Items filtered by date: November 2024

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common condition typically affects the big toe and is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and in some cases, pus or drainage if an infection develops. Relief for ingrown toenails often starts with soaking the foot and wearing looser shoes. In mild cases, a podiatrist may gently lift the nail or trim it to relieve pressure. If the condition is severe or infected, more advanced treatments, such as removing part of the nail or prescribing antibiotics, may be necessary. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the ingrown toenail and recommend the best treatment options. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM of Michigan. 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 offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Eczema and athlete's foot are two common skin conditions that can cause discomfort, but they have distinct characteristics. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, typically presents as dry, itchy patches of skin that may be red and inflamed. It often occurs on areas such as the hands, feet, and behind the knees, and is associated with a history of allergies or asthma. In contrast, athlete's foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that primarily affects the feet, especially between the toes. Symptoms include intense itching, burning sensations, and flaky, peeling skin. Athlete's foot may also cause redness and blisters. While both conditions can be itchy, the location and appearance of the symptoms help differentiate them. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer prescribed medication for relief.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Runners are especially susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress placed on the feet during training. Common causes include overuse, inadequate footwear, and changes in running surfaces. Risk factors also encompass high body weight, tight calf muscles, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and may cause difficulty completing daily activities. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM  from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Sudden ankle pain without an obvious injury can be perplexing and may stem from several underlying causes. Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain and swelling in the ankle. Arthritis itself, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause sudden discomfort due to wear and tear on the joint over time. Additionally, foot alignment issues, such as flat feet or high arches, can contribute to abnormal stress on the ankle, leading to pain that appears suddenly. Symptoms of these conditions often include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight. If your ankle hurts without an obvious reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and guide you toward appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. 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 offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.