Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
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Facts About Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is an infection that develops when microscopic organisms grow beneath or on the nail, leading to gradual changes in appearance and comfort. The nail may become thick, discolored, brittle, or crumbly, and, in some cases a foul odor or lifting of the nail can occur. Risk factors include warm damp environments, sweaty footwear, minor nail injuries, reduced circulation, and a weakened immune system. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, trim and manage the affected nail, and provide advanced treatment options that target the infection and support healthy regrowth. Early care can prevent the fungus from spreading and protect surrounding nails. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and effective treatment.
For more information about treatment, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When Cracked Heels Need Professional Treatment
There are several reasons why cracked heels occur. You may be walking around barefoot too much, standing on hard surfaces for extended amounts of time, or wearing open-back shoes or flip flops that can allow fat pads under the heel to spread out sideways and increase the chances of cracks developing. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, or even obesity can increase your risk of developing cracked heels as well. Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to certain harsh chemicals or detergents, and dry skin due to aging can all pave the way for cracked heels. Most mild cracked heels are often just a minor annoyance and can be treated with proper foot care. Left untreated, however, they may deepen, bleed, become painful or even infected—which is particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems or diabetes. If you are struggling to heal your cracked heels, or they are severely cracked, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist for proper treatment.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Difference Between a Stress Fracture and a Complete Fracture
Stress fractures, or hairline cracks, occur in bones that have been weakened by overuse or repetitive motions over time. Because there are many bones in the feet which bear the weight of our bodies, the feet are a common location for stress fractures—especially in the long, thin metatarsal bones which connect the toes with the ankle and help us stay balanced. Participating in activities with a lot of running, suddenly increasing the intensity or changing the surface of your workouts, as well as bone-weakening conditions like osteoporosis can increase your risk of stress fractures. Swelling, bruising, or pain that builds gradually over time and subsides during resting periods are all possible indicators of a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist at the earliest signs of these symptoms, as an untreated stress fracture may get worse and turn into a complete fracture or break.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pain in the Front of the Ankle
Pain in the front of the ankle can develop when bone spurs or inflamed soft tissue create pressure where the tibia and talus bones meet. This leads to a pinching feeling as the ankle bends upward while walking or climbing. Such pressure often increases after repeated sprains, frequent forward-leaning movements, or long-term strain from activities like soccer or dancing. People may notice discomfort when walking uphill, rising from a squat, or moving the ankle toward the shin. An X-ray can show bony growths that limit motion, while an MRI scan can reveal swelling or scarring in the front of the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle alignment, review imaging, provide shoe inserts for added support, and discuss surgery when needed to remove spurs and improve mobility. If you have pain in the front of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and options for treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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