Items filtered by date: January 2024

The treatment of toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, aims to eliminate the fungal infection and improve the appearance and health of the affected nails. Treatment options for toenail fungus can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In many cases, antifungal nail paints or creams can be effective for mild infections. These topical treatments need to be applied consistently over several months. For more severe or persistent cases, prescription medications may be required. Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a podiatrist are often more potent and can lead to better outcomes. However, they may have side effects and require monitoring during treatment. In some instances, where the infection is resistant to other treatments or when multiple nails are affected, surgical options such as nail removal or laser therapy may be considered. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation and treatment appropriate to your situation.

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 the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. 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 Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a common and often misunderstood foot deformity. While they may appear as a bump on the side of the big toe, they involve changes in the bone structure. The big toe leans towards the second toe, causing misalignment and the formation of the visible bump. Bunions are progressive and develop over time. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation, burning, and even numbness, especially when wearing tight shoes or high heels. Women are more prone to symptoms due to footwear choices. While shoes do not cause bunions, they can exacerbate the condition. Bunions can be caused by an inherited faulty foot structure, making some people more susceptible. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and X-rays to assess the deformity's extent. Treatment options include changes in footwear, padding, activity modification, medication, injections, and custom orthotic devices. Surgery may be necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate pain and interfere with daily activities. Various surgical procedures aim to correct the deformity and reduce pain. The choice of surgery depends on factors like the extent of deformity, age, and activity level. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see how they can help you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot fractures, which can affect individuals from diverse walks of life, come in various forms, each presenting its unique set of challenges and symptoms. Stress fractures, microscopic cracks resulting from repetitive stress on bones, often arise in athletes engaged in high-impact activities. Avulsion fractures occur when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a ligament or tendon, typically following a sudden forceful movement. Compression fractures involve the collapse of bone tissue due to excessive pressure, often seen in the metatarsal bones. Displaced fractures entail a misalignment of bone ends, necessitating careful realignment for proper healing. Non-displaced fractures, while maintaining alignment, still cause pain and may require immobilization. Understanding the various types of foot fractures aids in prompt recognition and targeted treatment. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform an accurate diagnosis and offer the treatment method that is right for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Ingrown toenails, a common and often painful ailment, result from the toenail's edge growing into the surrounding skin. Various factors contribute to their occurrence, with improper toenail trimming being a leading cause. Cutting nails too short or rounding them rather than maintaining a straight edge can encourage ingrowth. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks that squeeze the toes may also exert pressure, pushing the toenail into the skin. Additionally, injury or trauma to the toe can contribute to this uncomfortable condition. Preventing ingrown toenails involves adopting meticulous nail care practices, trimming them straight across, and avoiding tight footwear. Maintaining good foot hygiene, especially during pedicures, can significantly reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains, a prevalent issue, often occur unexpectedly during everyday activities or dynamic pursuits, like sports. The injury typically results from sudden twists or impacts on the foot, causing the tearing of ligaments. In severe cases, a distinctive popping sound or sensation may accompany the tearing of ligaments, serving as a clear indicator of an ankle sprain. Activities such as walking on an uneven surface or stepping off a curb may result in a sprained ankle. Engaging in sports with abrupt movements, like basketball, tennis, football, soccer, and trail running, heighten the risk of ankle sprains. Pain is a common symptom of a sprain, varying in intensity from mild discomfort to intense throbbing. Tenderness around the affected area indicates inflammation and potential ligament damage. Swelling is a natural response to injury, and managing it promptly can aid in reducing overall discomfort. Individuals with sprained ankles may also experience a sense of instability or weakness in the affected ankle, making weight-bearing challenging. Additionally, bruising may occur as blood vessels break due to the injury, leading to discoloration around the affected area. If an ankle sprain is suspected, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam, which may include imaging tests, and an appropriate treatment plan.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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