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January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Salicylic Acid on Corns

Corns on the feet, although not always a serious condition, can still cause patients discomfort and annoyance because of their unsightly look. Corns are essentially defined as tough or hardened areas of the skin on the feet that develop in response to friction and pressure. Many individuals with corns on the feet are interested to know how salicylic acid can be used to treat this condition. Interestingly, this acid is known as a keratolytic, and so a medical professional may use it to dissolve the substances that compose the corn on the feet. Specifically, the salicylic acid can be used to dissolve proteins that make up the corn. It is important to note that salicylic acid is made in a variety of concentrations that will all have different effects on the removal of the corn. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to learn more about this and to treat your corns. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Moisturizing Your Feet

As part of everyday foot care, moisturizing the feet is important. Start with washing and drying your feet well each day. To prevent dryness, itching, and cracking, incorporate a foot moisturizer into your routine. Wear and tear and the weather can take a toll on the feet and dryness and cracking on the heels can be unsightly. Since cells reproduce more slowly as one ages, the problem is worse in the elderly. Moisturizing the feet can be soothing and also good for the feet. You can buff away dry, dead skin with a pumice stone a few times a week and use moisturizing foot creams daily to keep the feet healthy. If you would like more information on taking good care of your feet, contact a podiatrist who can answer any questions you might have.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Preventing Falls in the Kitchen

The elderly are at an increased risk of suffering a bad fall. Falls and trips can lead to damaging and detrimental health consequences. Sometimes, falls can result from diminished strength in the feet. If you are an older individual that is concerned about preventing falls, you ought to be aware of risks of falling in the kitchen. The kitchen can be a particularly precarious area where falling may be more likely. This is because there are often slippery substances on the kitchen floor. For example, oils, grease, and liquid spills often accumulate on the kitchen floor. If an elderly individual is not able to bend over to clean up these messes, they may ultimately slip on them. If you are an elderly individual or are caring for one, be sure to be particularly mindful of the kitchen and any dangers that it might present. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more falls prevention tips and tricks.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Arthritis can affect numerous joints that are found in the feet and ankles. This may be a result of inherited tendencies, gradual weight gain, or previous injuries that have occurred. Research has shown there are three common categories of arthritis, consisting of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic arthritis. The gradual wearing of the joints in the ankles can lead to osteoarthritis, and the joint that is most affected connects the big toe to the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disorder, and it can affect the same joints in each foot. Swollen toes may be an indication of psoriatic arthritis, which is caused by inflamed tendons. There are several methods that can provide relief, and if you are afflicted with arthritis in the feet, please consult with a podiatrist. This type of doctor is qualified in providing an effective diagnosis and determining what the best course of treatment is for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Wednesday, 04 January 2023 00:00

Exercise May Promote Stronger Feet

Many people have foot pain. The pain can come from specific foot problems and many patients seek effective relief methods. Exercising the feet may help to improve overall strength as well as be beneficial in preventing certain foot conditions. Many foot exercises and stretches can help to eliminate existing pain when performed correctly. It is helpful for stretches to be held for several seconds. Patients may experience pain while exercising and it is helpful to gauge this by rating it between one and ten. The repetitions of any exercise in which the number is over five may have to be temporarily reduced so the body can adapt to it. Exercise is beneficial for the feet as well as the entire body and a podiatrist can guide you toward choosing the foot exercises that are best for you.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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