Items filtered by date: April 2018

A condition that women may observe during pregnancy can be itchy feet. Other symptoms that may be experienced include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite or vomiting, which may indicate serious health complications. If the feet experience severe itching, this may be referred to as cholestasis, and this condition typically affects the liver. Additionally, vitamin deficiencies may occur, which may possibly harm the fetus and may also occur in future pregnancies. Research has shown that possible hormonal changes may be responsible if cholestasis occurs and may be diagnosed properly through laboratory tests. Lotions may be chosen to help alleviate all or a portion of the itchy feeling, contrary to ingesting oral medications, which may harm the baby. It’s suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you are affected by itchy feet during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

If you are experiencing yellow and brittle toenails, you may have what is referred to as a toenail fungus. It is a reasonably common condition affecting millions of Americans and can be uncomfortable and unattractive. Research has shown that this contagious condition is caused by a fungus and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public showers, pools, and surrounding areas. Additionally, this condition may develop from an injury endured by the toenail or from wearing shoes that fit improperly, often providing inadequate room for the toes to move about. Toenail fungus may affect people who are diabetic, and these individuals must execute accelerated action for proper treatment. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and proper treatment options for toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is typically found at the bottom of the big toe. It is comprised of a growth that appears to be of a bony texture, and severe pain is often experienced. The causes for this ailment developing may originate from a predisposed inherited gene or from an injury the foot has endured. There are several ways to determine if you have this condition, which may be noticing reddened skin, a tingling sensation, or swelling in the affected area. Treatment typically involves specific surgery that can be performed to remove the bunion or choosing a more conservative method where partial relief may be obtained. Recent research has shown that wearing shoes with a bigger toe area is helpful in accommodating the bunion, in addition to pads that are placed on the bunion which may help in relieving pressure. Seeking a consultation with a podiatrist is highly recommended if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Gout is a form of arthritis, and there are several causes for this condition. If an excess amount of alcohol is frequently ingested, in addition to being overweight or having a predisposed inherited gene, gout may become a painful ailment to contend with. Food containing a large amount of purines, which may cause excess crystals to form and lodge in the joints, may be a source for this condition to occur. Extreme pain may become evident during an attack, accompanied with redness and swelling. Additional symptoms may include difficulty in moving the toe as a result of being stiff and tender. Bouts of this type of arthritis typically fade in 10 days, and recent research has suggested that there’s inconclusive evidence if and when another attack will reappear. If you are suffering from this affliction, please consult your podiatrist for prevention techniques, which may include dietary changes that are beneficial for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many triggers in the environment that stimulate glands to produce sweat, which include warm temperatures, exercise, fear, and nervousness. A condition referred to hyperhidrosis consists of excessive sweating and may require specific treatments that will enable the patient to tolerate this condition. Typically, the sweat glands become overactive, and this may occur for several reasons, including a predisposed inherited gene, infections, or a hormone imbalance. It’s important to obtain a proper diagnosis, and certain medical tests are generally performed to accomplish this. Topical or oral medications are often prescribed to stop excessive sweating. For more severe cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery, which can alter the nerves that produce sweat. If you suffer from this affliction, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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