Items filtered by date: December 2023

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, affects up to 14 percent of the population, with a higher incidence in toenails. Symptoms include discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and nail distortion. Advanced cases of toenail fungus may involve nail detachment, causing pain and potential infections. Fungal nail infections result from exposure to environmental fungi, exploiting small cracks in nails or surrounding skin. Risk factors include nail injuries, foot deformities, and trauma, creating entry points for fungi. Diabetes increases susceptibility due to compromised circulation and weakened immunity. Cancer or conditions suppressing the immune system elevate vulnerability. Poor leg circulation, such as venous insufficiency, or narrowed arteries, signaling peripheral artery disease, can contribute to the susceptibility for fungal nail infections. Those with a history of fungal skin infections are also more prone, especially anyone with a weakened immune system. Secondary bacterial infections are common in people with diabetes, amplifying health risks. Understanding toenail fungus causes and symptoms is essential for early detection. If you believe you have developed a toenail fungus infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who has advanced measures that can help rid you of this stubborn condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM of Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Norwalk, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, manifest as fissures or splits in the skin around the heel area. The primary cause of this condition lies in the lack of moisture, leading to dry and hardened skin. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can exacerbate the problem, as the pressure on the feet intensifies. Obesity is another contributing factor, as excess weight puts additional strain on the feet, fostering the development of cracks. In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism may contribute to the dryness of the skin, increasing the risk of cracked heels. Lack of proper foot care, including infrequent moisturizing and neglecting to exfoliate dead skin, further amplifies the susceptibility to cracked heels. Understanding these causes is pivotal for adopting preventive measures and a comprehensive foot care routine, ensuring the maintenance of soft, healthy heels. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment and prevention techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM from Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Ankle sprains, a common injury, can be classified into three types based on the affected area and ligament. Lateral sprains are the most frequent, occurring when the foot rolls outward, impacting the outer ankle ligaments. Medial sprains are less common, caused by the foot rolling inward and straining the inner ankle ligaments. High ankle sprains, though less frequent, are more severe, affecting the ligaments above the ankle joint, especially during activities where the tibia and fibula are forced apart. Each type of sprain varies in symptoms and severity, and their treatment can range from rest to surgery, in severe serious cases. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis of which type of sprain has occurred, and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Harris Greenberger, DPM from Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist 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
• 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 office located in Norwalk, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is a common issue among the elderly, and it can make it harder for them to move around and enjoy life. Scientists have been studying the connection between how our feet work as a link of foot problems in older people. They found that as we get older, our feet tend to get stiffer, have less movement, and become weaker. Our feet also tend to tilt inward which can make walking less efficient and cause foot pain. All these changes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities that involve standing or walking. Additionally, It can increase the chance of falling. If you have foot pain and are older or taking care of someone who is elderly, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination which can determine the cause of existing foot conditions, and correct treatment to make movement more comfortable.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Harris Greenberger, DPM from Fairfield County Foot Surgeons. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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