Taking care of your feet is essential for overall health and mobility. Washing them daily with warm water and mild soap helps prevent infections and removes dirt and sweat buildup. Moisturizing regularly keeps the skin soft and prevents dryness or cracking. Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate support reduces pressure on the feet and minimizes discomfort. Proper toenail trimming is also important, as cutting nails straight across and avoiding cutting them too short helps prevent ingrown toenails. Regularly inspecting the feet for any cuts, blisters, or changes in skin texture can help detect potential problems early. Additionally, stretching and strengthening exercises improve circulation and foot flexibility. If you have developed any type of foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on additional everyday foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus does not appear overnight, but once it takes hold, it is hard to ignore. At first, a small white or yellow spot may appear on the toenail. Over time, the nail thickens, turns yellow or brown, and may become brittle, crumbly, or even lift from the nail bed. Some people experience a foul odor, while others feel discomfort when wearing shoes. Treatment takes patience. Mild cases may improve with antifungal creams or medicated nail lacquers, but more stubborn infections often require prescription oral medication or laser treatments. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed. Prevention is key. Keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable shoes, and avoid walking barefoot in public places like around pools or in locker rooms. Trim nails straight across and disinfect nail clippers. If the infection persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can recommend the best course of action.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hallux rigidus, a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the big toe joint, can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Foot orthotics play a key role in managing this condition by providing proper support and reducing pressure on the affected joint. By redistributing weight away from the big toe, orthotics can help alleviate pain and discomfort during walking or standing. Custom orthotics, in particular, can be designed to limit excessive motion in the toe joint, helping to stabilize the foot and prevent further damage. Additionally, orthotics can improve overall alignment and posture, reducing stress on the surrounding joints. With the right orthotics, individuals with hallux rigidus can experience increased comfort and enhanced mobility, making daily activities more manageable. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of custom orthotics with you.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL .