Podiatrist - Campbell
131 East Hamilton Ave.
Campbell, California 95008
(408) 370-3338
Smelly Feet and Foot Odor
Shock Wave (ESWT) and Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment or EPAT
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment or EPAT uses pressure waves to stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals. This non-invasive treatment can be used for acute or chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints and other tendon/muscle pains.
Fungal Nail Laser Treatments
New patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus.
Neuromas
The term neuroma actually refers to a benign tumor in the foot. Standard treatments such as cortisone injections and surgery have led to less than optimal results. Chemical Neurolysis also known as Alcohol Sclerosis is a more effective treatment option for these painful nerve conditions. It has also proven effective for patients who have undergone previous surgical treatment with recurrence of the painful nerve also known as a stump neuroma.
Podiatric Diagnostic Ultrasound
We are one of the very few Podiatry offices that offer Diagnostic Ultrasound. This instrument will aid us in the analysis and visualization of soft tissue diseases of the foot and ankle. Foot conditions such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fibromas, Morton's neuroma, arthritis, cystic masses, and even ankle sprains and strains can be treated more easily with this specialized diagnostic instrumentation. With the help of this machine, pain from these problems can be directly noted and properly taken care of.
How does Ultrasound Diagnostics work?
Ultrasound diagnostics is performed with high frequency sound waves - higher than the range of human hearing. Visualization of soft tissue structures is created when the ultrasound beam is transmitted into the foot and echoes are reflected from these structures. The echoes are then viewed on a small television-like screen.
Just as expecting mothers can view their unborn baby in the womb by use of ultrasound, podiatrists can observe the soft tissue of the foot. This examination is completely painless and can be performed in less than a half hour. Most insurance companies cover this procedure.
How will this new procedure benefit you?
- Diagnostic Ultrasound is less expensive than MRIs
- This procedure can be done in the office
- This instrument allows us to treat your foot condition faster and more efficiently
- This procedure is quick and completely painless
- There are no risks to pregnant women who receive this examination
If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, we urge you to schedule a visit to our office. This new procedure could help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis of your foot or ankle condition.
The feet and hands contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body, with roughly 3,000 glands per square inch. Smelly feet are not only embarrassing, but can be physically uncomfortable as well.
Feet smell for two reasons: 1) shoe wear, and 2) sweating of the feet. The interaction between the perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in shoes and socks generates the odor. Therefore, any attempt to reduce foot odor has to address both sweating and footwear.
Smelly feet or excessive sweating can also be caused by an inherited condition, called hyperhidrosis, which primarily affects men. Stress, some medications, fluid intake, and hormonal changes also can increase the amount of perspiration our bodies produce.
In general, smelly feet can be controlled with a few preventive measures:
- Always wear socks with closed shoes.
- Avoid wearing nylon socks or plastic shoes. Instead, wear shoes made of leather, canvas, mesh, or other materials that let your feet breathe.
- Bathe feet daily in lukewarm water, using a mild soap. Dry thoroughly.
- Change socks and shoes at least once a day.
- Check for fungal infections between toes and on the bottoms of your feet. If any redness or dry, patchy skin is observed, get treatment right away.
- Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. If you frequently wear athletic shoes, alternate pairs so that the shoes can dry out. Give your shoes at least 24 hours to air out between wearings; if the odor doesn't go away, discard the shoes.
- Dust your feet frequently with a nonmedicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help.
- Practice good foot hygiene to keep bacteria levels at a minimum.
- Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. Cotton and other absorbent materials are best.
Treating Foot Odor
The best home remedy for foot odor is to soak feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes a day for a week. The acid in the tea kills the bacteria and closes the pores, keeping your feet dry longer. Use two tea bags per pint of water. Boil for 15 minutes, then add two quarts of cool water. Soak your feet in the cool solution. Alternately, you can soak your feet in a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water.
Persistent foot odor can indicate a low-grade infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, a prescription ointment may be required to treat the problem.
Treating Excessive Sweating
A form of electrolysis, called iontophoresis, has been shown to reduce excessive sweating of the feet. However, it is more difficult to administer. In the worst cases of hyperhidrosis, a surgeon can cut the nerve that controls sweating. Recent advances in technology have made this surgery much safer, but may increase sweating in other areas of the body.