Feel free to browse our website to educate yourself on various podiatric conditions we see on a daily basis in our office. You may use the "Patient Library" function on the lower left to look at common topics, or use the search function for other topics not listed.
We want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we've included this extensive section on our web site covering the full array of topics associated with podiatry and podiatric diagnoses and treatments. We encourage you to look through these pages whenever you have an interest or concern about your feet.
In addition, the following websites are hightly recommended for more podiatric information:
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- Florida Podiatric Medical Association
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
- American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
- Foot Physicians.com
- American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine
- American Board of Podiatric Surgery
- American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine
Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.
After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.
Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.
Other tips:
- Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
- Don't share shoes or socks with others.
- Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
- Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
- Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
- Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
Prevention
Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.