. There are various forms of podiatry that can include sports medicine, wound care, and pediatrics. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career, it is suggested that you converse with this type of doctor who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Wound healing occurs when repair is done for skin damage. The first response from the body is known as the hemostasis phase, which happens as the injury occurs. This is the body’s natural response for wound care, as it stops any bleeding or fluids. Wounds can range from superficial to serious, and there are three types of wound care that are applicable, depending on what type of wound it is. Some wounds require staples, stitches or glue, and these are classified as primary wound healing. A large amount of tissue loss may result in having secondary wound healing performed. This is done when the wound is too large to stitch, or if the wound is in a place where stitches would be uncomfortable. Wounds that are infected may require a tertiary wound healing procedure, which is the delayed closure of a wound so proper drainage can take place. If you have a wound on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the proper type of wound care is for you.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many reasons why the skin on the heels may crack. These can include wearing open backed shoes, standing on uneven surfaces, or not drinking enough water. Additionally, there may be medical conditions that can cause cracked heels, such as diabetes, eczema, or psoriasis. Some people may develop cracked heels from soaking in a bath for long periods, using harsh soap, or possibly from taking extremely hot showers. Patients who are obese may experience this condition as a result of the added weight the feet must endure. Cracked heels may be prevented by washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is beneficial to drink plenty of water each day, in addition to incorporating healthy foods into your eating regime. Flip flops and sandals are best for the feet while worn in beach and pool areas, but closed shoes can provide better protection while pursuing other activities. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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