A sign that you may have developed toenail fungus is the yellow appearance of the nails. They may also become thicker and begin to crumble. If ignored, a fungal toenail infection, medically termed onychomycosis, may result in other problems. It can easily spread to other parts of the foot simply by not changing socks and shoes daily. Toenail fungus is especially risky for diabetics, whose skin may have cracked as a result of poor circulation. This allows for the additional possibility of bacteria entering the body, and may in turn cause cellulitis. In some cases of fungal toenail infections, the only way to treat it is to remove the nail. The nail will grow back with time. If the infection is extremely serious, the toenail may have to be permanently removed, by performing a procedure called matrixectomy. This destroys the growing center at the base of the nail bed, ensuring that the fungus will not grow back. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several reasons the top of your foot can hurt, including fractures and bruises. However, chronic foot conditions can also result in pain in this area. It is easy to forget how complex the foot is with its many tendons, muscles, joints, and bones. Health issues and foot injuries can upset the balance of the foot and cause pain and movement problems. The middle of the foot is referred to as the Lisfrank area, or the midfoot. It is made up of small bones that help form the arch of the foot. Pain in this area can be due to dropping something heavy on the foot, falling, or possibly from a  ganglion cyst pressing on a muscle or joint in the foot. A hairline fracture in this area of the foot from overuse or prolonged running can cause pain. Treatment ranges from rest to surgery. Due to the preponderance of reasons for this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and treatment based on an actual diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various reasons an ingrown toenail can develop. This painful foot condition is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. Common reasons for an ingrown toenail to develop are trimming the toenails incorrectly, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may happen from having an abnormal foot structure, genetic reasons, or if a toe injury has occurred. Temporary relief may come from soaking the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to separate the nail from the skin. It can also help to wear wider shoes that can accommodate the affected toe, and the pain may be eased by taking over-the-counter medication. Permanent relief can be found when a podiatrist is contacted, who can perform minor surgery to correct this condition. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can offer you treatment options that are best for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people who have foot pain often hope to find relief and seek medical advice from a podiatrist. These are physicians who specialize in treating disorders of the feet and ankles and can provide a diagnosis for existing foot pain. The mandatory education to become a podiatrist begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a podiatry medical school. This will take four years to complete, and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree will be earned. During the last two years, some of the topics that are covered can include biomechanics, sports medicine, and podiatric pathology. Once the medical school is completed, a residency program can begin and can last between 24 and 36 months. Podiatrists have options such as practicing in a private or group practice or a hospital setting, or may choose sports podiatry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who are severely afflicted by ankle arthritis may choose to have ankle surgery performed. It is considered to be joint replacement surgery, and may be successful in removing damaged tissue in the ankle. This is followed by replacing it with a metal or plastic prosthesis. The benefits of this type of surgery may include improved range of motion in the ankle, and can protect the ankle joint. Research has shown the ideal candidate can include patients who are middle-aged or above, have a normal weight, and refrain from having a physically demanding lifestyle. The recovery process can consist of using crutches for two weeks after surgery, followed by wearing a protective boot for approximately six weeks. Many patients practice ankle stretches or exercises at this point, which will gradually strengthen the ankle, and normal activity can eventually resume. If you have severe ankle pain and are considering having joint replacement surgery performed, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right choice for you.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.