Toenail fungus is a common condition among people of all age groups that can be quite unsightly. The noticeable symptoms include nails that are thickened, yellow, and brittle. If treatment is not promptly sought, the nails may begin to crumble and can eventually fall off. Toenail fungus is caused by a virus and is found in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet and lodge beneath the nail bed. It can be helpful to wear appropriate shoes like flip-flops or water shoes while in these types of areas. Many people are self-conscious about their toes if they are afflicted with toenail fungus. If you have this condition, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward one of several effective treatment options that are right for you.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching the feet has a wide variety of benefits. Most notably, stretching the feet can strengthen and improve agility in the muscles and ligaments of the feet. This can strengthen the feet and improve balance, which can be particularly helpful for the elderly who are prone to suffering falls and tripping incidents. Like stretching the entire feet, stretching the toes can yield a wide variety of significant benefits. For example, if you have developed a bunion on your feet, performing different toe stretches can improve your condition. Specifically, performing toe curls and stretches can reduce pain in the toes, making them markedly more limber. Ideally, one would be able to perform these toe stretches in the morning and at night. As with any kind of stretching or exercise, it is always important to listen to your body to ensure that you are not overexerting yourself or straining your feet. If you have a condition like bunions and want to use toe stretches to mitigate the pain you feel from your affliction, contact a local podiatrist for more information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A Morton’s neuroma refers to thickening of nerve tissue at the base of the 3rd or 4th toe. While the precise cause of this condition is unknown, it is thought to form from pressure, irritation, or injury of nerves leading to the toes. This condition can cause one to feel like there is a lump or knot near the ball of the foot, like they are walking on a pebble, or wearing socks that have become bunched up. There can be an achy, sharp, or burning pain in the ball of the foot, or tingling, numbness, or cramping in the forefoot or toes. A Morton’s neuroma can become swollen and painful. One can develop a Morton’s neuroma from wearing shoes that are too narrow where the toes are squeezed together or high-heeled shoes where the body weight is forced onto the ball of the foot. Non-invasive treatments for Morton’s neuroma include wearing properly fitted shoes, with heels less than two inches in height, wide toe boxes, and thick soles, using padding in shoes to take the pressure off the nerve, or taping the feet to redistribute body weight and ease inflammation. Medication and injections can also help relieve pain and pressure of this ailment. Custom orthotics can be made to provide support if one has an abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or overlapping toes causing the condition. Surgery can be performed if a Morton’s neuroma becomes large or fails to be relieved with more conservative treatment options. Left untreated, a Morton’s neuroma can become worse. For this reason, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that fits the severity of your specific foot problem.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a band of tissue that connect two or more bones to form a joint. The ankle is a complex joint structure that is held together by several ligaments. If any are torn or stretched beyond their natural limits, the injury is called a sprain. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on the amount of tearing and whether the ankle can bear weight. Grade 1 sprains are mild stretching of the ligament. Grade 2 is a partial tear with little or no joint instability. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament, along with full joint instability. Most sprains occur on the outside of the ankle joint. The foot can roll over by stepping into a hole or missing a curb thus causing the ligament to stretch too far. Sprains are also common in sports activities when running or changing directions quickly occur. Treating even a mild ankle sprain is essential because you run the risk of reinjuring the ankle and developing chronic problems when left untreated. If you have sustained an ankle injury, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.