Items filtered by date: October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

Uncomfortable Plantar Hyperhidrosis

The medical term used when referring to excessively sweaty feet is plantar hyperhidrosis. Approximately five percent of the population is affected by this condition. Foot conditions like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus can accompany plantar hyperhidrosis in addition to an odor emanating from the feet. Hyperhidrosis results from the overproduction of sweat glands in the feet and may cause discomfort and embarrassment. Research suggests that it may be beneficial to keep a journal of sweating episodes to help pinpoint triggers, such as eating certain foods or emotions that may cause anxiety. It is best to avoid wearing socks that are made from nylon materials, unlike cotton socks which may help to ensure proper ventilation. Additionally, staying hydrated may lessen the intensity of sweaty feet. Please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform tests to determine if your feet are excessively sweaty as well as the treatment method that is best for you. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. 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 Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Thursday, 20 October 2022 00:00

Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Transmission of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are essentially growths on the feet and they can develop when an individual contracts the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. These warts can feel hard on the feet and in some cases, they might cause pain. Plantar warts can develop when an individual has skin contact with HPV. Importantly, HPV may be transmitted to someone when they fail to wear shoes in a public area, such as locker rooms and public pool areas. It is also common for someone to contract HPV from infected household members. If you have plantar warts, it might be advisable to take precautions to limit the extent to which you are spreading the human papillomavirus to others. This might include wearing shoes around the house if you live with others. Contact a podiatrist today if you think that you have plantar warts and want to treat this condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

Three Types of Corns

Many people are surprised by the amount of pain that a corn can cause because they are so small. When they develop on the outside of the pinky toe, it can alter the gait or walking style, and can be quite uncomfortable. This type of corn generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and the pain may gradually subside when a protective covering is worn over it. If it is severe, and causes difficulty in completing daily activities, it may have to be surgically removed. Corns can fit into three categories. A corn on the pinky toe is considered to be a hard corn. This type of corn is the most common, and can also develop on the tops of the toes, or on the balls of the feet. Having dry skin may produce seed corns, and these are often found in clusters. Soft corns are rubbery in texture, and can be found between the toes, which can be a result of the moisture from sweat that can accumulate there. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are larger, which may help to accommodate the corn, and relief may be found when the shoes provide adequate shock absorption. If you have developed corns of any type on your feet, please confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Plantar fibromatosis is a foot condition that affects the arch in the foot. It is also known as Ledderhose disease, and is characterized by lumps that form on the soles of the feet. These are considered to be benign growths, despite the severe pain they can cause. The symptoms that people experience who have this condition include foot and ankle pain, and a tingling sensation that can be likened to a “pins and needles” feeling. Mild relief may be found when soft insoles are worn in the shoes, which may help to cushion the feet. Also, there are specific stretches that can help the foot feel better overall. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent removal if milder treatments prove to be ineffective. If you have any of these symptoms, it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you find relief.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Read more about Plantar Fibroma

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