Kevin F Gallagher, DPM
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery
(724) 941-4330
Kevin F Gallagher, DPM
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery
(724) 941-4330
If you have a rash on your feet, it is important to know what is causing it prior to beginning treatment. Effective treatments vary depending on the underlying cause. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that causes a red, scaly, itchy rash on the feet, is best treated by topical or oral antifungal medications. Allergic reactions, such as irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis, can be treated with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamine drugs. Certain medical conditions, such as viral infections, Lyme disease, or psoriasis, can cause a rash to develop on the feet and may require other types of treatments. If you have a rash on your feet, please schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe the right treatment for you.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Because of the potential loss of feeling in the feet, diabetic patients must be mindful of their everyday foot health in order to avoid more serious issues. First, diabetic patients should check their feet daily for any cuts, blisters, nail problems, or wounds in general. Second, they should moisturize their feet regularly to prevent cracking. Lastly, they should schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist for a foot exam to prevent further complications. In fact, regular checkups with a podiatrist can reduce the risk of amputation from anywhere between 45 and 85 percent. There are also a few things diabetic patients should avoid in order to take care of their feet. Heating pads and electric blankets shouldn’t be used in order to prevent the feet from getting burned. They should also make sure to not remove any corns or calluses on their own, but instead consult with a podiatrist. If you are a diabetic patient and have issues with your feet, or you need a checkup, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A nail avulsion is a surgical procedure that is used to treat severe ingrown toenails. During the surgery, the doctor removes the ingrown part of your nail from the surrounding skin. There are two types of nail avulsions. A partial nail avulsion involves removal of part of the nail bed. During this procedure, the nail is numbed with anesthetic and the ingrown edge is removed. Any pus is also drained. A total nail avulsion involves the complete removal of the nail. It can take a year or longer for a new nail to grow back. This operation is usually reserved for chronic cases that have not responded to any other treatments. If you have ingrown toenails, please seek the care of a podiatrist, who will find the right treatment for you.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Runners often find themselves with injuries to their feet and ankles. Some of the most common injuries a runner may face include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and shin splints. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, can be prevented by wearing supportive, well-made running shoes, using orthotic inserts, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Achilles tendinitis, which causes calf pain, can be prevented by strengthening the calf muscles and resting when you notice any discomfort or pain in the calves. Shin splints, which cause sharp pain along the shin bone due to overuse, can be prevented by wearing shock-absorbing running shoes and training on proper running terrain. To learn more about the prevention and treatment of common running injuries, please consult with a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.