January 2023

A noticeable symptom of toenail fungus is yellowish or white nails. In severe cases, they can eventually crumble and fall off, and it is advised that medical attention is sought from a podiatrist before this happens. It develops as a result of a fungus that enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of shower room floors and public swimming pools. It is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes and socks, in addition to wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas. Toenail fungus is treatable, and it generally takes up to a year for a complete recovery. After the fungus has stopped growing, the new nail will grow in, and prescribed medication is gradually stopped. If you see signs that you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will take a sample of the fungus, and start you on the right treatment path.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When an individual sprains an ankle they may notice that the tissues or ligaments surrounding the ankle bones have become stretched or unnaturally torn. As a result, the ankle sprain might cause discomfort to the patient and they may demonstrate some kind of limitation in the degree of their ankle motion. An individual may notice that sleeping with an ankle that is sprained can be uncomfortable or difficult. There are several steps that one might consider taking when trying to sleep easier with a sprained ankle. The pain at night stemming from the sprained ankle largely depends on how you are caring for the ankle throughout the day. For example, resting, elevating, and possibly icing the ankle during the daytime may lead to decreased discomfort during the nighttime. Additionally, a person might consider elevating the foot to help mitigate the discomfort felt at night from an ankle sprain. If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to an ankle sprain, contact a podiatrist today. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The number of people who are over 65 years old that fall is staggering. Research has shown this occurs in approximately one out of three people across the nation, and can be a leading cause of injury. Older people who have fallen may develop a fear of falling, and this may hinder their desire to complete daily activities. Most falling episodes can be prevented when effective strategies are implemented. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing clutter, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Many people find it helpful to have grab bars installed in the toilet and shower area, in addition to having routine physical and eye examinations. Having these performed is crucial in updating prescription medicine and eyeglasses, which may help to maintain a sense of balance. Additionally, the number of falls may be reduced as the body becomes stronger when a regular stretching and exercise regime is performed. Falling can affect the feet and compromise daily living. If you would like to learn about additional fall prevention techniques, please confer 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 Associates in Podiatry. 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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A well-fitting shoe is the most important consideration when selecting shoes for an aging foot. Seniors should be particularly mindful of having their feet measured when they buy shoes as the foot changes as aging occurs. The arch can fall, and the foot can become longer and wider. Issues with the forefoot are common in seniors and properly fit shoes, with sufficient room in the toe box, will help in preventing pain in this area as well as problems with toenails and bunions. Shoe quality varies by brand and just because a shoe fits in one size with one brand or model does not mean it will when considering another brand or model. Visiting a podiatrist is helpful in understanding the right shoes for your feet as you age.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A small bony protrusion on the heel may indicate a heel spur has developed. It is made of calcium and can happen from repeated stress on the plantar fascia. This is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and can become inflamed for various reasons. This can lead to developing a heel spur, which can cause severe pain and discomfort, despite its small size. There are two classifications of heel spurs, an inferior or posterior heel spur. They are different as a result of where they form on the heel. A posterior heel spur is found behind the heel, near the Achilles tendon. An inferior heel spur generally is located on the lower part of the heel, and may indicate existing plantar fasciitis. People can get heel spurs from running on uneven surfaces or from wearing shoes that have little support. Additionally, having arthritis and being overweight may lead to getting a heel spur. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and inform you of prevention methods.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.