If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right. Switch to Accessible Site
Click here for an important statement on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

(205) 633-3606

pedal

May 2017

Tuesday, 30 May 2017 00:00

Signs You May Have Toenail Fungus

Many people who have toenail fungus tend to get it by walking barefoot in public showers, hotels, or by getting a pedicure. In order to reduce your risk of catching a fungus, you should always be sure to wear a pair of flip flops while showering in public areas. There are some tell-tale signs of toenail fungus, and if you have any of them you may want to see a podiatrist to go over treatment options. One of the most obvious signs of toenail fungus is a change in the color of your toenail; a nail that has a fungus may begin to turn white, yellow, or brown. Another sign may be a change in the thickness of your nail. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, you should try to rid yourself of the condition sooner rather than later in order to prevent it from worsening.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. 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 Tuscaloosa, and Fayette, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that is characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is considered  normal. Eccrine glands, or sweat glands, are found at the soles of the feet which is why this condition tends to affect the foot area. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis are often hesitant to reach out for a treatment until their daily routines become affected by the sweat. If the excessive sweating occurs at night, it is important to seek medical assistance as it could be a side effect of a serious medical condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot 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 Tuscaloosa, and Fayette, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot needs.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Monday, 15 May 2017 00:00

Breaking in the Queen’s New Shoes

When Queen Elizabeth II breaks in a new pair of shoes, she doesn’t; she has a member of her staff break in her footwear for her. For many people, breaking in a new pair of shoes often results in uncomfortable pain and the formation of tender blisters on the feet. To avoid this issue altogether, the Queen instead gives her shoes to a junior member of Buckingham Palace staff who wears the same size. These shoes are then reportedly broken in by the staff member, who fulfills this task by walking up and down the palace corridors until the shoes have softened and become more comfortable. Long-time dressmaker for the queen, Stewart Parvin, revealed this information. While you may not be able to have someone break in your shoes for you, blisters can be avoided by gradually breaking in new shoes over a period of time.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
Monday, 08 May 2017 00:00

Working on the Feet While Pregnant

Pregnancy can create additional pressure on the feet, making certain everyday activities and responsibilities difficult for women. Women who work desk jobs should ensure that they’re sitting in chairs that offer optimal support, while women who spend a majority of their time standing should occasionally elevate their feet using a foot rest. Wearing comfortable shoes is also a must and should never be overlooked. Elevating the feet can also help pregnant women in managing edema, as the feet often swell during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health
Monday, 01 May 2017 00:00

Heel Pain in Children

With warmer weather now upon us, many children make a return to outdoor sports and activities. Many parents may eventually face the issue of their children experiencing heel pain. In adolescents, heel pain is often caused by Sever’s disease. Pain is typically described as being at the back of the heel; this is where the growth plate has not fully developed yet. Sever’s disease is thought to occur because of a mismatch in the growth of the heel bones to the calf muscle and Achilles tendon. Rest and pain relief are key parts of treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Connect with us