Wednesday, October 31, 2012

CHECK, PLEASE (Melanoma)


Early detection is critical when it comes to melanoma of the foot. This type of cancer is easy to overlook but can have deadly consequences if allowed to go untreated. When checking for any signs of this disease, be sure to notice the soles, the area in between the toes, and the skin around or under the toenails for any freckles or spots that have changed over time. Any alteration in the border, color, diameter, or elevation of a freckle or spot should be immediately reported to your podiatrist since those are the main indicators of melanoma of the foot. Routine self-exams are the keys to ensuring early identification of this potentially deadly disease.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at
http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NOT SO NICE

Blame it on bacteriafoot odor is a reality for ten to fifteen percent of the population. Bacteria digest sweat and release a gas that can produce a foul odor. Although enclosing the feet in shoes can exacerbate the problem, exposing them during the weather can make the odor even more obvious.
To eliminate or help reduce foot odor, following a regimen to conquer the bacteria can help.
  • Feet should be washed daily with antibacterial soap and dried thoroughly.
  • When socks are worn, they should be of a natural fiber that will absorb any sweat.
  • Shoes should be allowed to dry out in between wearing, and insoles should be cleaned using hot, soapy water.

For additional questions please contact:

Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

HAMMERTOES

A bend in the first joint of a small toe can result in a hammertoe. If addressed early on, the condition may be alleviated. If not, rigidity will set in, and even the ball of the foot can become dislocated, causing the toes to point upwards. Typically, trauma, an injury to the foot, or wearing high-heeled or ill-fitting shoes can result in the development of hammertoes. Those individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can tend to develop hammertoes. The condition is painful and can result in the development of corns and calluses as well as swelling and redness of the affected areas. Walking can become a challenge, and the sufferer can be at a high risk of falling.
For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at
http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

ROADMAPS (Spider Veins)

If you see thread-like veins close to the surface of the skin on your feet, you are looking at spider veins, or telangectasias. Weakening of the valves in your leg veins can cause blood flow to become sluggish and pool, creating spider veins. Resembling tree branches, they can appear in small or large patches. Heredity, exposure to the sum, and hormonal changes can trigger the onset of spider veins in the feet. Added causes are pregnancy, prolonged standing, and a sedentary lifestyle. Treatments to rid the feet of the clusters include laser therapy, which can shrink and even eradicate spider veins entirely, and injections of sodium chloride, referred to as sclerotherapy.
For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/