Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the nail bed, often starting as a white or yellow spot under the nail. Over time, it can cause nails to thicken, discolor, crumble, or become misshapen, leading to discomfort, and, in some cases, pain. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making athletes, individuals who sweat heavily, and those who wear tight or non-breathable shoes more susceptible. Poor foot hygiene and minor nail injuries also increase risk. Treating toenail fungus can be challenging, as the infection tends to be persistent. For more stubborn infections, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may prescribe oral antifungal medications or laser therapy to target the fungus.
For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. 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 McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often caused by imbalanced muscle or tendon forces, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, which can lead to corns and calluses. When conservative treatments, such as orthotics or targeted exercises fail, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Two common types are fusion and tendon transfer. Fusion involves permanently joining the affected joint to correct the toe's position. Tendon transfer repositions the tendon to restore balance and function, allowing for better alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery varies, but patients typically need to wear a special boot and limit activity for an extented period of time. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine what the best surgical approach is for each individual case. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment options, which may include surgery for relief.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic foot ulcers occur due to a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage, making even minor injuries prone to infection. Wound care materials vary depending on the type and severity, or grade, of the ulcer. For superficial ulcers, Grade 1, foam dressings and hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used, as they maintain a moist environment and promote healing. For deeper Grade 2 ulcers, alginate dressings, which absorb excess wound fluid, are beneficial, along with silver-infused materials to prevent infection. More severe ulcers, Grades 3 or 4, often require advanced wound care, including negative pressure wound therapy to promote tissue regeneration, and bioengineered skin substitutes to cover exposed bone or tendons. Debridement, the removal of dead tissue, is often necessary to prevent further infection. Proper care and regular monitoring are imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers and avoiding complications like infection or amputation. If you have any type of diabetic foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for proper care.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
