Bunions can cause discomfort, pain, and they can even change the way you walk. Unfortunately, bunions are common conditions. Fortunately, Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM is able to diagnose and treat bunions here in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT locations.
A bunion is a bone formation usually located on the inside of the foot by the big toe’s first joint. It is possible to develop a bunion on the other side of the foot by the little toe’s first joint (called a tailor’s bunion). The formation is an abnormal bump that is red, sore, and inflamed. They can develop large enough to cause major pain. When being irritated, they can also become swollen and patients may experience a burning sensation. A bunion may also stiffen the joint.
Bunions are commonly caused by wearing inappropriate shoes. Shoes that do not allow enough room for the toes and high heels are often the culprits. When the toe joint is continually being pushed inward, that is when the joint begins to deform. Along with ill-fitting shoes, other factors in the formation of bunions include injuries, arthritis, and inheritance of a certain foot type.
There are several conservative treatments for slowing down the formation of a bunion and relieving the pain it causes. Wearing more supportive shoes will be the first step. Choose shoes that allow space for all of the toes. In addition, do not wear shoes with a tall heel or even switch to no heels at all if your foot is still being bothered. In addition to well-fitting shoes, orthotic insoles or custom orthotic insoles can help. Dr. Auger can help you choose the right orthotic for your unique condition. Padding and splinting inside of the shoe can also help move the toe joint back into place. Anti-inflammatories and ice are good for relieving pain and swelling.
If you are showing signs of a bunion, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM so she can diagnose you, help you determine the factors of formation, and treat you. To schedule at Dr. Auger’s West Jordan, UT location, Salt Lake City, UT location, or Sandy, UT location, call us at (801) 619-2170. For more information, visit our website,www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Pesky Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are an annoyance, can be painful, and they can sometimes be tough to get rid of. Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM treats patients for plantar warts in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT locations.
Plantar warts are small, tough growths that appear on the bottom of your foot. They take on the appearance of a callus with tiny black dots. The wart usually starts out small and grows larger and inward over time. Usually, there will be pain when standing or walking on it. Plantar warts can usually be treated at home, but if the wart reoccurs or multiplies, you will want to see your foot doctor for treatment. You can also choose to have it treated by your doctor if it is very painful or if it is interfering with your daily activities
.
Plantar warts are caused by a form of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, cracked skin, or wet, softened skin. The strains of HPV that cause plantar warts thrive in warm, moist conditions. Therefore, many people can contract the virus by walking barefoot in public locker rooms or around swimming pools.
There are a couple of different methods for treatment including salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Applying a salicylic acid removes layers of the wart a little at a time. Cryotherapy is a method that freezes and kills the wart tissue so that it falls off. This is also done little bits at a time. Dr. Auger may choose to use both salicylic acid and cryotherapy. For warts that reoccur or are not dissolved by salicylic acid or cryotherapy, there are other acids, immune therapy creams, the HPV vaccine, or minor surgery that can help. However, most warts are effectively removed with salicylic acid or cryotherapy.
If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to an inch in size and can cause a change in the way you walk. If you have a plantar wart that is difficult to treat or is painful, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM. To schedule at her West Jordan, UT location, her Salt Lake City, UT location, or her Sandy, UT location, call (801) 619-2170. More information may be found on our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Plantar warts are small, tough growths that appear on the bottom of your foot. They take on the appearance of a callus with tiny black dots. The wart usually starts out small and grows larger and inward over time. Usually, there will be pain when standing or walking on it. Plantar warts can usually be treated at home, but if the wart reoccurs or multiplies, you will want to see your foot doctor for treatment. You can also choose to have it treated by your doctor if it is very painful or if it is interfering with your daily activities
.
Plantar warts are caused by a form of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, cracked skin, or wet, softened skin. The strains of HPV that cause plantar warts thrive in warm, moist conditions. Therefore, many people can contract the virus by walking barefoot in public locker rooms or around swimming pools.
There are a couple of different methods for treatment including salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Applying a salicylic acid removes layers of the wart a little at a time. Cryotherapy is a method that freezes and kills the wart tissue so that it falls off. This is also done little bits at a time. Dr. Auger may choose to use both salicylic acid and cryotherapy. For warts that reoccur or are not dissolved by salicylic acid or cryotherapy, there are other acids, immune therapy creams, the HPV vaccine, or minor surgery that can help. However, most warts are effectively removed with salicylic acid or cryotherapy.
If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to an inch in size and can cause a change in the way you walk. If you have a plantar wart that is difficult to treat or is painful, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM. To schedule at her West Jordan, UT location, her Salt Lake City, UT location, or her Sandy, UT location, call (801) 619-2170. More information may be found on our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Dr. Auger Treats Toenail Fungus
Nail fungus can be embarrassing. It can even be painful. With the nice weather coming up soon, sandals and other open-toed shoes are going to make an appearance from the backs of our closets. If you have nail fungus, unfortunately, you may feel uncomfortable wearing sandals. Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM wants her patients to understand what nail fungus is, how it comes about, and how to avoid it. Dr. Auger treats patients with toenail fungus in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT offices.
Nail fungus is a condition that can range in severity. It is often characterized by thickened, yellow nails. The nails may also become misshapen, brittle, ragged, and they can lose their shine. In some cases, a dark color may be present underneath the nail. Nail fungus may also emit an unpleasant smell. In severe cases, the nail will separate from the nail bed.
Dermatophyte fungus, yeasts, and molds are often responsible for toenail fungus. Fungus is often picked up from warm, moist environments like showers. Shoes are also good spots for fungi to grow since they usually do not need sunlight to thrive. Shoes are also often warm and moist from sweating feet.
There are many different types of treatment for toenail fungus; depending on your condition and health. There are oral antifungal medications, medicated nail polishes and creams, and nail removal. Toenails can take about a year to fully grow out; therefore, each type of medication will need to be used diligently to clear up the fungus. Full nail removal is often used in combination with a topical medication.
In order to avoid toenail fungus, make sure to keep your feet clean and dry. Wear breathable shoes along with socks that absorb sweat well. If you wear boots or other non-breathable shoes every day for work, consider taking them off on breaks to give your shoes and your feet a chance to dry out. Antifungal powder works well inside of shoes to soak up moisture and avoid fungal growth. In addition, wear sandals when showering in public places or walking around public pools.
If you are having difficulty with toenail fungus, be sure to make an appointment with us. Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM treats toenail fungus in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT locations. To schedule an appointment, call us at (801) 619-2170. For more information, visit our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Nail fungus is a condition that can range in severity. It is often characterized by thickened, yellow nails. The nails may also become misshapen, brittle, ragged, and they can lose their shine. In some cases, a dark color may be present underneath the nail. Nail fungus may also emit an unpleasant smell. In severe cases, the nail will separate from the nail bed.
Dermatophyte fungus, yeasts, and molds are often responsible for toenail fungus. Fungus is often picked up from warm, moist environments like showers. Shoes are also good spots for fungi to grow since they usually do not need sunlight to thrive. Shoes are also often warm and moist from sweating feet.
There are many different types of treatment for toenail fungus; depending on your condition and health. There are oral antifungal medications, medicated nail polishes and creams, and nail removal. Toenails can take about a year to fully grow out; therefore, each type of medication will need to be used diligently to clear up the fungus. Full nail removal is often used in combination with a topical medication.
In order to avoid toenail fungus, make sure to keep your feet clean and dry. Wear breathable shoes along with socks that absorb sweat well. If you wear boots or other non-breathable shoes every day for work, consider taking them off on breaks to give your shoes and your feet a chance to dry out. Antifungal powder works well inside of shoes to soak up moisture and avoid fungal growth. In addition, wear sandals when showering in public places or walking around public pools.
If you are having difficulty with toenail fungus, be sure to make an appointment with us. Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM treats toenail fungus in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT locations. To schedule an appointment, call us at (801) 619-2170. For more information, visit our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Plantar Fasciitis: What Is It And What Can Be Done?
You feel it right when you step out of bed in the morning; that sharp pain in your heel that makes it feel like it’s being torn. It is a shocking start to your day. This is often pain caused from plantar fasciitis. Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM diagnoses and treats patients with plantar fasciitis in her West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT locations.
The plantar fascia is the stretch of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot; connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis causes pain that is usually the worst first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. When the tissue isn’t used overnight or while sitting down, it tends to tighten. When it is in use, it stretches out; sort of like a rubber band. The pain can also be present after intense activity.
Plantar fasciitis begins with tiny tears or stress on the fascia. They can become irritated and inflamed if not allowed to heal. Certain types of activity can increase the risk for plantar fasciitis like running and dancing. Having very high arches or flat feet can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. If you do not treat this condition, it can lead to a change in the way you walk. When pain starts in the feet, it travels up to the knees, the hips, the back, and even the neck.
Dr. Auger treats plantar fasciitis so that her patients can move on from the pain and regain a healthy fascia. Most routes of treatment involve physical therapy. Stretching the fascia and the Achilles tendon and strengthening the surrounding muscles will help condition the area. A splint may be suggested to be worn at night for additional stretching. For more help while on your feet, custom orthotics are available. They provide unique support where your specific feet need it.
At home, you should frequently stretch your arches and your Achilles tendons. To reduce pain and inflammation, apply ice packs to the area. You can even use a frozen water bottle to roll under your arch.
Do not let plantar fasciitis keep you from achieving your goals and living your day-to-day life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM in one of her locations, call us at (801) 619-2170. Dr. Auger is available in West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT. For more information, visit our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
The plantar fascia is the stretch of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot; connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis causes pain that is usually the worst first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. When the tissue isn’t used overnight or while sitting down, it tends to tighten. When it is in use, it stretches out; sort of like a rubber band. The pain can also be present after intense activity.
Plantar fasciitis begins with tiny tears or stress on the fascia. They can become irritated and inflamed if not allowed to heal. Certain types of activity can increase the risk for plantar fasciitis like running and dancing. Having very high arches or flat feet can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. If you do not treat this condition, it can lead to a change in the way you walk. When pain starts in the feet, it travels up to the knees, the hips, the back, and even the neck.
Dr. Auger treats plantar fasciitis so that her patients can move on from the pain and regain a healthy fascia. Most routes of treatment involve physical therapy. Stretching the fascia and the Achilles tendon and strengthening the surrounding muscles will help condition the area. A splint may be suggested to be worn at night for additional stretching. For more help while on your feet, custom orthotics are available. They provide unique support where your specific feet need it.
At home, you should frequently stretch your arches and your Achilles tendons. To reduce pain and inflammation, apply ice packs to the area. You can even use a frozen water bottle to roll under your arch.
Do not let plantar fasciitis keep you from achieving your goals and living your day-to-day life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM in one of her locations, call us at (801) 619-2170. Dr. Auger is available in West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT. For more information, visit our website, www.slcpodiatrist.com.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM Heals Ingrown Toenails for Patients in Salt Lake City, and Sandy, UT
If you trim your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes, you may be setting the bar for an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is a pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. In most cases, these issues won’t heal until the nail is removed. Fortunately, there are various types of treatments for this condition that Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger DPM can recommend to patients.
People with curved or thick nails are most susceptible to ingrown toenails, although anyone can suffer from an ingrown nail as a result of an injury, poorly fitting shoes, or improper grooming of the feet. People with diabetes, vascular problems, or numbness in the toes need to be aggressive in treating and preventing ingrown toenails because they can lead to serious complications, including the risk of losing a limb.
The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from trauma and to wear shoes and socks with adequate room for the toes. Nails should always be cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without tapering or rounding the corners. You should always trim the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe and keep your feet clean and dry at all times.
If you seem to be suffering from an ingrown toenail, don’t suffer any longer and give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about ingrown toenails as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.slcpodiatrist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM at one of her podiatry practices in the Sandy, UT, area, call 801-619-2170.
People with curved or thick nails are most susceptible to ingrown toenails, although anyone can suffer from an ingrown nail as a result of an injury, poorly fitting shoes, or improper grooming of the feet. People with diabetes, vascular problems, or numbness in the toes need to be aggressive in treating and preventing ingrown toenails because they can lead to serious complications, including the risk of losing a limb.
The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from trauma and to wear shoes and socks with adequate room for the toes. Nails should always be cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without tapering or rounding the corners. You should always trim the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe and keep your feet clean and dry at all times.
If you seem to be suffering from an ingrown toenail, don’t suffer any longer and give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about ingrown toenails as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.slcpodiatrist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM at one of her podiatry practices in the Sandy, UT, area, call 801-619-2170.
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