Items filtered by date: April 2023

Joint pain may be common for those who participate in high intensity sports. It can be caused by injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, continued pain may be a sign that arthritis is developing. Though it is more common for one to get arthritis with age, it is also something that can gradually develop if repeated injuries happen and proper healing does not take place. There are different types of arthritis, and they fall into the two main categories known as inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis results from a systemic disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints and tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of inflammatory arthritis, and is a symmetrical problem that affects both sides of the body at the same time. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative ailment that comes from wear and tear on joints over time. This is a typical type of arthritis that can affect the big toe. If you are experiencing joint pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose whether arthritis is the cause and offer treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Atheltes’ foot is a common foot condition that may recur if prompt treatment is not received. It is considered to be a fungal infection, and is contagious. The fungus that causes this uncomfortable ailment lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar areas. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itchiness between the toes, flaky skin, and small blisters may develop in severe cases. Temporary relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried, followed by applying an appropriate cream or powder. This will unlikely bring lasting results, and permanent relief can be obtained from a podiatrist who can prescribe correct medication. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can offer you the treatment that is needed.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

It can be exceedingly important for senior citizens to protect the health of their feet by guarding against a detrimental fall. Suffering a fall can exacerbate existing foot problems and lead to the development of new foot conditions. Many seniors might experience a fall in the living room. A senior may help prevent falls in the living room by arranging their furniture so there are clear walking paths to navigate. This can reduce the risk of falling. Additionally, it might be helpful for a senior citizen to minimize clutter by removing furniture or decorative items that are no longer being used. For example, removing non-useful furniture or loose rugs can help clear up the living room space. If you are a senior citizen or are caring for one, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

There are various types of warts. A plantar wart can be found on the bottom of the foot, and it grows inward due to the weight the feet endure. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can produce severe pain and discomfort. It is considered to be contagious and is found in warm and moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. The virus enters the body through small cracks in the sole, so it is advised to wear appropriate shoes while visiting these areas. This type of wart can be medically treated by applying salicylic acid, but it can be painful. If your plantar wart is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the proper treatment and relief.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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