Items filtered by date: July 2022

Toenails are composed of layers and layers of keratin, which is a form of protein. Toe fungal microorganisms that cause a toenail infection can burrow themselves deep within these layers which make them difficult to kill. As the fungi feed off of the keratin in the infected nail, it becomes thickened, discolored, crumbly, ragged, and brittle. If the fungi embed themselves underneath the nail (in the nail bed), it can even cause the nail to lift off of the nail bed. Treating toenail fungus can be difficult as topical treatments can have a difficult time penetrating the nail to eradicate the fungus, and oral antifungal medications can sometimes cause dangerous side effects. Laser therapy for fungal toenails has emerged as an effective and safe treatment for toenail infections. The laser can precisely target the fungi and penetrate deep through the layers of nail to kill the fungi, without affecting surrounding healthy nail and tissue. If you have a stubborn toenail infection, it is suggested you call a podiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for laser therapy.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

  • Nail thickening
  • Brittleness of the nail
  • Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Maintaining good foot health is essential to ensuring that your entire body is healthy and intact. It is estimated that millions of people across the United States experience some foot pain or condition because of ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, knowing how shoes ought to fit your feet and what to look for when you go shoe shopping can positively impact the health and vitality of your feet. While each person’s shoe shopping experience is unique, there are several rules of thumb that might apply to everyone. First, you might be especially mindful of finding a shoe that mirrors the shape of your foot. Although it might seem obvious, many people overlook how important it is to select shoes that are not smaller or narrower than the natural shape of their own foot. Additionally, one must be mindful of the fact that shoe sizes are not uniform across brands or shoe types. Therefore, instead of relying exclusively on your numerical shoe size when shopping, you might consider using these numbers as guides, focusing more on the fit of the shoe than the size. Lastly, look for shoes that provide adequate space in the toe box of the shoe. In a good-fitting pair of shoes, your longest toe will not rest flush against the front of the shoe. Leave at most one half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. For more tips on how to shop for a good pair of shoes, consult a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

Painful Foot Conditions

Foot pain is common and can arise from many causes. Injury or trauma, like a fracture, or medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect the feet and cause pain. Some painful foot conditions are presented here.  Care must be taken that the tendon does not rupture. Plantar fasciitis happens when the ligament running across the bottom of the foot tightens or tears. With this condition, one feels heel pain that is worse after rising from sleep or prolonged sitting. A Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition that impacts the nerve that carries sensation to the toes. Persistent inflammation of the nerve will lead one to feel as if there is a marble between the third and fourth toes. It causes ball of the foot pain or numbness in the toes. Gout is a painful form of arthritis that arises from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and often starts in the big toe but can also affect the ankles and heels. A foot fracture is when one of the 26 bones in the foot break. Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that can be a complication of diabetes and lead to problems in the feet. It causes numbness and tingling in the feet, as well as burning pain. If you have foot pain, it is important to see a podiatrist so that you obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

What Can Cause Cracked Heels?

The foot condition known as cracked heels can be unsightly and uncomfortable. In severe cases, it can be difficult to walk and an infection may develop. There are several reasons why this ailment occurs. These can include dehydration from not drinking enough water or from using harsh soaps on the feet. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can cause cracked heels like eczema and psoriasis. Some people may experience this condition from living in extremely cold environments or from using excessively hot water while taking a shower. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It may also help to refrain from wearing shoes that have an open back as well as drink plenty of fresh water daily. Cracked heels can require professional medical attention and it is suggested that you use the services of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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