Toenail Fungus: Causes and Treatment

Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take over, the nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Because it is difficult to avoid contact with tiny microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. But once the problem has been detected, our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry can suggest a remedy.

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are thickened, brittle, crumbly, or ragged, distorted in shape, or dull with no shine. A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may suppress mild infections. However, the earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance of getting your nails to clear.

If you notice a fungus on your foot, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Flatfoot Facts

You’ll know if you have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up. This is a common and usually painless condition and typically occurs when the arches don’t develop during childhood. Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and legs and knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. If flatfeet are causing you trouble, our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry can provide you with relief.

Flatfeet are often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. When diagnosing flatfeet, one of our podiatrists will examine your feet and observe how they look when you stand and sit. X-rays are usually taken to determine the severity of the disorder. Most people have no signs or symptoms of flatfeet, but if pain is present, it can worsen with activity.

If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Trimming Toenails: The Basics

 

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why our staff at Orange CA Podiatry put together a list of toenail trimming basics, so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

• Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting in a curved shape.

• Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.

• Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.

• Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut. 

• Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first.

• Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back. 

If you have questions about foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why our staff at Orange CA Podiatry put together a list of toenail trimming basics so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

·        Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting them in a curved shape.

·        Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.

·        Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.

·        Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.

·        Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first and then trim them.

·        Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back.

 

If you have questions about foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

 

Pediatric Foot Care Tips

Children’s feet require special attention because their bones, muscles, and ligaments are all developing as they grow. This is why scheduling a pediatric foot exam at Orange CA Podiatry is important. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child’s bones are growing correctly. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled early – when easiest to treat. In addition, it is important to practice proper foot care with your child. To assist you with providing optimal foot health for your child, our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry suggest utilizing these tips.

• Cut toenails straight across – doing so will help prevent painful ingrown toenails. Signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling.


• Keep feet clean and dry – Preventing bacterial and fungal infections begin with good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your child’s feet at bath time. Afterward, dry them well between the toes to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in moisture.


• Prevent foot injuries – Walking barefoot outdoors on dirty pavement exposes kids’ feet to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries. If your child receives a cut, scrape, or scratch on the feet, rinse it with soap and water and keep the injury covered with a bandage until it heals.

If you have questions about your child’s foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Details on Xerosis (Dry Skin)

Xerosis cutis is the medical term for abnormally dry skin and can commonly occur on the feet. Dry skin is common and can occur in anyone, but it is most common in the elderly. If you’ve typically had normal skin on your feet and have been noticing them becoming increasingly dry, you’re likely dealing with a case of xerosis. If that’s the case, please give our staff at Orange CA Podiatry a call.

There are several factors that can cause xerosis, such as bathing or showering habitually more than once a day, using excessively hot water when showering or bathing, and using non-moisturizing soaps. The signs and symptoms you might see and feel are rough, scaly, or flaking skin, itching, or cracks in the skin. To find out whether your dry skin is something to be concerned about, our doctors will carefully examine your skin. After asking a couple of questions, such as when the problem began, they will carefully map out a treatment plan with you.

For more information about the services we provide and the foot conditions we treat, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995.