Items filtered by date: November 2023

Onychomycosis, commonly known as a fungal nail infection, unveils itself as a subtle yet persistent condition that warrants attention. This ailment occurs when fungi, often dermatophytes, yeast, or molds, invade the toenails, leading to a range of symptoms. The definition lies in the gradual discoloration, thickening, and distortion of the affected nails. Diagnosing onychomycosis involves a careful examination by a podiatrist who may analyze nail samples under a microscope or through a culture to identify the causative fungi. The condition, often exacerbated by warm, moist environments, compromised immunity, or pre-existing nail injuries, can be challenging to eradicate. Early detection and prompt intervention are vital for effective management. Understanding the nuances of onychomycosis empowers individuals to seek timely medical assistance, initiating targeted treatments and preventive measures for healthier, fungus-free nails. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you successful treatment options in addition to effective preventive methods.

For more information about treatment, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 our office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Teenagers often develop foot blisters due to friction, which can be the result of wearing new or ill-fitting shoes, engaging in high-intensity activities, or having sweaty feet. The best way to manage these blisters is to keep them clean with gentle soap and water and to protect them with a sterile bandage or specialized blister plaster that can cushion the area and soak up excess moisture. It is crucial not to pop blisters, as the skin covering them acts as a protective barrier against infection. Should a blister break on its own, the area should be cleaned, an antibiotic ointment applied, and then re-covered with a clean bandage. Ensuring footwear fits correctly and socks are moisture-wicking will help prevent further irritation. In cases where blisters are particularly painful, keep reoccurring, or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide additional treatment and prevention strategies.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Running and jogging are fantastic ways to stay active and maintain physical fitness, but they also come with potential injury risks. To ensure you can enjoy these activities safely and remain injury- free, consider these key strategies. Firstly, invest in the right footwear. Proper running shoes provide essential support, cushioning, and shock absorption to minimize the risk of injuries. It is important to make sure they fit well and match your gait. Always prioritize warm up and cool down routines. Dynamic stretches before your run and static stretches afterward can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle strains. Progressive training is vital. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your runs can allow your body to adapt and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Lastly, mix up your running surfaces to reduce the impact on your joints. Incorporating grass, trails, and tracks into your routine can help prevent overuse injuries on harder surfaces. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of running and jogging injuries, making these activities enjoyable and sustainable parts of your fitness regimen. For more information on effective running injury prevention techniques, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with this knowledge. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Various forms of arthritis can have specific effects on the feet. Osteoarthritis, or OA, most often affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, connecting the big toe to the foot. It can also be found in the midfoot and ankle. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, typically appears in both feet and affects the same joints symmetrically. Gout is known for frequently targeting the feet, particularly the big toe, and causing intense pain during flares ups. Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, can impact the toes, leading to swollen, sausage-like digits known as dactylitis. Additionally, it often involves inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. The feet can be affected, resulting in plantar fasciitis and painful bone spurs, among other conditions. Ankylosing spondylitis also brings about plantar fasciitis and discomfort at the Achilles tendon, affecting the feet. Each of these types of arthritis presents distinct challenges and symptoms in the foot region. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether arthritis may be the cause. This type of doctor can determine what type of arthritis has developed and guide you toward the necessary treatments for relief. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.