Items filtered by date: October 2018

A medical condition referred to as onychomycosis is commonly known as toenail fungus.There are treatments available that may aid in the curing of this fungus, and one of them is known as laser treatment. Research has shown fungal infections may possibly be deterred by heating the nail. Many patients have chosen to try this method despite the fact that there is insufficient evidence of its success rate. Additionally, the cost may be more expensive than traditional remedies. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, please discuss possible treatment options with your podiatrist in addition to learning if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

It is common for many elderly people to suffer from general foot conditions including blisters and ingrown toenails. This may be a result of improper foot care that is not executed. Many seniors may have difficulty in trimming their toenails. Therefore, it may be beneficial to have a caretaker perform the proper tasks that will maintain good foot health. When the toenails are clean and the skin is moisturized, the chances of certain foot conditions developing may be diminished. Daily foot and nail hygiene may include trimming the toenails short using nail clippers, in addition to buffing the nails thus providing a smooth finish to the nail. This may prevent painful and uncomfortable ingrown toenails from developing. It's important to consult with a podiatrist for any concerns you may have on how to take proper care of elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

A common cause of the condition that is referred to as tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur as a result of constant overuse of the ankle. The most common reason for this to happen may be from power walking, frequent running, or standing for the majority of the day. It typically affects the nerve that is on the inside of the foot and ankle, and when this becomes damaged, inflammation and tenderness may occur. Research has shown the importance of treating tarsal tunnel syndrome promptly to avoid the possibility of permanent nerve damage from developing. Treatment options may begin with resting and elevating the foot, which may reduce inflammation, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medications, which may help in alleviating a portion of the pain that often accompanies this condition. If you feel you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatments techniques for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

If you stand on your feet for the majority of the day, you may experience discomfort on the heel of the foot, which may be known as cracked heels. This condition may typically develop as a result of the added pressure the heels endure during the day, and this may produce fissures, or cracks in the skin. This condition may be prevented by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by utilizing an effective moisturizer. This may help to eliminate dry skin. Research has shown the most common season for this condition to develop are the summer months. During this time, many people choose to wear shoes with an open back, thus not offering adequate support for the heel pads. If you are afflicted with severely cracked heels, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist who is able to properly treat this uncomfortable condition.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

If you have experienced breaking your toe, which is also referred to as a fractured toe, you may be aware of the severe pain that is often associated with it. There may be several reasons why this type of injury may occur. These may include dropping a heavy object on your toe, stubbing it against a piece of furniture, or being involved in an accident in which your feet are affected. There are noticeable symptoms that are indicative of a broken toe, including bruising, swelling, the inability to walk on it,  accompanied by pain and discomfort. Treatment options may include keeping the foot raised, which may aid in reducing any swelling, taping the injured toe to the toe next to it to promote stability, in addition to wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toe. If you feel you have broken your toe, it’s advised to counsel with a podiatrist so the best course of treatment can begin.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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