Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that causes toenails to become discolored, thickened, brittle, or even separated from the nail bed. The infection often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail, gradually spreading deeper. Symptoms may include a foul odor, pain, or discomfort while wearing shoes. Toenail fungus is typically caused by exposure to warm, moist environments, such as communal showers, around swimming pools, or tight, non-breathable shoes. People with a weakened immune system, diabetes, or poor circulation are more at risk of developing this condition. To prevent toenail fungus, it is essential to practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and choosing breathable shoes. Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces and regularly trim your nails straight across. A podiatrist can treat toenail fungus with antifungal medications or nail removal in severe cases. If you have the beginning symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing properly fitting shoes is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing discomfort. Feet should be measured while standing, as weight-bearing can affect their shape and size. It is important to measure both feet and choose shoes based on the larger foot if there is a difference. Since foot size can change over time due to aging and ligament flexibility, relying on old measurements may result in wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoe sizes vary by brand, so focusing on overall fit is recommended. Shoes should be tried on later in the day to account for natural swelling and be worn with the socks typically used with that type of footwear. There should be about half an inch of space in the toe box to prevent crowding and an eighth of an inch at the heel to avoid irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot shape, recommend appropriate footwear, and address pain or conditions caused by poor shoe choices. If your shoes are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This often happens on the big toe and can be incredibly uncomfortable. Symptoms include tenderness, visible inflammation, and sometimes an infection with pus if left untreated. The main causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the toes, or injury to the nail. People with conditions like diabetes or poor circulation are also more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to their feet being more vulnerable to infection. A podiatrist can help by properly diagnosing the condition and offering treatments, such as topical antibiotics, or in some cases, surgically removing part of the toenail. Podiatrists can also offer advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent future occurrences. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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