Items filtered by date: December 2020

Toe stretches are an often overlooked yet important component of maintaining healthy feet. These simple exercises can help improve flexibility, mobility, and strength in the toes, ultimately enhancing overall foot function and reducing the risk of discomfort and injury. One beneficial toe stretch is the toe spread, where you gently separate your toes and hold for a few seconds, promoting better alignment and circulation. Another effective stretch is the toe curl, which is done by alternately flexing and extending each toe, thereby improving dexterity and range of motion. Additionally, toe scrunches, where you grip a small object with your toes and release, can help strengthen the muscles of the foot and improve balance. Regularly incorporating these toe stretches into your daily routine can help to alleviate tension, relieve foot pain, and prevent common issues, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and toe cramps. If you have toe pain and seek additional information about the benefits of stretching the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Laser treatment for fungal nails has drawn attention as a potential solution for addressing this common and often stubborn condition. One of the significant advantages of laser therapy is its non-invasive nature, offering a relatively painless and quick procedure compared to traditional treatments like oral medications or topical antifungal creams. Laser treatment targets the fungus directly, penetrating the nail bed without causing damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, it typically requires minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure. However, laser therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and its efficacy varies among individuals. Some individuals may require multiple sessions to achieve satisfactory results, and there is no guarantee of complete eradication of the fungal infection. Overall, while laser therapy presents potential benefits for treating fungal nails, patients should weigh these against the associated drawbacks and consider all treatment options in consultation with their podiatrist. If you have toenail fungus and are considering this type of treatment, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can address any concerns you may have.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail, a common foot condition, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort. This condition typically affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Ingrown toenails can develop due to a variety of factors, including improper nail trimming techniques, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or sustaining toe injuries. Additionally, individuals with curved or unusually shaped toenails may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, tenderness, and inflammation around the affected nail, as well as the presence of pus or drainage in severe cases. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, causing further pain and complications. Recognizing the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails is important for prompt treatment and prevention strategies. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include minor surgery for partial or total removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Viral and plantar warts are two foot conditions caused by the human papilloma-virus, abbreviated HPV. Viral warts, also known as common warts, typically appear as small, raised bumps with a rough texture on the surface of the skin. These warts can develop anywhere on the foot but are commonly found on pressure points like the heels or balls of the feet. Conversely, plantar warts specifically affect the soles of the feet, often appearing flat with a thickened callus-like texture and tiny black dots, known as wart seeds, within them. Both types of warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools or gym locker rooms. While viral and plantar warts are generally harmless and may resolve on their own over time, some cases may require specialized treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further spread. If you have developed warts on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat them.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Recovery from a foot stress fracture requires patience, diligence, and strategic care to facilitate optimal healing and prevent further injury. Begin by prioritizing rest and minimizing weight-bearing activities to alleviate stress on the affected foot. Elevate the foot above heart level to reduce swelling and promote circulation, aiding in the healing process. As symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility. Consider incorporating low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness while avoiding undue strain on the healing fracture. Ensure proper nutrition, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, to support bone health and expedite healing. If you have a stress fracture that has affected your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you properly manage this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.