Knowing When It Is Time To Visit The Podiatrist

Believe it or not, many people do not have a podiatrist whom they see regularly. And while regular visits to the podiatrist's office may not always be a necessity, there are some certain times when you should know that it is time to go give your local podiatry clinic a visit. Situations such as possible toenail fungus or plantar warts are a good indicator that it is time to seek professional help from an expert in the medical treatment of feet. To help you figure out when it is time to give the podiatrist a visit, here are some of the signs that let you know that it is time to seek professional medical intervention.

*Discolored or Crumbly Toenails. Discolored or crumbly toenails can be a very clean indicator of toenail fungus, and usually require medical intervention. Toenail fungus, contrary to popular belief, cannot be treated at home or with over the counter medications, as they are almost always completely ineffective. Rather, this problem needs medical treatments, such as the innovative and revolutionary laser treatment that is only available at the podiatrist's office.

*Pain in your Heels. While pain in your heels can sometimes be a sign of an innocent and easily treated problem, it can also be a sign of a bigger and more serious problem, such as bone spur. A podiatrist will be able to determine the source of the problem, and help to work with you to figure out the best course of treatment and the best way to ease your pain. If you are feeling any pain in your heels, it is a good idea to take it easy and rest until you can get in to see a professional podiatrist. Remember, exacerbating these problems can only make them worse.

*Hard Lumps in the Pads of the Feet or Toes. Hard "lumps" in the pads of the feet or twos could be one of two things; they could either be unsightly warts, or painful bunions. Either way, it is crucial that you book an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to ensure that your problem does not worsen. Whatever the condition may be, it can only get worse if left untreated.

If you ever suspect that pain or swelling in your feet may be a result of something serious, it is best to schedule a visit with your podiatrist.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about foot care by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

If you are a woman who strives to look her best, then chances are that your feet take quite a beating everyday! All joking aside, some of the most common foot practices of women can be quite detrimental to their long-term foot health. Between high-heeled shoes, locker room bathrooms, and public footbaths and spas, women put themselves at risk for foot problems nearly every day. To help you avoid several visits to your local podiatry clinic, here are some tips to help you avoid these foot care disasters. While some of them may seem like they are taking away your right to beautiful shoes and pedicures, believe this: your feet will thank you in the long run!

*Just Say No To High-Heeled Shoes. OK, so you probably think that giving up your high-heel collection would be a fate worse than death. But trust this: these high-heeled stiletto monsters are absolute torture on your feet. They can indeed cause a score of long-term foot problems, including everything from bunions, nerve damage in your toes, and ankle and heel pain. If you simply must keep high-heels as part of your wardrobe, strive to only wear high-heels that fall around one inch. And invest in some comfy gel inserts so you can create some much-needed arch support in these stressful shoes.

*Just Say No To Infection Hotbeds. If you workout or stay in hotels frequently, you are probably putting yourself at risk for warts and toenail fungus without even realizing it. Indeed, every time you walk on a gym locker room or hotel bathroom floor without shower shoes or flip-flops, you are seriously risking picking up the human papilloma virus (HPV, also known as the pesky little virus behind unsightly plantar warts) and toenail fungus. To ensure that you avoid these nasty little problems, always sport a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes when you walk in one of these public places.

*Just Say No To Spa Footbaths. Next time you are getting a pedicure, ask that the manicurist soak your feet in a basin of lukewarm water instead of submerging them in one of those public footbaths. The jets can be a hotbed of bacteria and viruses, all of which can cause a slew of foot and nail related problems.

It is pretty easy for the average woman to acquire a foot problem or condition thanks to the aforementioned culprits. But if you follow these easy tips, you are sure to keep your feet healthy and beautiful.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about foot care for by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

A stress fracture is an incomplete crack in the bone caused by overuse. A foot that is not structurally sound is prone to developing stress fractures. Even a normal foot can easily develop a stress fracture from repetitive use. Symptoms may include pain, redness and swelling.

STATISTICS:
0.7-15% of athletics injuries are stress fractures
Track athletes have the highest amount of stress fractures
The first metatarsal accounts for 10% of metatarsal stress fractures
The second, third and fourth metatarsals account for 90% of metatarsal injuries
There is a decrease in the incidence of stress fractures in men with lean body mass
8.8% of stress fractures occur in the metatarsals
25.3% of stress fractures occur in the tarsal bones
0.9% of stress fractures occur in the sesamoids
28% of stress fractures occur in the calcaneus

CAUSES OF STRESS FRACTURES:
Overuse or strain of the foot
Medical conditions such as osteoporosis
Medications such as steroids
Sudden increased activity level

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Use cold compresses or ice
Get complete rest
Elevate the feet
Stay off your feet

WHAT WILL A PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN DO?
Perform a physical examination
Perform x-ray evaluation and future exams as needed
Immobilize or cast the foot/leg
Prescribe custom orthotics for long term control and prevention
Prescribe medications when indicated

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about foot care for by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

If someone told you there was a way to exercise that doesn't require a pricey gym membership or athletic skill and is actually relaxing, what would you say? No doubt, the answer would be "sign me up!"

Walking is the singular most popular form of exercise in the United States, but may be taken for granted since it is an act that many of us do each day without considering it an aerobic activity. However, the results of walking are physically rewarding and lead to a trimmer body and enhanced general health.

One of the wonderful aspects of starting a walking routine, known as exercise-walking, is that it can be done almost anywhere and at any time, regardless of weather. You can walk to the store, in a mall, around your neighborhood, with your dog, with a group of friends, or on your own. In addition, it is a great form of exercise for those who have a long history of inactivity, problems with obesity or who simply don't like strenuous activity.

Before you get started on your new walking routine, most podiatrists recommend finding sensible, comfortable walking shoes to ensure proper foot health. Wear thick, absorbent socks and footwear that is stable from side to side and well-cushioned. Since buying shoes is the only real monetary investment you need to make for your walking regimen, don't try to cut costs. Buy your shoes for quality, comfort and fit. If you are uncertain about how to choose the shoes that are best for your body and your walking style and stride, go to a shoe store that specializes in athletic shoewear and focuses on the fit that you need.

If you are free of any serious health problems, then your walking routine is ready to hit the road immediately. A checkup is recommended if you are over the age of 60, have a disease, disability or are taking medication. A medical exam is also recommended if you are 35 to 60, substantially overweight, easily fatigued, an excessive smoker, or physically inactive.

Here's a few tips for getting started. Begin by taking 20 minute walks, moving at your own pace but brisk enough to make your heart beat faster. Walk with your head and back straight and stomach tight, keeping your legs out front and knees slightly bent. As you are walking, try to land on the heel of your foot and roll forward to push off on the ball of your foot. Don't forget to cool down by stretching at the end of each session.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about foot care for by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

Toenails that have become discolored or thick and discolored are often a result of toenail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis. According to many studies approximately 20% of people age 40-60 have this condition. The color most often associated with this condition is yellow. Toenail fungus is so common because our feet are exposed to moisture, heat and darkness, all of which are the friend of fungi. The fungi first invade our skin and then assault our nails. So if you ever wondered where you got this condition from just look to your skin. Most people with toenail fungus have dry skin with areas that flake. Your feet don't have to itch to have athlete's foot. In fact the more common form of athlete's foot is the dry, non-itchy kind.

But not all thick discolored nails are toenail fungus. Many of these nails have thickness of the nail bed called hyperkeratinization. It's a callusing of the nail bed. It usually occurs because of microtrauma to the nail. This microtrauma is usually caused by an underlying abnormality of the bone structure or foot movement. A simple example is a hammertoe deformity. The toe bends downward leading to constant rubbing of the nail against the bottom of the shoe. Most people don't feel the rubbing. The body responds to friction by building up callus to protect itself. The nail will become thick and often has a yellow or brown color. To determine whether the nail has fungus or just hyperkeratin a biopsy can be performed.

If the underlying bone deformity or biomechanical abnormality isn't corrected the nail will continue to build up callus. Some deformities are easy to fix with a minor procedure or custom foot orthotics. Once the cause of the nail condition is addressed then the nail itself can be treated. If fungus is present then the new Laser treatment, oral medication or a combination of the two are the treatment options. In the absence of fungus, a thick nail has to be filed down and treated with Urea based products. Urea can help prevent recurrence of hyperkeratin.

Before you run to your family doctor or dermatologist to treat your "fungus" condition you should consult with a Podiatrist. A podiatrist will not just focus on the nail condition but rather look at your entire foot for the root of the problem. Making the correct diagnosis will lead to a higher chance of success and will save you time and money.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about toenail care for by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

There surely are a bunch of myths floating around about warts, aren't there? For starters, some people actually believe that you can get warts from touching a frog! (This is, by the way, completely untrue. The bumps on a toad's skin are actually glands, not warts.) Besides the myths that are basically fairy tales, there are plenty of myths floating around that people actually believe. For example, surely you have heard that a little bit of duct tape will cure an unwanted wart, right? To help you understand what is truth and what is fiction when it comes to warts, here are some of the biggest and most common myths about warts, debunked.

MYTH: All warts are the same, because all of them are the result of the human papilloma virus (HPV).

TRUTH: While all warts do stem from the human papilloma virus, not all HPV outbreaks are created equally. There are over one hundred different kinds of HPV; thus, the plantar warts on the bottom of your feet are quite different from sexually transmitted warts.

MYTH: Potatoes, duct tape, nail polish, and garlic are all efficient treatments for warts.

TRUTH: These folksy wart remedies have been floating around for years. Sure, some people may attest to success from remedies like nail polish or duct tape. However, there is no clinical evidence to support that these methods of treatment are effective. The rumor surrounding duct tape as a wart remedy is that the duct tape works by "suffocating" the wart, but there is no scientific logic that would back that theory up.

MYTH: A wart can be cut out at home. You don't need to go to a doctor.

TRUTH: Attempting to cut a wart yourself can result in infection and scarring. Never, ever try to perform any sort of medical procedure such as this one on your own. Instead, go to a doctor for this sort of procedure. The truth of the matter is that while some doctors will physically cut away the wart, the vast majority use either laser treatments or liquid nitrogen treatments to eradicate warts. The liquid nitrogen treatments (also referred to as "freezing") are usually the first method used when treating a patient's warts. The procedure is a simple and brief one, and is usually performed by a nurse practioner in less than fifteen minutes. While some patients report minor pain, most find the procedure effective after two or three treatments.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about treatment of warts by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

Beautiful Toenails: the Secret to Healthy and Strong Nails

If you have long desired healthy, strong, and beautiful toenails, then you have come to the right place! Believe it or not, there are some simple and straightforward tips that can help you achieve the beautiful toenails that you have always dreamed of. The first step to beautiful toenails is surveying the nails you already have. Are they discolored or flaky? If so, then you should consider a visit to your local podiatrist, as you could be suffering from an unsightly and unwanted condition such as toenail fungus. Otherwise, if your nails seem healthy, you can feel free to proceed with these simple and practical toenail beauty tips.

1. Keep Your Feet Dry. One of the best secrets to beautiful and healthy toenails is to keep your feet as dry as possible at all times. Wearing clean, dry socks, and changing your socks immediately after working out can achieve this. Excess moisture in your feet can not only encourage unwanted foot problems such as toenail fungus, but can also cause your toenails to become weaker and start to peel. One of the best methods of achieving beautiful toenails is to ensure that they are strong. After that, everything else will fall into place.

2. Polishes and Treatments. There are no proven scientific methods to grow nails rapidly. However, there are some excellent treatments on the market that encourage nail growth; and furthermore, these great products encourage healthy nail growth. Brands like Sally Hansen and OPI offer products that help to speed up the growing process, and also encourage nail strength and reduce chipping and peeling. Layer their products under the colored nail polishes, and you will see healthier nails after a few months of usage.

3. Prevention, Prevention, Prevention. One of the best ways to achieve healthy and beautiful toenails is to prevent problems like toenail fungus or warts from happening. The best way (besides keeping your feet clean and dry) is to wear shower shoes or flip flops when using public facilities such as gym locker rooms or hotel bathrooms. These moist, high traffic facilities can be a great hotbed for viruses such as toenail fungus and the human papilloma virus, HPV, which causes unsightly plantar warts.

As you can see, the secrets to healthy toenails will not require you to invest in hundreds of dollars worth of beauty products! Indeed, the secret lies in these basic, common sense practices.

Dr. Chris Milkie, a Milwaukee Podiatrist, has treated thousands of foot problems since 1991. Dr. Milkie is the author and can provide additional information about toenail care for by visiting http://www.mayfairfootclinic.com

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