Toenail fungus is a common nail disorder. It is a fungal infection, and research has shown it affects approximately half of Americans by the time they reach age 70. The fungus that causes this ailment enters the body through small cuts in the nail and may spread to the other nails if prompt medical attention is not sought. This fungus lives in warm environments like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This condition gradually progresses, and one of the first signs can be yellowed toenails, or white spots on the toenail. This is followed by a change in texture, causing the nail to become brittle and possibly fall off. Preventive measures can include wearing appropriate shoes when frequenting these types of areas, such as flip flops or water shoes, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes and socks. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment techniques.

For more information about treatment, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are bones that are found inside the muscle under the big toe called the sesamoid bones. Their function is to act as a shock absorber for the ball of the foot, and sesamoiditis may happen if they become inflamed. This can result from excess force while running and jumping and can cause pain and discomfort. Additional reasons why this condition can occur from stumbling or slipping or if the toe suddenly bends upward. Further, having an abnormal foot structure or frequently wearing high heels may cause sesamoiditis to develop. Common symptoms associated with this condition include pain while pushing off when walking or running, and swelling surrounding the big toe. Relief may be felt when the foot is elevated, and orthotics are worn that can help to support the foot as it heals. If you have pain under the big toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can correctly diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

An ingrown toenail is a relatively common condition of the foot in which the side of a toenail essentially grows awkwardly into the skin surrounding the nail. This can cause great irritation and inflammation. Patients who seek help from a podiatrist for relief are in the best hands because this type of doctor can treat the condition. It can also be recommend the patient develop certain habits at home to facilitate the healing process. For example, depending on the specific case, it may be suggested by the podiatrist that you begin soaking the feet. This may be done in any number of ways. Specifically, the podiatrist may advise that you soak your feet in warm, soapy water.  Additionally, the  podiatrist may suggest to soak the feet in apple cider vinegar combined with warm water. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, please contact a podiatrist today for treatment. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An inflammation of the growth plate in children and young teenagers may be an indication of Sever’s disease. It can happen as a result of the muscles and tendons growing slower than the heel bone, which may cause pressure and tightness at the back of the heel. The medical name for this condition is known as calcaneal apophysitis and swelling in the heel area may be one of the symptoms. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tiptoes, and it is suggested that shoes that fit correctly are worn, preferably with a cushioned heel. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped, and this can give the child ample time to rest the foot. Some children can benefit from performing specific stretches that are designed to strengthen the heel. If you feel your child may have Sever’s disease, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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