Items filtered by date: September 2018

If you have noticed that your feet are scaling and itchy, you may have a condition that is referred to as athlete’s feet. The most common place of discomfort may occur in between the toes, and this may lead to the formation of blisters. This contagious fungal infection typically thrives in moist places including public pools and shower floors. There are several symptoms that are associated with this uncomfortable condition including peeling skin, a burning sensation on the soles of the feet or in between the toes, in addition to severe itching. To prevent the onset of athlete's foot, it is suggested that appropriate shoes are worn in locker rooms, public pools, showers, and surrounding areas. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that consist of breathable materials may aid in controlling this condition. Cotton socks may absorb any excess sweat that exists, and this may help to maintain a level of comfort. Please consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with athlete’s foot to learn about correct treatment techniques that are right for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.

If you are a diabetic patient, you are most likely aware of the importance of taking proper care of your feet. Cuts and scrapes have a tendency to not heal promptly as a result of a compromised immune system. An uncomfortable and painful condition known as a foot ulcer may occur, and this may possibly lead to a serious infection. If this type of wound is not treated quickly, the possibility of developing gangrene may increase, which may lead to amputation. There may be several reasons why wounds can develop, and these may include cracked and dry skin, ingrown toenails, which may cut the skin of the toe, or blisters. Additionally, there may be noticeable symptoms including extreme tenderness, redness, discomfort and pain. If you have wounds on your feet, the importance of speaking with a podiatrist promptly is crucial for the discussion and implementation of correct treatment options.

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 Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. 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 Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, you may develop foot conditions that may be associated with this ailment. There are several symptoms that may be connected with this condition, including discomfort and soreness in the feet, instability involving the joints of the toes, the front of the foot, and swelling. Fluid filled sacs, which is referred to as bursae, may develop as a result of the inflammation that occurs. This is due to extreme rubbing, especially on the sole of the foot. Corns, calluses and blisters may be side effects of this painful condition, in addition to circulatory problems concerning the feet. If you feel you are in the process of developing rheumatoid arthritis, it’s strongly suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options for this ailment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

An ingrown toenail is a painful and uncomfortable foot condition that is a result of the toenail growing into the skin. If left untreated it may produce serious complications, and this may be especially true of diabetic patients. There may be several causes of this condition occurring, including trimming the toenails improperly, inherited genetic traits, and wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. For some people, if they have incurred an injury such as stubbing or jamming their toe, they may observe that an ingrown toenail may begin to develop. There are noticeable symptoms that typically occur with this ailment, including the skin surrounding the toe appearing red, pain and discomfort that is experienced when pressure is applied to the toe, in addition to pus or blood oozing from the toe. If you feel you have developed an ingrown toenail, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist, who can perform any treatment options that is recommended for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.