Happy Star Wars day! May the fourth be with you. Celebrate this awesome day and test your Star Wars knowledge. Can you guess who/what owns the following limbs:
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Today we are excited to welcome back guest blogger, Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS who is sharing information about the various treatments for nail fungus.
“My nails are so ugly!” This is one thing that I constantly here in my office. Patients are coming in droves complaining that their “nails are ugly” or that inevitable “one more thing doctor…” as I leave the room – “Is my nail supposed to look like that?” In the age of looking good and the move to show off our body, not only do our bodies have to look good but so do our nails. Once we notice that there’s something not right in our nails, we move very quickly to cover it up whether its nail polish or putting on a closed toe shoe and seek all sorts of advice on how to get rid of the ugly spot in our nail. What is it in our nail that causes all sorts of distress? Nail fungus!
What is nail fungus? In short, the fungus gets inoculated in our nail bed causing an infection. How does it get in the nail? It can be through an injury, pedicures, severe athlete’s foot, or your body becomes weak and more prone to fungal infections. The infection causes the nail plate to discolor in all sorts of colors from yellow to brown to sometimes green.
Once it begins to discolor the nail, the nail begins to become brittle and break off. As the infection progresses, it can cause the nail to loosen and become thick. It eventually can lead to permanent damage of the nail. It can also lead to ingrown toenails and become so thick it’s difficult to trim and even fit into shoes.
“Ok doc, I have nail fungus…how in the heck do I get rid of it?!?” Nail fungus has to be one of the most frustrating things we treat here in the office. Most times people come in and they’ve already tried a whole host of stuff from creams to liquids to soaks, etc. In order to provide clarity on treatment, there are basically 4 categories of treatment.
1. Topicals
2. Oral medication
3. Laser
4. Surgical
Topicals – This is probably the easiest and most available method of treatment. Is it always effective? In my hands, it has a very low chance of success, but it can work. It requires a lot of dedication and diligence. There are a lot of products out there on the market from creams, lotions, sprays, soaks, and special nail polish. The special nail polish is something to note. If your nail fungus is mild, you may want to try a great product called Dr.s Remedy nail polish. This is a nail polish that is all-natural and takes all the toxins out found in normal nail polish. It comes in tons of great colors and contains natural occurring anti-fungals such as tea tree oil and garlic bulb extract. Other good topicals to try are Tineacide which applied everyday can be very effective in getting rid of nail fungus. There are also prescription strength topical gels and creams as well as pharmacies that compound special topical super creams to treat fungus. There are even home remedies such as Vicks vapor rub, dilute bleach, and dilute vinegar soaks that have been reported to help.
Oral medication – This is probably my #1 way I treat my nail fungus. Why? It is the most effective way to treat the fungus and has a high chance of success. Is it 100%? No, but a majority of people get rid of their fungus and are very pleased with the results. The best oral drug for fungal treatment is Lamisil or the generic terbinafine. Depending on the doctor, you may need to get bloodwork before, during, and after treatment. Why do we get bloodwork? There is a very, very rare chance that it could affect your liver. Has it happened to me? (Knocking on wood) so far so good, I have not had to stop the medication. Other potential side effects are an actual allergy to the drug, GI upset, and a temporary loss of taste/metallic taste. These are also very rare. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well. How long is the treatment? You take 1 pill everyday for 3 months and as an added bonus, I use a topical in combination.
Laser – This treatment is the hottest fad on the market today. It’s been around for quite awhile, but only recently have companies started to make special machines tuned to treat nail fungus in the toes/hands. Depending on who you talk to, this has a high variability in treatment success. So there’s no guarantee that it’ll work. Secondly, this treatment is not covered under insurance and treatments can be upwards to $695 to $1000+ depending on where the doctor is located. Thirdly, you may need follow-up treatments if it doesn’t work the first time. The laser itself is very safe and does not hurt. The treatment is about 45-60min to get the full effect on all the affected nails. It’s very easy to find doctors that have this technology, just search the internet, listen to radio, or even TV to find someone in your area.
Surgical – This option is the last resort option. Why? You’re at the point where you just want the nail gone. This is reserved for people that have tried everything under the sun. This person has failed topicals, failed Lamisil, doesn’t want to come every few months to get the nail debrided down, and even has failed laser treatment. Now before I go into the surgical option, the prior listed options debridement of nail (if necessary) can help the effectiveness of treatment. Basically, surgery can be anything from partial to total nail removal. Why partial? This is usually due to the fact that the fungus affected one side of the nail causing an ingrown nail. If the whole nail is involved, it can be removed permanently either chemically or surgically. This basically takes out the infection in the nail bed. The procedure can be done in the office or sometimes if multiple nails need to be removed, it can be done in the operating room.
Don’t fret if you have fungus in your nails. As you can see, there are a variety of treatments available. Regardless of which treatment you choose, please seek your local podiatrist for further information.
Dr. Hai-En Peng is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon and practices in Thousand Oaks, CA at Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. You can follow him on Twitter (@DrHPeng), Facebook, and LinkedIn. Please visit his practice website at www.advpodiatric.com for more information.
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This uncomfortable foot condition can run in your family, or may be the result of wearing your favorite pair of shoes. Bunions are the bony humps that form at the base of the big toe. The toe will turn inward to an unnatural position, which can be painful and make it uncomfortable to walk or wear shoes. If untreated the joint may become swollen and inflamed. Bunions can be hereditary or a result of shoes that don’t fit properly. The pain typically worsens, so you’ll want to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
1. Invest in your foot health with proper footwear
Buying a pair of healthy shoes is a smart investment in your foot health, and a smart choice when surgery is the alternative. If bunions are hereditary to your family, it’s of added importance to have the right footwear and to regularly visit a podiatrist. Women are more prone to developing bunions, caused by unhealthy footwear choices that constrict toes to a smaller toe box (think of pointed shoes and high heels.) Proper-fitting shoes prevent strain and inflammation of the big toe joint. Here are some things to remember when shopping for new footwear.
Find a shoe with a wide and deep toe box2. Relieving the pain and discomfort associated with bunions
An adhesive pad, such as a bunion shield, gel sleeve, or gel toecap fit comfortably in your footwear while adding cushioning and protection. This prevents further discomfort and allows the irritation from the bunion to heal.
Foot alignment socks help improve your gait and straighten your toes by gradually stretching the bones and joints in your toes. My Happy Feet Foot Alignment Socks have soft dividers that comfortably separate toes and counteract the damage from shoes that fit too narrow.
Also if you must wear shoes that fit uncomfortably, a bunion shield or blister band can be used as a preventative method for pain and discomfort.
Elevate your foot and apply ice to the bunion if it has excessive swelling. Non-prescription medicine such as Tylenol and ibuprofen can help reduce swelling. You may also be able to have a prescription filled by your physician.
Only in severe cases is surgery required to heal bunions, and each case is different. Take the steps to start the healing process immediately, and speak to your physician or podiatric specialist to find out what methods are best for you.
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Are you lazy? Do you find yourself unmotivated to exercise? If so, we hope this video will help you get motivated to walk more. If a Stormtrooper can walk across Australia to help raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, you can at least walk for 30 minutes a day to improve your health.
If you need walking shoes to get started, be sure to visit our Athletic Walking Shoes page to learn about various features that make athletic shoes comfortable and healthy to wear.
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Have you been hiding your dry, cracked heels under socks and shoes? Well, the jig is up! Spring is here and soon your secret will be revealed in slide sandals and flip-flops. Give your foot health and your confidence a boost with these three tips to treat your dry, cracked heels before stepping into spring.
1. Treat cracked heels overnight:
Quality therapeutic creams and ointments can rejuvenate dry, cracked heels and prevent calluses or corns from developing. Hassle-free and grease-free, these foot creams will work while you sleep. Apply to your clean feet (check for dirt) before you hit the sheets, and wear socks that absorb moisture to see best results. If you’ve shied away from therapeutic ointments and creams because of the scent, shop brands like EverStride, which make foot treatment creams that work overnight without the medicinal smell. Another option is the Soft Skin Heel Sleeve, which provides moisturizing relief without requiring the application of a cream. In addition, the Kerasal cream is good for treating targeted spots like calluses or the back of the heel.
2. Prevent dry heels with a scrubber:
Get back to soft, smooth feet. Gilden Tree Terra Cota Foot scrubbers eliminate calluses and decrease dead skin cell build up. If a scrubber feels too rough on your feet, try using a pumice bar. These bars are a softer, gentler alternative to a Terra Cota scrubber, but also remove calluses, corns, and dry skin.
3. Exfoliate:
Kerasal Exfoliating Pumice Paste is like a day at the spa for your feet. This paste is made with volcanic pumice stone, natural oils and emollients to scrub away surface layer skin cells and leave skin silky smooth. Massaging your feet with Kerasal Pumice Paste is a soothing way to get back to healthy feet.
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In the words of Sean Connery, “Though my feet are tired, my heart is not.” In lieu of Foot Health Awareness Month, take a minute to think about how much time you spend on your feet each day of the year. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps in a day- that’s more than four times the circumference of the globe!
The value of mobility cannot be emphasized enough. Your car requires regular maintenance at the auto shop, so why wouldn’t you do your feet the same favor? Give your feet some much-deserved R&R during the month of April in support of foot health awareness. It’s especially important that women take care of their feet, as they have about four times as many foot problems as men. Plus, don’t forget about the health of your children’s feet because kids can also have similar foot problems as adults, and if you take care of your children’s feet today you can actually prevent unhealthy foot conditions in the future.
Know the signs that indicate poor foot health. If you have any of these symptoms, and particularly if they are chronic, make a trip to see a podiatric specialist or family physician.
Discolored toenails: See a podiatric specialist if your toenails have a green tint, or change from a healthy pink color to white.
Swollen feet: May be a sign of kidney or heart problems.
Swollen joints: May be related to rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
One foot suddenly begins to swell: Can possibly indicate a blockage of a lymph node or a deep-vein thrombosis.
Corns and blisters: Are your shoes too tight? It might be time to be fitted for a new pair. If your toes are also going numb, visit your podiatric specialist as this might be a sign of diabetes.
Read more on foot conditions at HealthyFeetStore.com
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We all spend a lot of time on our feet and sometimes that takes a toll on our legs, and lower back too. Katy Bowman helps you get back to healthy feet and proper alignment in her book Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief. And because we want you all to be Aligned and Well, we’re giving away a signed copy!
A signed copy of Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief by Katy Bowman, in which she explains what causes foot pain and how it can also affect other lower extremities.
This is one health book that won’t bring you down. She gives simple strategies and easy exercises to relieve foot pain in laymen’s terms. Bowman keeps you engaged with her writing style in this valuable guide to feeling better on your feet. Want to know more? Download a free chapter at footpainbook.com.
Runner-up will win an “Aligned and Well Fix your Feet Exercises” DVD which shows simple yet affective foot exercises to prevent ailments, improve circulation and keep muscles strong.
Giveaway begins on Tuesday, March 27th until midnight March 29th. Winner will be announced on Friday, March 30th.
You can have a total of 4 entries, 4 chances to win. After you perform one of the qualifications, always leave a post letting us know!
Just want to buy the book yourself? It’s available through Amazon.
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HealthyFeetStore is now offering the latest women’s sandals of spring 2012 from New Balance: The JoJo Thong, Zen Thong, and Zen Komen Slide. All of these sandals are ideal to wear after workouts, at the beach, or when lounging around at home. Not only do they boast a sporty look, but also cushioning features to keep feet cozy all day long.
Here are some of their features:
New Balance JoJo Women’s Flip Flop Sandal
New Balance Zen Komen Slide Sandal
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HealthyFeetStore.com is now offering KidZerts Full Length Children’s Arch Support Insoles. Like the ¾ length, these insoles offer various features to improve the health of young growing feet. They’re wear-moldable, which means that they’ll conform to the natural shape of each individual foot, and they’re anatomically designed with exceptional arch support and a deep heel cup – all of these features will help control pronation and align the body for better posture and overall balance. KidZerts insoles are the insoles that should be in all children’s shoes.
Kidzerts Insoles: Full Length vs. 3/4
The difference between the full length and the ¾ is that the full length is a bit more cushioned, especially in the forefoot. KidZerts full length insoles are recommended for shoes with removable insoles, athletic shoes, and shoes with roomy toe box designs. The KidZerts ¾ insoles are ideal for children’s dress shoes, casual shoes, cleats, and shoes that don’t have removable insoles. Both insoles are manufactured with the same high-quality materials and features that will help reduce foot fatigue, arch pain, flat feet pain, and ankle pain. They’re both podiatrist recommended and an investment in future foot health.
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2011 was another fantastic year for our blog. We’re proud with the amount of information we’ve been able to share with you about foot health, foot care, and the latest footwear products offered at HealthyFeetStore.com. We’re extremely excited to begin a new year with you and hope that 2012 can be just as good, or even better, as last year.
Below, you’ll find our 10 most popular blogs of 2011:
1. Shoe Widths 101Do you have wide feet and need help selecting the correct width? Are you confused about the various shoe widths and what sizes are offered for bigger sized feet? If so, you’ll want to read on …
Have you recently had foot surgery and need a post operative shoe to off-load pressure? Do you or a loved one have diabetic foot ulcers or lesion of the foot? Read about products that can help …
If you’re a senior and have problems with footing at home, there’s important information that can help you stay on your feet. Read about fall prevention and what house shoes are recommended …
Do you love your feet? If so, do you love them enough to take care of them so that they’re well hydrated, smooth and healthy? Learn how to combat dry skin, calluses, cracked heels, and more …
Foot care products are really important when it comes to gaining and maintaining healthy feet. See our top 5 foot care products of 2010 and read why our customers love them so much …
Earth Day is a great day to spend outside, enjoy great weather, and partake in fun activities. But in order to really enjoy the outdoors, you need to start thinking about what shoes to wear …
Get your flat feet ready for warm weather. Read how foot strengthening exercises can help reduce excessive pronation all while increasing strength in the arches of the feet …
Are you a flip flop sandal wearer? If so, it’s imperative that you read this blog since most conventional flip flops are unhealthy to wear. Learn what to look for in a well made flip flop sandal …
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a wonderful time for friends and family to exercise together. It’s also a great time to jump-start a new fitness plan to improve your health …
Do you seek ankle support to help your athletic performance? Do you have an ankle sprain or ankle pain? Read about Pro-Tec Athletics foot care products that offer support and comfort …
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