Items filtered by date: July 2022

Toenail fungus is a stubborn and often hard to treat infection of the toenails. Laser treatment is a possible remedy that has helped many people to cure toenail fungus. It is a safe treatment, and may have to be repeated several times for serious infections. It is administered through pulses of energy that produce heat, which penetrates to the nail bed. The tissue becomes decomposed, and this destroys the fungus and surrounding nail. This is generally effective in preventing new fungal growth. There is often a high improvement rate after several weeks, and a culture is taken to prove the infection is gone. After the affected foot is cleaned with a sterile solution, the laser is pointed at the nails to be treated. There are some people who experience side effects, including bleeding and mild pain. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right 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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the arch of the foot collapses from birth or from an injury, it is a foot condition known as flat feet. While many patients have this ailment and experience little or no pain, there are people who have severe discomfort with flat feet. Research has shown there are two categories of flat feet. When the arch is flat while standing, and visible while sitting, this is referred to as flexible flat feet, and it is more common than ridgid flat feet. This occurs when there is no arch visible while sitting or standing, and it is more difficult to treat. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Rigid flat feet can come from genetic reasons, and may indicate an issue with the foot structure. Flat feet in adulthood may develop gradually, and can happen as a result of being overweight, having an inflammatory disease, or sustaining an ankle injury. Mild relief can come from performing exercises that strengthen the foot and from wearing shoes with good arch support. Orthotics may help to improve foot structure and range of motion. If you have flat feet, please speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment option.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture is a hairline fracture in the foot. It develops gradually and results from overuse. It is common among people who participate in jumping and running activities, and it can cause pain and discomfort. A stress fracture occurs when the muscles are not able to handle the impact of running and this can cause the bone to absorb pressure and break. Runners may experience this condition from increasing their mileage and speed too quickly. Time is often taken off from the chosen activity so proper healing can take place. Additionally, it is important to warm up and cool down before beginning any exercise routine and this may help prevent stress fractures. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated and many people wear a protective boot or cast. If you have endured a stress fracture, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can treat this condition and possibly fit you with custom-made orthotics which may accelerate the healing process.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The importance of taking care of babies' feet is crucial to having a strong foundation. Proper foot care started at an early age may help to ensure healthy feet. This can begin by refraining from having children wear shoes while indoors. The toes will grip the floor and this is beneficial in strengthening the overall foot. When the time comes to walk outside, shoes that are lightweight and flexible may be best and can act as protective skin. When a baby starts to walk the foot structure is beginning to develop. Flat feet that most babies are born with may start to diminish and the arch may be seen. The arch will continue to develop through the teenage years. As the baby grows, a sturdier shoe with some flexibility may be desired that can accommodate running and daily wear and tear. When purchasing shoes for your child it is suggested that their feet are properly measured and this is generally done every three months up to the age of three years. If you would like more information about babies' feet and how to properly care for them, please confer with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.