Thickened and discolored toenails could be caused by toenail fungus, but other conditions can cause the same symptoms. These signs might also be the result of bruises, warts, or some type of skin cancer. With toenail fungus, beyond discoloration of the nail, there may be debris under the nail, nail thickening, and an irregularity to the white part of the nail. A discolored spot under the toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a possibly fatal form of skin cancer. This usually presents as a brown or black streak that might look like a bruise. Darier disease is a genetic disorder that typically causes yellowish, wartlike blemishes on the body and red and white streaks on toenails. If you notice changes to your toenails and you do not know the cause, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to treat whatever might be causing the condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching the feet can be important for a number of different reasons. First, stretching the feet strengthens the muscles in the feet, making them stronger and more resilient. Second, stretching the feet can also improve one’s stability and mobility. Stretching the feet can be accomplished in many different settings, and yoga is one important way. While standing up straight on a yoga mat, an individual can stretch their toes by placing them against a yoga block. Alternatively, a person might stretch their toes while on a mat by placing them on top of a tennis ball. Another important yoga stretch that incorporates the feet is by sitting on one’s knees and tucking the toes under, so that the toes are stretched out onto the yoga mat. If you are someone that wants to perform more foot stretches as part of your daily routine, consider taking up yoga. It is suggested to contact a podiatrist for more information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

It is perhaps true to say that we do not think about whether we use our legs in the same manner, or whether our feet feel the same way against the floor. It is likely that we assume everything on both sides of our body functions in the same way. However, most of us have one leg or foot that is stronger than the other. The stronger side often leads in performing specific tasks, including climbing stairs, jumping, or participating in sporting activities. Those who perform multiple activities are probably less likely to notice a dominant side as a result of frequently engaging both sides. Whether we have a dominant side or not can be immaterial, but it may become a problem to have a strength discrepancy on one side of the body, especially as we age. Simple exercises involving touch can help to reestablish a connection with our weaker, less dominant side. For example, practicing a basic step-up with one leg at a time will show us how it feels on each leg and foot. This can help us strengthen the non-dominant side by practicing the step-up more often with that side. Paying attention to the various ways we use our bodies can make it easier to stabilize the pattern that equalizes the feet and legs. This will help us balance and feel more comfortable using both sides of our bodies. If you are interested in learning about how your feet function and what you can do to strengthen your non-dominant side, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Many people in all employment lines spend most of the workday standing on their feet. Many workers of this kind often wonder if working on one’s feet all day can be bad for you or yield detrimental health consequences. It is important to note that merely being in a natural, standing position is not damaging in and of itself. However, the answer becomes more complicated if the employee is essentially working in that position all day long. As a result of this, the employee might develop certain foot complications, such as sore feet, muscular fatigue, and other health conditions. Assembly-line workers and cashiers are examples of workers that this might impact. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today if any of this applies to you. This licensed foot doctor will be able to answer any questions you might have and address your problems.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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