There are multiple benefits to this treatment compared to the old one. Previously, treatment for nail fungus included blood testing, oral medication, and the possibility of harsh side effects from said medication.

With laser treatment, all that is required is a 30 minute procedure that targets the fungus while leaving the surrounding nail and skin undamaged. Given the simplicity of the procedure there is no need for anesthesia or painkillers; at most patients may experience modest warmth.

It does take time to notice visibile changes in your nail. Once the new nail begins to grow and replace the infected nail, then changes due to the procedure become apparent. In the meantime, patients having this procedure done do not have to change their previous activites.

For more information about this procedure, please contact my office for a consultation to determine if this treatment is right for you.

1.  You shoes and/or boots are important.

The best way to protect your feet during winter is to make sure you have good shoes. The most important detail is that your shoes should be waterproof to protect against snow. Shoes that have good treading can help grip the ground better to prevent against dangerous falls.

2.  Not only are your shoes important, but so are your socks.

Shoes help to keep your feet dry from outside moisture, but socks are a great way to keep your feet dry from the inside of your shoe. The best approach to keep your feet dry is to wear two layers of socks, the inside layer being a thin sock to remove moisture from your feet and a second, heavier layer to further keep moisture from building up inside your shoe.

3.  Keep your feet moist.

During winter perhaps the most common problem that occurs to your feet is the drying of your skin. Be sure to use lotion or other moisturizers daily to make sure that your skin does not dry, crack, and possibly bleed. Any of these can lead to serious foot infections that are easy to avoid.

4.  While walking outside, take extra care.

With the cold weather also comes ice. Just as there is “black ice” on roads that is hard to see, the same is true on sidewalks. Even minor falls can lead to sprains, strains, tears, and even fractures of your ankle and feet. If this happens to you, please contact my office immediately as I have 24 hour emergency care.

5.  Be aware of signals from your feet.

Perhaps the worst threat that cold weather brings is frostbite. If you feel numbness and/or pain in your feet this could be an early warning sign of frostbite. The first thing that ought to be done is to soak your feet in warm water and dry them thoroughly with warm towels. If there are concerns that you have frostbite, please call my office immediately to ensure that no tissue was damaged in your feet.

If you have any further questions or concerns about what should be done to maintain healthy feet during winter, please call my office to set up an appointment.

Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don’t share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don’t share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.

General treatments

Depending on the type of infection you have, various kinds of medication may be used in treating your fungal problem. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication and self-care.

If your condition is not serious, over-the-counter and prescription powders, lotions, or ointments can often help treat scaling, itching, and inflammation. Consult usbefore taking any medication. Foot soaks may help dry excessive perspiration, but you should contact our office first. If your Athlete’s foot does not improve, we may prescribe stronger medication.

Chronic fungal infections are most common in adults, while acute fungal infections are seen more often in children.

The bones found at the top of the arch, the heel, and the ankle are referred to as the tarsal bones. A tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection between two of the tarsal bones in the back of the foot or the arch. This abnormal connection between two bones is most commonly an inherited trait and passed down from generation to generation.

Symptoms usually include an aching sensation deep in the foot near the ankle or arch, accompanied by muscle spasms on the outside of the affected leg. Non-surgical treatment includes special shoes or inserts, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Consult your physician before taking any medication.

Surgery sometimes is performed to allow for more normal motion between the bones, or to fuse the affected joint or surrounding joints.

Growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone, heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel can later calcify to form a spur. With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced.

Painful bone spurs also can develop on the top of the big toe joint.

Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or special shoes or inserts are some of the common treatments for stiff big toe. Consult your physician before taking any medication.

Surgery may be prescribed if spurring around the joint becomes severe.

Signs and symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction include:

• Gradually developing pain on the outer side of the ankle or foot.
• Loss of the arch and the development of a flatfoot.
• Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle.
• Tenderness over the midfoot, especially when under stress during activity.
• Weakness and an inability to stand on the toes.

Diabetics, overweight, and hypertensive people are particularly at risk.

Left untreated, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction could lead to arthritis in the hindfoot. Pain could increases and spread to the outer side of the ankle.

Treatment includes rest, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immobilization of the foot for 6 to 8 weeks with a rigid below-knee cast or boot to prevent overuse. Consult your physician before taking any medications.