Blog

Fungal infections commonly affect the toenails. Research has shown that approximately 14 percent of the population nationwide suffers from this fungus, and it can be a stubborn ailment to treat. The fungus that causes toenail fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. These fungi live and thrive in warm and moist environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. The most common type of fungus that affects the toes is called tinea unguium, and it is caused by dermatophytes. Athlete’s foot is also caused by this fungus and can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Toenail fungus is often treated with topical medications, and oral pills may be prescribed. Having laser treatment performed is an option that many people choose, and it may be successful and painless in treating this condition. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that prompt medical attention is received from a podiatrist who can determine which type of treatment is best for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankle is one of the most important parts of the lower legs, forming the intersection point with the feet. The ankle enables the foot to move in different directions and serves important mobility functions for walking, running, and jumping. Sometimes, the ankle may cause pain when an individual is walking. There are several different possible explanations for this phenomenon. Namely, there are many different foot conditions and afflictions that might be contributing to or causing your ankle pain. Gout is the first potential culprit. Gout is essentially a kind of arthritis that accumulates in the joints and causes pain. This can be particularly pesky in the ankles. Additionally, ankle pain might result from peripheral neuropathy. This condition is associated with some kind of nerve damage, which can ultimately cause pain in the ankles when walking. Regardless of the cause of ankle pain when walking, the pain can be annoying and severe depending on the case and patient. Contact a podiatrist today if you are experiencing ankle pain. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It has been said that practicing a regular exercise routine is one of the best things that can be done to prevent falling. The benefits of doing this include improved balance, stamina, and strength when done three to five times per week. An effective exercise for balance is called weight shifting, and this can be done by standing with the feet hip distance apart. As the weight is shifted from one foot to the other, the opposite leg is lifted off of the floor, and held for several seconds. After switching legs, this exercise can be repeated as often as you would like. Coordination may be improved by implementing the heel-toe walk. This can be accomplished by taking a step forward while touching that foot to the toe of the back foot. Having the arms straight out may help to achieve a sense of balance. Cardiovascular function may become better when you are standing with your feet apart about the distance of your hips, and slowly lower into a chair. This is followed by immediately standing up, and repeated several times. If you would like more information about how exercise may help to prevent falling, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual experiences toe pain, there might be any number of causes behind the pain. One important cause of toe pain occurs when heavy objects are effectively dropped on the toe and an injury results from the impact. In response to this injury, it is possible for the toe and the toenail to feel painful. The toenail might feel painful to the touch, for example. Also, sometimes discoloration in the toenail might accompany feelings of pain in the toenail. For instance, blood can ultimately pile up beneath the nail in these situations. The toenail might then appear to be discolored, appearing slightly red, purple, blue, or even black. If you suspect that you suffered some kind of toe injury and are experiencing toe pain and toenail discoloration as a result, contact a podiatrist today to schedule an examination. This foot specialist will help you solve your foot problems.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common foot condition that is felt by many patients. People experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and can become irritated or torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not have adequate heel support. Additionally, people who frequently run may have heel pain that may be a symptom of plantar fasciitis. Mild relief may come from performing specific calf stretches that can ease heel pain. Elevating the feet may bring temporary relief, and it is suggested to refrain from running and walking long distances. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist. If you suffer from heel pain, it is suggested that you contact this type of physician who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment remedies.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that can occur on the feet due to friction or pressure. They develop naturally to help protect the skin underneath them. They are commonly seen on the tops and sides of the toes and the balls of the feet. Corns can be hard and dry or soft and mushy. Corns can be caused by arthritis or poorly fitting shoes. Home treatment of corns usually consists of soaking the affected foot in warm water until the skin softens, and then gently filing the corn down with a pumice stone. One needs to use care when with this process and be sure to not press too hard to avoid bleeding and possible infection. Adding a donut-shaped adhesive pad around the corn can help the corn from touching the inside of the shoe. Routine foot care, including moisturizing the feet and keeping the toenails trimmed properly, are good preventative measures. If you are not sure why you have developed a corn, it becomes painful, or is not healing properly, see a podiatrist for treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Complications with the feet can occur in just about everyone, from young children to senior citizens. If your child is complaining about foot pain, you should take it seriously. There are several steps that you can take to help your child navigate the pain. One of the first steps includes talking with your child to get a better sense of the pain. For example, you can ask your child to point to where on their foot they are feeling pain. This can mean a number of different things. If your child points to his or her heel, the child might be experiencing Sever’s disease, a condition that primarily affects children and causes heel pain. Another way to help your child manage foot pain is by taking the child to a podiatrist. This foot specialist will be best equipped to help you identify any problems with the feet and select a sufficient course of treatment. So the next time your child tells you that they have foot pain, consider taking them to a podiatrist. Schedule an appointment today.

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 Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who stand on their feet for work all day often suffer from aches and pains at the end of the day, and long-term health consequences can result. Nursing, food service, construction, and retail are examples of professions where this is often required. Some health conditions that can come on from prolonged standing are excess pressure on the joints, arthritis, swelling of the feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and corns. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease as excess standing alters the flow of blood to the lower extremities and puts a strain on the circulatory system. If you work in an occupation where you stand for long periods of time, make sure you wear well fitting, supportive shoes. Consider compression socks as well. Take regular breaks and pay attention to posture. Also, it is suggested that you also see a podiatrist who can provide valuable pointers on how to be more comfortable on the job if you stand all day. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.