Last updated 1 year ago
Onychomycosis is a condition caused by a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. Toenail fungus is a problem that can lead to nails that are thick and discolored, changes in the shape of nails, and a lifting up of the nails from their nail beds.
Causes
- Exposure to Moist Environments: The types of fungus which can infect toenails tend to grow in warm, damp environments. Exposing your feet in moist areas where people tend to go barefoot, such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, can allow a fungal infection to begin in your toenail.
- Skin or Nail Injuries: Simply exposing your toenails to a fungus does not cause an infection. Fungal toenail infections must have a point of entry. The point of entry is generally a small cut in the skin near a toenail, which may be caused by injury, improper cutting of the nails, or ingrown toenails. A fungal infection can also begin if there is a gap between a toenail and its nail bed. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or allowing your feet to become and remain damp can increase the likelihood that a fungus will successfully infect a toenail.
Treatment
- Medication: Topical anti-fungal creams and ointments may be purchased without a prescription. This form of treatment is generally only effective if a fungal infection is caught very early. A physician may prescribe an oral medication to treat toenail fungus. This medication does not get rid of a fungus right away, but encourages a new, healthy nail to grow and replace the infected nail.
- Surgical Procedures: Another form of treatment that a doctor may use is photodynamic, or laser, therapy. This treatment destroys the fungus and allows healthy nail material to grow in place of the infected nail. For advanced infections, surgery may be necessary. The infected nail is removed, allowing the nail bed to be treated with a topical medication to eliminate the fungus.
At All South Bay Footcare in Torrance, we can help diagnose toenail infections and provide the appropriate treatment. To learn more about the causes and treatment options for toenail fungus, call us today at (310) 986-2925.
Last updated 1 year ago
Your toes may not seem like major factors in your health, but building and maintaining strength in your toes can help prevent and alleviate a number of painful foot problems. In fact, your toes play a major role in allowing you to maintain a normal ambulatory pattern and balance correctly.
This video shows viewers a number of physical therapy exercises for the toes that can be completed at home. The different conditions that each exercise can help alleviate are listed before the exercise is demonstrated.
It is important to visit a doctor before beginning any sort of physical therapy or exercise routine. If you are concerned about foot pain and would like to learn more about how physical therapy can help, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Teles of All South Bay Footcare by calling (310) 986-2925.
Last updated 1 year ago
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic conditions that includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both of these types of diabetes cause blood sugar levels to be elevated, a problem which can ultimately lead to problems in the extremities. In particular, diabetic individuals may experience problems with their feet that can ultimately lead to severe health conditions.
Damage to Blood Vessels
Having an elevated amount of glucose in your bloodstream can damage your blood vessels. High levels of blood glucose can cause an adverse reaction between enzymes. Over time, this can severely damage the walls of capillaries and other blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood, oxygen, and nutrients to circulate through the body.
Damage to Nerves
Another consequence of having blood sugar levels that are frequently elevated is diabetic neuropathy. This is damage to the covering on nerves caused by high blood glucose. Nerve damage can cause tingling or pain in the affected areas and ultimately lead to a lack of sensation or numbness. Oftentimes, diabetic neuropathies first occur in the toes and feet.
Development of Foot Problems
The combination of damaged blood vessels and nerves is very dangerous. Without sufficient nerve function, an injury on the foot may go unfelt and unnoticed for a long period of time. Good circulation is required for injuries to heal and for infections to be fought off. Oftentimes, diabetic individuals may develop a small scratch or an ingrown toenail that they do not feel due to nerve damage. Without proper circulation, the injury can easily become infected. If the infection advances and spreads too far before it is detected and treated, the whole foot can become damaged.
Managing your blood sugar and monitoring the condition of your feet are essential for preventing foot problems if you are diabetic. If you do discover an injury on your foot, keep it clean and contact your doctor right away. To learn more about foot health and diabetes, call the experts of All South Bay Footcare in Los Angeles today at (310) 986-2925.
