How often do you care for your feet and ankles? Unfortunately, most people have no concern over their foot health. According to health research, only two people out of ten observe their feet health. There are different ways we can preserve the health of our feet, including wearing comfortable and well-fitting shoes, cleaning feet regularly with soap and water, drying and moisturizing, among others. Dr. Han Nguyen, a podiatrist specialist, aims to provide extensive care for feet and ankles to enhance improved feet health. Here are among the services you can get at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates.
Diabetic foot care
Diabetic patients are at risk of developing wounds on their feet when they do not receive appropriate care. The wounds are likely to occur due to the restricted blood circulation in the legs or the decreased sensation due to nerve damage caused by the high blood sugar levels.
Therefore, diabetic patients must participate in regular diabetic foot care to prevent the occurrence of open wounds, among other foot issues.
For non-diabetic patients, it is essential to look out for the following symptoms.
- Foot or ankle swelling
- Dry and cracked skin
- Athlete’s foot or fungal infections
- Temperature changes in your feet
Dr. Nguyen and the team at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates provide the necessary care needed to prevent feet issues from diabetes and promote foot health.
Foot pain
Pain in your foot can result from various factors. It feels like the discomfort in your heels, toes, soles, or arches. The pain may increase gradually, disrupting your daily life.
You can comfortably resolve foot pain with at-home treatments such as placing ice, over-the-counter medication, and rest. However, when the pain does not go away with these treatments, it’s critical to find help from a certified podiatrist.
Some of the reasons for foot pain include:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Athlete’s foot
- Hammertoes
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions
- Corns and calluses
Dr. Nguyen and her team perform a thorough diagnosis to evaluate the cause of your foot pain and provide effective treatments.
Toenail fungus
It leads to thickening and discoloration of nails. When left untreated, toenail fungus can spread to other nails.
The symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Brittle and ragged nails
- White or brown discolored nails
- Dark coloration under the nail
- Thickened or misshapen nails
- Slightly foul smell
You may develop toenail fungus due to:
- Toe injuries
- A weak immune system or have diabetes
- Excessive sweating
- Reduced blood flow due to age
- Use of communal showers and pools barefooted
Ingrown toenail
It develops when your nail grows into your skin rather than out. It causes pain and may lead to an infection when not treated.
Other symptoms of an ingrown toenail include swelling and redness around the toenail.
Wearing comfortable shoes and trimming your nails short and straight across can help you prevent ingrown toenails. If you have an ingrown toenail, the team at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates can help you find relief.
Like other parts of your body, the feet also need routine care to prevent infections and issues related to feet health. Regular feet inspection is also essential. Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates provides comprehensive care for all your feet’ health care needs. Book your consultation with Dr. Nguyen today to get assistance.
