What is Medical Foot Care?
Medical foot care is a special care performed professionally to protect and improve foot health. Our experienced team works to prevent possible problems of feet, to treat existed problems and to maintain optimum care of feet.
Medical foot care generally includes:
1. Control: Specialist controls the abnormalities and signs of possible problems.
2. Skin and Nail Care: Specialist treats the frequently seen foot problems like thickened skin, callus, dryness, ingrown toenails.
3. Cleaning the Dead Skin Layers: Dead skin layer on sole of foot and heel is gently cleaned with special tools.
4. Nail Cut: Proper nail cut can prevent ingrown toenails.
5. Treatment of Pain and Discomfort: Special care and recommendations are offered for diabetics or for the other foot problems rising from systemic conditions like rheumatic arthritis etc.
6. Special Foot Bath and Massages: These procedures are done for enhancing the circulation and comforting and softening feet.
7. Orthopedical Recommendations: Specially designed insoles or shoes can be recommended according to the foot structure and existed problems.
8. Training: Training for the maintenance of foot care at home can be done.
Medical foot care is not only for treating the problems but also for protecting foot health and resolving possible problems. Foot care is important in reducing the risk of complications, especially in some diseases such as diabetes. Medical foot care is clinical and therapeutical approach different from classical pedicure.
Nail Fungus Treatment
Nail fungus is an infection caused by microorganisms (mostly dermatophytes) which live around nails. Technically it is called onychomycosis. Nail fungus is a frequent problem because shoes and socks keep the foot environment warm and humid which is ideal for fungus growth.
Signs of nail fungus:
- Thickened nail
- Discoloration of nail (yellow, brown or white stains)
- Fragile, easily breaking nails
- Shape changes of nail
- Pain or unpleasant odor
Treatment of nail fungus:
1. Topical Antifungals: There are several antifungal creams or solutions for nail fungus that can be sold on prescription or no prescription. For optimal efficiency these products should be used regularly in accordance with the instructions.
2. Oral Medicine: Doctor may prescribe oral treatment for nail fungus. This treatment may last for several months.
3. Medical Nail Polish: Doctor may prescribe antifungal nail polish.
4. Laser and Light Therapy: In some conditions laser or light therapy may be recommended for nail fungus treatment.
5. Surgical Treatment: Surgical removal of the nail may be necessary in severe or resistant nail fungus.
6. Prevention: You may follow these steps for prevention of nail fungus:
- Wash your feet regularly and dry properly.
- Wear soft and breathable shoes.
- Wear slippers in public places especially at the pool sides or gym.
- Cut your toenails short and straight.
- Use antifungal spray or powder in your shoes time to time.
If you are suspicious about nail fungus signs, please contact us. Most appropriate treatment modality will be designed according to the severity, localization and treatment response.
Thickened Nail Treatment
Thickening of nails can be seen with aging, trauma, fungal infection or some other medical conditions. Treatment of thickened nail can be defined in accordance with underlying condition. Here are several recommendations for thickened nail treatment:
1. Nail Fungus Treatment:
If the reason of thickening is a fungal infection, antifungal pharmacotherapy can be recommended. These medications can be in forms of cream / lotion or oral tablets/capsules. Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate one.
2. Regular Nail Care and Cutting:
Regularly cutting and filing the thickened nails helps to manage them. Be careful while cutting and please use the appropriate tools.
3. Foot Care and Hygene:
Keep your feet clean and dry. Humidity may trigger fungal infections.
4. Wearing Proper Shoes:
It is important that the shoes should have enough space for toes. In order to prevent feet and nail traumas choosing proper shoes is important.
5. Medical Cremes and Lotions:
According to the underlying condition for nail thickening, your doctor may prescribe softening creams or lotions.
6. Professional Care:
A podiatrist or dermatologist consultation may be necessary for excessively thickened nails. Professional care helps to manage nail problems better.
7. Treatment of Underlying Conditions:
If there is medical conditions like psoriasis or diabetes, the treatment of these conditions may be helpful for treating nail thickening.
If nail thickening goes on to be a problem, please contact us.
Diabetic Foot Treatment
Foot care is crucially important for diabetics. Diabetics may have circulatory issues and neuronal damage due to high blood level for a long time. This phenomenon may cause sensory loss, difficulty in wound healing and increased risk of infection. So, regular and proper foot care is important for diabetics. Here are some foot care recommendations. Please contact us if you have a medical problem.
Foot Care Recommendations for Diabetics
1.Routine Daily Control: Control your feet daily. Cuts, wounds, thickenings, vesicles or signs of infection are important. Follow them.
2. Keeping Clean: You should wash your feet with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid using hot water.
3. Against Dryness and Cracks: After drying your feet properly, moisten your feet. Try to keep the skin between toes dry. Moisture between toes may increase the risk of athlete’s foot.
4. Nail Care: Cut your toenails properly (keep the top side as a straight line). If it is difficult for you to cut your toenails ask for help.
5. Protect the Feet: Avoid walking on barefoot. Choose soft and comfortable models of shoes.
6. Quit Smoking: Smoking effects the circulation negatively and worsens the blood flow in diabetics who are in poor condition at the first place.
7. Doctor Controls: Diabetics should see a podiatrist or foot care specialist once in a year.
8. Avoid Tight Shoes: Be careful about the tightness of your shoes. Choose soft and comfortable models of shoes.
9. Choose of Socks: Prefer seamless, soft and moisture absorbent socks. Also change your socks daily.
10. Keep Your Feet Cool and Dry: Take precautions against excessive warming and humidity of your feet.
11.Be Fast If You Have a Wound on Your Foot: If you notice that there is a graze on your foot you should begin treatment promptly or consult to a specialist.
12. Foot Exercises: Regular exercise program is important for increasing the strength of foot and leg muscles.
Control of diabetes is crucial for foot care like it is for all systems of your body. Managing the blood sugar level and going to routine controls are the best ways of potential foot problems. It is recommended to be in regular contact with your doctor in order to be aware of the early signs of diabetic complications.