Onychomycosis, a common fungal infection affecting the nails, unveils itself as a condition that warrants a closer inspection. This ailment, known as a fungal nail infection, targets the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. The infection is often attributed to various fungal strains, primarily dermatophytes, but also yeasts and molds. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making nails susceptible to infection when exposed to such conditions. Several factors contribute to the development of onychomycosis. Trauma to the nails, poor hygiene practices, and a compromised immune function elevate the risk. Additionally, communal spaces, such as public showers and swimming pools, serve as potential breeding grounds for the fungi, facilitating its transmission. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you have ever experienced the discomfort of foot pain that strikes at night, you are not alone. This phenomenon can be both puzzling and distressing, disrupting precious sleep. There are several potential reasons why your feet can ache during the nighttime hours. One common cause of nighttime foot pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This inflammation can become more pronounced when you rest, leading to pain when you try to sleep. Another possible culprit is neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage. Neuropathy can cause tingling, burning, and sharp pains in the feet, often worsening at night. Diabetes and other underlying medical conditions can contribute to the development of neuropathy. Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is yet another contributor to nocturnal foot pain. Those with RLS experience an irresistible urge to move their legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like tingling or aching in the feet. This can disrupt sleep and lead to foot discomfort. Ii you are experiencing nighttime foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, who can identify the underlying cause and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can significantly impact the feet, leading to various symptoms that range from tingling sensations to sharp pain. Diabetes stands as a primary contributor to neuropathy, with prolonged elevated blood sugar levels damaging nerves over time. Other systemic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, kidney diseases, and vitamin deficiencies can also instigate neuropathic symptoms in the feet. Moreover, exposure to toxins, certain medications, or infections may provoke neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the feet and the central nervous system. Trauma or injury to the nerves, often arising from accidents or surgeries, can induce neuropathic symptoms. Understanding the diverse causes of neuropathy is paramount for an accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention. If you have tingling or numbing sensations in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, developing from pressure causing the toe to lean towards the second toe. This misalignment, often resulting from the joint at the toe's base bearing significant weight during activities such as standing and walking, can lead to symptoms like pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Additionally, calluses often form due to friction between the big and second toe or on the ball of the foot. Bunions tend to worsen over time if not addressed, possibly causing difficulty in wearing shoes and walking comfortably. While bunions are more common in adults, they can also be present from birth or develop during childhood. The condition can affect one or both feet, posing a persistent challenge to foot comfort and function. If you have an uncomfortable bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options that may increase your comfort.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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