PODIATRISTS AND RESEARCH

NC/SC Podiatrists Collaborating With CDC on an Infection Prevention Project

Wrote by PMNews@podiatrym.com

 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

InStride Foot and Ankle Specialists(IFAS) is one of ten medical practices in the United States selected to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) and the Joint Commission on a research project designed to prevent and control infections in ambulatory healthcare settings. The goal of this three-year program will be to create model infection control plans to be used to prevent infections across the country. Gary Laio, DPM is the leading investigator for InStride Foot and Ankle.

Kevin McDonald

IFAS is based in Concord, North Carolina but has seventy-six podiatrists and over sixty locations spread across North and South Carolina. IFAS President Kevin McDonald, DPM stated, "We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important initiative to decrease the incidence of infections in outpatient settings in America. The access to the latest protocols and procedures by working with the CDC fits in perfectly with our best practices program."






 

Athlete's Foot Treatment

If untreated, skin blisters and cracks caused by Athlete's Foot can cause serious bacterial infections.

The treatment of Athlete's Foot depends on the type and extent of the fungal infection, so it is important to consult your podiatrist before choosing a therapy.

Athlete's Foot can usually be treated with antifungal creams. Re-infection is common, so it is important to continue the therapy as prescribed, even if the fungus appears to have gone away.

Lasting cases of Athlete's Foot may require foot soaks before applying antifungal creams.
Severe infections that appear suddenly (acute) usually respond well to treatment.
Toenail infections that develop with Athlete's Foot tend to be more difficult to cure than fungal skin infections.

For additional questions, contact our InStride Family Foot Care at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Good Socks

What kind of socks that we should get?

Check out below video clip from Dr. McDonald!

 

For additional questions, contact our office at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Gangrene

Gangrene is caused by lost blood supply to the foot or bacterial infections that result from open sores or ulcers. 

Diabetics are most prone to foot gangrene because they typically have poor circulation or nerve damage, which can lead to loss of blood supply.

Any sudden onset of foot or leg pain accompanied by lower skin temperature and skin color changes may indicate a sudden blockage of blood flow to the legs.

Gangrene is a serious condition, particularly when it is caused by an infection, which can spread throughout the body. 

Gangrenous tissue must be surgically removed, followed by oxygen treatment and intravenous antibiotics to kill any infection. If you suspect gangrene, please contact our office or seek other immediate medical attention.

For additional questions please contact:

InStride Family Foot Care at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Picture Credit: Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Haglund's Deformity

Haglund's Deformity (also known as pump bump or retrocalcaneal bursitis) is a painful enlargement on the back of the heel bone that becomes irritated by shoes. It normally appears as a red, painful, and swollen area in the back of the heel bone. Women tend to develop the condition more than men because of irritation from rigid heel counters in shoes that rub up and down on the back of the heel bone.

Changing shoes, soaking feet, and anti-inflammatory medications often mitigate the symptoms of this problem. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

For additional questions please contact:

InStride Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

How to Topically Treat Toenail Fungus

More about Fungal Nails!

Check out this video clip from Dr. McDonald on how to topically treat toenail fungus!

 

For more information about how to topically treat toenail fungus, contact our office at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

 

Fungal Nails

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.

For additional questions please contact:
InStride Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/