People who are infected with toenail fungus can be embarrassed to wear flip-flops and sandals in the warmer months. It is an unsightly foot condition that leaves the nails yellowed and thickened and in severe cases, brittle. Additionally, the toes can itch or turn black, and may often be accompanied by athlete’s foot. There are a variety of remedies for toenail fungus, including laser treatment. This consists of using a laser to target and destroy the nail fungus without damaging the surrounding skin or nail. Research has indicated there is generally no risk, and most patients do not have side effects. The 10-minute per toenail sessions are typically painless and have a high percentage rate for successful fungal removal. If you have toenail fungus and are interested in this type of treatment, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have swollen feet and it is a rather common condition. It is easily noticed and can be uncomfortable. An injury is a common cause of this ailment which may disappear after the injury has healed. Additionally, there may be underlying health conditions that may cause the feet to swell and it can be a reason to seek prompt medical attention. Many pregnant women experience swollen feet, which is known as edema. Relief can come from frequently elevating the feet and from reducing salt intake. Various lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of swollen feet including sitting down for the majority of the day, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and being overweight. Edema may happen as a side effect of taking certain medications including antidepressants, hormones, or blood pressure medications. Many people have found effective methods that can help to control swollen feet. These can consist of drinking fresh water daily, staying active, losing an appropriate amount of weight, and consuming a healthy diet. If you suffer from swollen feet and would like to be properly diagnosed, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral edema is the accumulation of fluids that cause swelling in the lower limbs, such as the ankles. Edema is typically not painful unless it is related to an injury. Swollen ankles are more common in the aged. Health conditions that cause such swelling include pregnancy, heart disease, obesity, and arthritis. Certain medications can also cause or aggravate peripheral edema. Otherwise, swollen ankles usually come from wearing ill-fitting shoes, or sitting, standing, or walking too long. More unusual causes of swollen ankles are wearing tight pants or clothes with elastic ankle seams that can restrict blood flow to the ankles and feet, excessive intake of sodium causing the body to retain water, insect bites, bacterial infections, interference of proper blood flow (from things like blood clots or varicose veins). Other possible causes are lymphedema or malfunction of lymph nodes that prevents flushing of viruses, bacteria, and toxins in the body, kidney, heart, or liver disease, and prolonged inactivity. If swollen ankles are a problem for you, cause you pain, or if the onset of swollen ankles is sudden, it is suggest you see a podiatrist immediately. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot problems can easily develop in diabetic patients. A diabetic person may experience neuropathy, which is the inability to feel cuts or scrapes on the foot because of nerve damage. Elevated blood sugar levels also can cause the feet to become numb. Existing cuts can become infected, which may lead to developing a foot ulcer. If immediate treatment is not received, gangrene can develop and, in severe cases, amputation may become necessary. It is beneficial for diabetic patients to take proper care of their feet. This often starts with checking the feet daily for cuts and bruises, and many people use a mirror to do this. The toenails need to be trimmed properly, and this is often done by visiting a podiatrist. Glucose levels may be improved by quitting smoking, and eating a healthy, balanced diet daily. Additionally, the feet will feel more comfortable when the shoes that are worn fit properly, and this may prevent unnecessary foot conditions from developing. It is strongly advised for diabetic patients to be under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat and manage this condition.

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 Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When visiting a podiatrist, you will be able to consult with medical professionals who can help you create treatment plans for foot afflictions you might have. Depending on your affliction, a podiatrist may recommend the use of orthotics for your feet. Orthotics are specially designed full shoe inserts, heel inserts, and other devices that are meant to provide support or correction to your feet. Unlike inserts that you may be able to purchase at the pharmacy, orthotics are personalized and built to fit your specific foot. Orthotics may be used to rectify deformities in the structure of the foot, support the ankle, or improve foot functioning. These devices have been used to help patients suffering from conditions including arthritis, heel spurs, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and back pain. Orthotics can be built with rigid materials and significantly flexible substances. While many patients have benefitted from the use of orthotics, success is largely dependent on several factors such as the kind of shoe to which the orthotics are applied as well as the amount of time that the patient actually wears the devices. Each patient is understandably different, and so you might consider consulting with a podiatrist to determine whether or not orthotics could help you address your foot conditions.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.