Category: Diabetic Foot Care

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At MVS Podiatry Associates in Columbia, we treat numerous patients annually who suffer from onychomycosis, or toenail fungus. Although this condition is typically not life-threatening, it can have a negative impact on self-esteem due to the unsightly changes it causes to toenails. For individuals with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, it can pose a significant risk to health.

Thankfully, effective treatment options are available for onychomycosis, and we utilize the PinPointe™ FootLaser® to provide relief. In most cases, patients experience visible improvement after a single 30-minute treatment.

What Is Onychomycosis?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition characterized by thickening, yellowing, and brittleness of the toenails. As the infection progresses, the affected toenails may become jagged and bark-like, and break off easily. If left untreated, onychomycosis can cause swelling and discomfort, particularly in individuals with underlying health issues.

Early detection and treatment of onychomycosis is crucial, as it can cause minor damage to nail beds and lead to minimal pain. However, the condition can severely impact self-esteem and make wearing shoes and socks uncomfortable in severe cases.

What Causes Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is typically caused by various strains of fungi that thrive on keratin, the protein that makes up nails and hair. The fungi thrive in moist, warm, and wet environments like socks and shoes, making anyone susceptible to the condition. However, the following individuals are most at risk:

• People who regularly wear nail polish on their toenails and do not allow their nails to breathe
• Individuals who do not maintain proper foot hygiene and do not clean their feet and toenails regularly
• Those who frequently wear ill-fitting or tight shoes or stockings
• Individuals with circulation issues
• People with chronic immune disorders, such as diabetes
• Individuals who frequent locker rooms, such as athletes, gym-goers, police, and military personnel

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Toenail fungus is a contagious condition, but proper hygiene practices can help prevent most cases. To avoid contracting toenail fungus, it is recommended to:

• Wear shower shoes in public gyms and locker rooms and thoroughly wash your feet both at the gym and when showering at home.
• Dry your feet completely after showering, and consider using a foot powder to maintain dryness and cleanliness.
• If you develop athlete’s foot from a gym, treat it with a topical cream as soon as possible. Use the treatment for the full recommended duration, and monitor your feet afterwards.
• Refrain from sharing footwear with others, and if you have had toenail fungus or athlete’s foot in the past, use a sterilization spray to sanitize your shoes.
• Seek professional treatment if OTC solutions do not work within the recommended treatment period.

While there are various methods to treat toenail fungus, seeking professional treatment is the most effective way to address the issue. Over-the-counter sprays, nail polishes, and creams may be effective in some cases, but for a reliable solution, MVS Podiatry Associates in Columbia offers an effective treatment.

We use the PinPointe™ FootLaser® to target and eliminate the fungus feeding on toenails. The procedure is painless and typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

If you are suffering from onychomycosis, consider scheduling a PinPointe™ FootLaser® session at MVS Podiatry Associates in Columbia to eliminate your toenail fungus.

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Each year, our Podiatry Associates in Columbia, MD, treat hundreds of patients suffering from onychomycosis. Although this condition is rarely life-threatening for most, it can dampen self-esteem because of the way it alters toenails. For those with autoimmune disorders, like diabetes, it can also pose serious health issues.

Luckily, onychomycosis treatment provides relief, and with the help of the PinPointe™ FootLaser®, most patients see results after a single 30-minute treatment.

What Is Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is more commonly known as toenail fungus. Symptoms of toenail fungus include nail thickness, yellowing, and brittleness. Over time, toenails may break off easily and appear jagged and bark-like. If left untreated for too long, and especially if the person suffering from onychomycosis also has an underlying health issue, toenail fungus can lead to swelling and discomfort. 

When caught quickly, onychomycosis does minor damage to nail beds and causes little pain. However, it can cause those with the condition to feel extremely self-conscious, and it can make wearing shoes and socks difficult in extreme cases.

What Causes Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is typically caused by one of several fungi strains conditioned to grow and feed on keratin, which is the substance that makes up nails and hair. It thrives in moist, warm, wet environments like socks and shoes, which means anyone can get it. However, those who are most likely to get onychomycosis include:

• Those who frequently wear nail polish on their toenails and do not allow their toenails to breathe
• Those who do not adequately clean their feet and toenails regularly
• Those who commonly wear ill-fitting or tight shoes or stockings
• Those with circulation issues
• Those with chronic immune disorders, such as diabetes
• Those who frequent locker rooms, such as gym-goers, athletes, police, and military personnel

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Toenail fungus is contagious, but toenail fungus sufferers can prevent most cases with good hygiene practices. To avoid catching toenail fungus, be sure to:

• Wear shower shoes in public gyms and locker rooms, and wash your feet thoroughly at the gym and the next time you shower at home.
• Dry your feet off thoroughly after showering, and consider a foot powder to keep your feet dry and clean.
• If you do catch athlete’s foot from a gym, treat it with a topical cream as soon as you notice symptoms. Treat it for the entire suggested period, and then monitor your feet afterward.
• Avoid sharing footwear with others, and if you have experienced toenail fungus or athlete’s foot in the past, purchase a sterilization spray to spray into your shoes.
• If OTC solutions do not work effectively within the allotted treatment period, seek professional help right away.

What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus?

There are several ways to treat toenail fungus, but the most effective treatment for toenail fungus is to seek professional help for the issue. OTC sprays, nail polishes, and creams sometimes do the trick, but Podiatry Associates in Columbia know how to combat toenail fungus each time it occurs effectively.

We use the PinPointe™ FootLaser® to target and kill off the fungus feeding on your toenails. Better yet, the procedure is painless, typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

If you’re suffering from onychomycosis, book a PinPointe™ FootLaser® session at Podiatry Associates in Columbia, MD, to get rid of your toenail fungus today.

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”3px|0px|14px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″]Podiatry Associates is a high-quality medical and surgical treatment provider that primarily focuses on healing foot and ankle injuries and conditions in the Baltimore, Maryland area since 1965.

Let’s shed light on ingrown toenails and ingrown toenail treatment provided by Podiatry Associates.

So, what is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail curves into the soft tissue of the foot. Although it can occur in any toe, the big toe is most commonly affected. When ingrown toenails are a concern, Podiatry Associates provides best-in-class ingrown toenail surgery and non-surgical treatment in Baltimore to cure the ingrown toenail. In general, ingrown toenails can be caused by a wide variety of circumstances, such as:

• Wearing shoes that fit improperly
• Improper trimming of toenail edges
• Cutting down the toenails too short
• Excessively curved toenails
• Direct trauma to the nail
• Changes in nail shape or character
• Toenail fungus and fungal nail changes

Conservative treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics, medicated foot soaks, proper nail trimming, treatment of nail fungus (if present), and shoe changes. If conservative treatment is not sufficient, minor surgical treatment may be performed. This course of action is often pain free or with minor discomfort.

During the surgical treatment, podiatric surgeons may remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe an oral or topical medication to decrease the likelihood of infection. If a patient suffers from chronic, recurring ingrown toenails, the podiatrist may recommend a procedure to permanently remove the ingrown nail.

As suggested by experts, here are a few things that you can do to avoid an ingrown toenail.
Following are the common symptoms that indicate the occurrence of ingrown toenails:

• Ensure that you properly trim your nails – the nails should be cut straight across the tip of toe and then filed smooth.
• Avoid cutting into the corners of the toenails
• Avoid wearing shoes that touch, press or squeeze on toenails.

Some patients may attempt self-treatment, such as trimming the nail, foot soaks, and topical antibiotics. However, at-home treatment might not bear results. It is best to visit a podiatrist in the event that conservative treatment fails to relieve pain, or if you notice drainage, redness or continued pain. Patients who suffer from health problems such as diabetes or poor circulation should always seek treatment immediately after recognizing signs of an ingrown toenail to avoid complications.

Most foot and ankle conditions are treated in the office and at the Ambulatory Surgery Centers of Podiatry Associates. These centers offer quality and affordable treatments performed by experienced surgeons. There are 10 offices surrounding the Baltimore Metro area which in-office procedures are carried out for the treatment of ingrown toenails, corns, and plantar fasciitis with the help of podiatric surgery.

The surgeons at Podiatry Associates are board qualified or board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. The success of Podiatry Associates is largely attributed to the doctors, administration, and staff who consistently ensure high-quality treatment for patients of all ages.

Thus, if you opt for any kind of foot treatment or surgery in Baltimore, review the treatment options provided by Podiatry Associates. Our team of top surgeons provide the top-rate treatment in all aspects of toenail surgery.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”3px|0px|14px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.29.3″]

Time to See a Podiatrist?

If you have any of the issues described above, it’s time to consult an expert. Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.

Other Related Articles:

• What You Should Know About Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
• Bunions Treatment & Causes
• A Guide for Bunions
• 11 Things Every Patient Should Know About Foot Surgery
• Everything You Need to Know About a Podiatrist
• What Can a Podiatrist Do?
• When to See A Podiatrist

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The mere thought of something like ingrown toenail removal surgery is enough to send a shiver down our spines. Surgeries, even minor ones, are painful and a big hassle. We need to take adequate measures to avoid them. The same goes for ingrown toenail removal surgery too. The best way for you to prevent a surgery is to be aware of what causes lead to ingrown toenails and what you need to do to prevent them in the first place. One of the most effective ways to avoid toenail removal surgery is to wear shoes that fit properly. However, if this doesn’t help, you will need to consult a podiatrist who will examine your condition and recommend the best course of action.

1. Dangers of Wearing Ill-Fitting Shoes
We are all aware of the importance of wearing shoes that are comfortable, gentle, and fit properly. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can be a big mistake and should be avoided at all costs. Tight shoes, worn over an extended period of time, can cause a host of complications such as:

• • Bunions
  • Foot pain
  • Redness
  • Disfigurement
  • Hammertoe/ Mallet toe
  • Blisters and other problems.

Another serious complication that can be caused by tight shoes is the occurrence of ingrown toenails. While some of us who love to wear stylish shoes that may fit too tight will naturally refuse to believe it, wearing tight shoes is known to result in ingrown toenails. It is a painful condition that occurs when the edges of your nails grow to pierce into the skin surrounding the nail. Your big toe is the most vulnerable to ingrown toenails.

Medical experts always recommend wearing shoes that fit properly so you can avoid problems like ingrown nails. Ingrown toenails can become increasingly problematic, to the degree that an ingrown toenail removal surgery may be required in order to heal the condition.

2. Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Following are the common symptoms that indicate the occurrence of ingrown toenails:

• Painfulness
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Oozing pus
• Odour

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable that you act fast and treat the problem in the early stages. Delaying a visit to an expert increases your chances of aggravating the condition, which in turn increases the extent of the treatment that would be required to solve the problem.

3. Diagnosing Ingrown Toenails with Surgery
If not treated in a timely manner, the condition may escalate to a degree in which the ingrown toenails cannot be treated by using common home treatments and remedies. If this occurs, an ingrown toenail removal surgery would be required to solve the problem. However, if you find yourself in this situation, there is no need to worry, as ingrown toenail surgery is a minor procedure. A podiatric surgeon usually performs this surgery, in which the part of the nail that is ingrown is removed. After injecting medication to numb your toe, the podiatric surgeon will cut the part of your toenail growing into the skin. There are several experienced and renowned podiatric surgeons that Baltimore residents can consult and receive treatment from to get rid of ingrown toenails.

There are many reputed facilities offering podiatric surgery in Baltimore. The development and implementation of new ingrown toenail surgery techniques have made the process easier and comfortable. All you need to do is make an appointment for a diagnosis, during which the podiatric surgeon will address the problem.

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Time to See a Podiatrist?

If you have any of the issues described above, it’s time to consult an expert. Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.

Other Related Articles:

• What You Should Know About Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
• Bunions Treatment & Causes
• A Guide for Bunions
• 11 Things Every Patient Should Know About Foot Surgery
• Everything You Need to Know About a Podiatrist
• What Can a Podiatrist Do?
• When to See A Podiatrist

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Having a hammer toe is more common than you would think it is. Hammer toe is a muscle or orthopaedic deformity, occurring in the toe nails, in which the joint on one of the toes is pointed upward instead of lying flat. In most cases, the toe next to the big toe or next to the smallest one are affected.

Why does hammer toe happen?

Hammer toe occurs when the muscle of one toe becomes weak and creates pressure on the adjoining tendons and toe joints. This is why the toe becomes misshapen and points upward at the joint. This outgrowth can be painful. The situation gets worse when the toe is pressed against the shoe.

Cure and prevention:

Sometimes people do not pay attention to this kind of minor deformity, but if it is painful, it is best to seek out a hammer toe treatment in Baltimore. It not only cures your deformed toe, but also gives you a nice and shapely foot to show off in a nice pair of sandals. Even though hammer toe could be the result of genetics, there are some things you could do to prevent and cure it:

1. Do not wear narrow shoes:
If you do not want to go through hammer toes surgery in baltimore, start by wearing sensible shoes. It is obvious that there are a lot of stylish shoes for men and women. Whereas men’s shoes are comfortable to wear, shoes for women tend to be impractical. The width of women’s shoes can be very restricting to give the shoe a sleek look. Women cram their feet into narrow and ill-fitting shoes for fashion. However, remember that you must always wear shoes with a good arch support and a wide toe box to promote healthy feet. If you have hammer toes, you should always wear sensible shoes to start with. If you are confused regarding how to choose shoes, you can consult any good podiatrist.

2. Foot exercises:
Though the best option to get rid of this condition is to get a hammer toe surgery, podiatrists often suggest some efficient foot exercises that you can practise to remove a hammer toe or to prevent the development of one. The major cause behind hammer toes is the weakness of the toe muscles. Podiatrists prescribe exercises that help strengthen your toe muscles and keep your feet supple and active. Exercises such as curling the toes, extending the toes, moving, and spreading the toes are good exercises that could slow the process of hammer toe generation.

3. Using a pumice stone to clean:
On the top of the hammer toes, there might be a formation of corn or callus that could cause discomfort during shoe time. So, it is suggested by the top podiatrists, one can clean the corn formation with a pumice stone or file after a warm bath. This way, the size of the corn will be reduced, so will the discomfort.

These are the three ways to cure and prevent hammer toes. If you are experiencing discomfort due to hammer toes, contact a Baltimore podiatrist for treatment today.

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Time to See a Podiatrist?

If you have any of the issues described above, it’s time to consult an expert. Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.

Other Related Articles:

• What You Should Know About Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
• Bunions Treatment & Causes
• A Guide for Bunions
• 11 Things Every Patient Should Know About Foot Surgery
• Everything You Need to Know About a Podiatrist
• What Can a Podiatrist Do?
• When to See A Podiatrist

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