Items filtered by date: March 2024

Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to target and eliminate toenail fungus. It is a promising alternative to traditional medications or topical treatments. During this procedure, a podiatrist uses a specialized laser to pass light through the toenail without damaging the nail or surrounding skin. The laser specifically targets the fungus, heating and killing the fungal cells to stop them from growing further. Patients can expect the session to last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of toes affected. Most report feeling a warming sensation or slight discomfort during the treatment, but it's generally well-tolerated and doesn't require anesthesia. One of the key benefits of laser therapy is that it has minimal risks of side effects. While some individuals may see improvement after a single session, others might need multiple treatments to get rid of the fungus. Recovery time is minimal, though it may take several months for the nail to grow back out and reveal the full results of the treatment. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is appropriate for you. 

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 Podiatry Inc.. 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 our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a condition intricately linked with psoriasis, affecting up to 50 percent of those individuals with PsA. Psoriatic arthritis targets the joints, tendons, and ligaments of the feet, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness, and changes in appearance, such as nail pitting and skin lesions. Foot involvement in PsA can make walking and daily activities challenging, with conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis causing significant pain and limiting movement. Complications like dactylitis, which is a sausage-like swelling of the toes, and arthritis mutilans, or joint deformity, can occur if left untreated. Podiatrists can offer tailored treatment plans, including medication and specific orthotics to alleviate symptoms and enhance mobility. If you believe you have psoriatic arthritis that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing sudden joint pain, swelling, and redness in your big toe? It could be gout, a condition where urate crystals accumulate in the joints. To determine whether you have gout, a podiatrist may recommend various tests. Blood tests are essential to check uric acid levels, although elevated levels don't always signify gout. Joint fluid testing, or arthrocentesis, involves extracting fluid from the affected joint to identify uric acid crystals, confirming a gout diagnosis. Ultrasound imaging can reveal inflammation and the presence of crystals, or tophi, around the joint. Additionally, dual-energy computerized tomography, or DECT, scans provide detailed images to show uric acid crystals within the joints, aiding in diagnosis. If you're experiencing severe and persistent discomfort in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor is medically trained to diagnose symptoms of gout and offer the appropriate options to manage this condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes poses risks of foot ulcers and other foot problems, but proactive care can lessen these dangers. Regular checkups with a podiatrist are important for diabetic individuals. Besides professional care, daily self-checks are imperative. Interestingly, involving spouses in foot care can enhance vigilance. Research comparing diabetic individuals receiving guidance alone to those and their spouses found higher rates of foot checking in the coupled group. While both groups had similar levels of foot protection behavior, spousal support boosted overall foot care in the dyad group. This underscores the importance of involving loved ones and caregivers in diabetic foot care routines. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you seek support and schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for checkups. This will help individuals with diabetes to better prevent complications and maintain foot health.

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 one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.