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During the summer months, you may be involved in many different types of activities. Consequently, you should ensure you are wearing the best footwear possible to take care of your feet no matter where you go. If you plan on going to the beach, flip flops may be the most obvious choice of footwear to protect your feet. However, you should be careful not to wear flip-flops for too long. Although they can protect your feet from sharp objects on the ground, they can also be responsible for injuries such as ankle sprains. If you decide to go into the ocean after walking around on a sandy beach, it is recommended that you wear a pair of aqua socks to shield your feet from fragments and rocks. Another place that you may find yourself at in the warmer months is a water park. Water-friendly sandals are recommended for water parks because they can protect your feet from developing athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can easily be spread by walking on contaminated floors.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can be picked up in gyms. One of the best ways to avoid getting athlete’s foot is to shower at home instead of at the gym. However, if you do opt to shower right after your workout at the gym, you should wear shower shoes or flip flops so that your feet are not exposed to the fungi on the floor. Shower stall floors are the perfect host for different types of fungus that can enter your body through tiny cuts and openings in the skin. If you notice that the gym shower you use has mold on the floors, you should immediately inform the gym and you should not return until the mold is cleaned. If you notice that your gym may be unsanitary it is best that you find a new place to workout.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many different things that may cause an ingrown toenail to develop. One of the most common causes is wearing shoes that are too tight along with socks and tights. You may also develop an ingrown toenail if you improperly trim your toenail. If you are looking to trim your nails, it is advised that you trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. If you have an ingrown toenail and want to prevent it from becoming infected, it is crucial that you keep your feet clean. However, if the condition worsens and becomes severe, you may need to have surgery. If you are experiencing any pain and suspect that you have an ingrown toenail, you should see your podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson of Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.