Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)- Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Plantar Wart Treatment - Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

FrankHenryPlantar_Wart.wmv Watch on Posterous

Dr. Frank Henry discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Plantar Warts (Foot Warts).

http://www.healthywalking.com

Most foot warts are harmless, even though they may be painful. They are often mistaken for other conditions such as corns or calluses –[which are layers of dead skin that build up to protect an area which is being continuously irritated]. A wart, however, is a viral infection. Over 42 types of viruses are known to cause a wart.

More serious foot lesions such as malignant (cancer) lesions can sometimes be mistaken as a wart. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults while some people seem to be immune. The most common times for warts to occur are, puberty, emotional & physical stress, pregnancy and menopause.

Warts can appear anywhere on the skin and those which are located on the sole of the foot are called plantar warts. The virus generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. When they get large enough they can be quite painful.

Plantar warts appear to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries but their true size is hidden because they are pushed into the skin. Warts are generally raised and fleshier when they appear on the top of the foot or on the toes. Plantar warts are often gray or brown (but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints of black. It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to reoccur.

The plantar wart is often contracted by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in public bathing facilities, locker rooms and even can be transmitted when trying on a pair of shoes.

If left untreated, warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into clusters of warts. Like any other infectious lesion, plantar warts are spread by touching, scratching, or even by contact with skin shed from another wart. The wart may also bleed, another route for spreading.

Occasionally, warts can spontaneously disappear after a short time, and, just as frequently, they can recur in the same location.

Plantar warts that develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot - the ball of the foot, or the heel, can cause sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly on the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can create equally intense pain.

Prevention:

• Avoid direct contact with warts - from other persons or from other parts of the
• body. Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches.
• Change your shoes and socks daily.
• Check yours & your children's feet periodically.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• When trying on new shoes always wear socks.

 

Treatment:
Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually the first course of treatment that a person will try. The acid used can kill some warts but usually by the time the wart is discovered it is larger and the Over-the-counter medication will be ineffective.

My practice can treat warts a variety of ways, including medication and surgical removal.

Visit our website: http://www.healthywalking.com

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Custom Orthotics Treatment - Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

FrankHenryOrthotic.wmv Watch on Posterous

Dr. Frank Henry discusses Custom Orthotics. 

http://www.healthywalking.com

Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.

Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patients following surgery.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes and sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid orthotics

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, is often composed of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber, and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Such orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft orthotics

Soft orthotics usually absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are typically made up of soft, cushy materials. Soft orthoses also are worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Such orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Soft orthoses are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet.

Semi-rigid orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Sometimes, different sports call for different kinds of semi-rigid orthotics. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot or intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete.

While over-the-counter orthotic inserts help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are made to fit a person with an "average" foot shape.

 

Visit our website: http://www.healthywalking.com

 

Ingrown Toenails Treatment - Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

FrankHenryIngrownToenail.wmv Watch on Posterous

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Ingrown Toenail Treatment - Podiatrist in Victoria, TX

Dr. Frank Henry discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenail.

http://www.healthywalking.com

Ingrown Toenails

What are Ingrown Nails?
An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe, but it may also occur with the little toes. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure.

Symptoms
Ingrown nails may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe. The pain is often worse while walking. An ingrown nail may also lead to infection or inflammation. If it's infected, you might see pus or redness.

Evaluation
To determine the extent of your problem, the podiatrist examines and possibly palpates (presses) the painful area. If other problems are suspected, blood tests, cultures, or x-rays may be done as well.

Treatment
If the nail is not infected, the podiatrist may trim the corner of it to help relieve your symptoms. For a partially ingrown nail, Dr. Henry may need to remove one side of your nail back to the cuticle and treat the base of the nail. Severe infections or totally ingrown nails may require antibiotics and temporary or permanent removal of the entire nail. To lessen pain, a local anesthetic may be used in these procedures.

What are Thickened Nails?
Abnormally thick or crumbling nails may be caused by injuries, pressure from shoes, fungal infections, or conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease. Eventually, the nail may loosen and fall off.

Symptoms
Along with thickening, the nail may appear ridged, brittle, or yellowish. The nail may also feel painful when pressure is put on it.

Evaluation
Since thickened nails may be symptom of an underlying medical condition, it's important for the podiatrist to look at your medical history for possible related problems. The thickness and color of the nail are also examined carefully to determine possible infections or other conditions.

Treatment
If a fungal infection is present, oral or topical antifungal medications may be needed. This can help prevent ulcerations under the nail while keeping the fungus from spreading to other nails. If pain is extreme, the nail can be surgically removed.

How Can I Prevent Nail Problems?
Many nail problems can be prevented by wearing the right shoes and trimming your nails properly. To help avoid infection, keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with the podiatrist before doing any foot self-care.

Proper Trimming
To avoid possible problems, try to trim your toenails straight across without cutting down into the corners. You can smooth the ends with an emery board.

The Right Shoes
Get your feet measured (your size may change as you age). Wear shoes that are supportive and roomy enough for your toes to wiggle. Look for shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, that allow your feet to breathe.

Visit our website: http://www.healthywalking.com

 

Podiatrist Victoria, TX – Frank Henry, DPM

FrankHenryHomepage.wmv Watch on Posterous

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Normal 0 false false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Podiatrist Victoria, TX – Frank Henry, DPM

Meet Podiatrist Dr. Frank Henry as he discusses foot care at The Foot and Ankle Institute of San Francisco

http://www.healthywalking.com

Welcome to The Foot Center

At The Foot Center, we believe that a doctor and patient become a team for treating an individual's feet. Our physicians spend most of their time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that generally pain is relieved, problems are resolved and your health improves.

We also want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we've included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with podiatry and podiatric diagnoses and treatments. We encourage you to look through these pages whenever you have an interest or concern about your feet.

We also know that convenience in the Victoria area is important to your selection of a podiatrist. In these web pages you'll find information about The Foot Center's office, including our Victoria location, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to request an appointment. We hope you'll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a physician.

Visit our website: http://www.healthywalking.com