Items filtered by date: August 2024

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition where a fungal infection leads to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. The primary causes are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as public showers, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes. People with a weakened immune system or those who have diabetes are at higher risk. Symptoms can include toenails becoming yellow or white, thickening, and sometimes separating from the nail bed. To prevent toenail fungus, maintain good foot hygiene, keep nails clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the infection. Antifungal creams and nail lacquers may be effective for mild cases. Laser treatments and nail removal are options for severe cases. For persistent toenail infections, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. 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 feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail problems can cause significant discomfort and require attention. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and infection. Nail fungus causes thickened, discolored nails and can spread if untreated. Toenail trauma from injuries can result in bruising, separation from the nail bed, or deformities. Clubbed nails, often associated with underlying health conditions, involve the enlargement and rounding of the nail tips. Discoloration of nail plates may indicate fungal infections, trauma, or systemic issues. If you have painful or unusual problems with your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, specialized treatment, and to prevent possible complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

A broken toe, often caused by stubbing it against furniture, dropping something heavy on it, or trauma during sports, can be quite painful. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in  walking. Sometimes, you might even hear a crack at the time of injury or notice the toe looking out of place. For a mild fracture, treatments such as resting, taking pain relief medication, and wearing comfortable shoes or orthotics can help. Taping the injured toe to the one next to it is another way to manage the pain and aid healing. However, if pain persists after a few days, swelling doe not subside, or if you have trouble walking after six weeks, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get a precise diagnosis and treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Running is a popular form of exercise that can lead to various foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains are common and occur when ligaments are stretched or torn due to sudden twists or turns. Achilles tendinopathy, characterized by pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often results from overuse or improper training techniques. Additionally, plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and underside of the foot, typically due to inflammation of the plantar fascia from repetitive strain. These injuries can sideline runners, affect their performance, and require proper management for recovery. Prevention strategies include adequate warm-ups, gradual increases in training intensity, and wearing supportive footwear. If you have encountered a foot or ankle injury while running it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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