Items filtered by date: August 2024

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition where a fungal infection leads to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. The primary causes are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as public showers, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes. People with a weakened immune system or those who have diabetes are at higher risk. Symptoms can include toenails becoming yellow or white, thickening, and sometimes separating from the nail bed. To prevent toenail fungus, maintain good foot hygiene, keep nails clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the infection. Antifungal creams and nail lacquers may be effective for mild cases. Laser treatments and nail removal are options for severe cases. For persistent toenail infections, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain is discomfort or soreness in one or more toes, commonly resulting from various conditions. Frequent causes can include injuries such as sprains or fractures, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. Toe pain can also arise from wearing tight or improperly fitting shoes, which can lead to blisters, calluses, and corns. For mild cases, resting the foot, wearing comfortable shoes, and taking pain medication may help to alleviate symptoms. For more severe pain, orthotic devices, prescribed medications, and in some cases, surgery might be needed. If you have persistent or severe toe pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain in runners can stem from overuse, improper technique, or weakness in the ankle joint. To prevent and manage this discomfort, it is essential to focus on strengthening and balancing exercises. Strengthening the ankle involves exercises such as calf raises and resistance band exercises that target the muscles around the joint, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of injuries. Balance training plays a vital role in preventing ankle pain. It involves exercises that improve proprioception and coordination, such as standing on one foot or using a balance board. Incorporating these practices into your routine can improve joint stability and overall foot alignment. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and gradually increasing mileage can help to reduce strain on the ankles. If you are experiencing from ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken pinky toe, or 5th phalangeal fracture, can occur due to various reasons such as stubbing the toe against furniture or dropping something heavy on it. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the toe. Types of fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to complete breaks that displace the bone. Stress fractures develop gradually from repetitive stress, while traumatic fractures occur suddenly from impact or trauma. Diagnosing a broken pinky toe involves a physical examination and possibly imaging tests like X-rays to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment usually involves rest, elevation to reduce the swelling, and buddy taping the toe to its neighbor toe for support. Severe fractures may require immobilization with a splint or walking boot, and in rare cases, surgery to realign the bones for proper healing. If you have endured a broken pinky toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the appropriate treatment method.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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