August 2021

Beating a fungal toenail infection on your own can be a daunting task. The pesky fungus responsible for the infection is hearty, spreads easily to other nails, and won’t go down without a long fight. Making matters worse, even after the fungus is killed, it takes a long time for a healthy nail to grow in. Luckily, podiatrists have plenty of experience and various methods for treating this very common condition. For instance, there are topical and oral prescriptions as well as antifungal medications that are stronger and can be more effective than those sold over the counter. FDA-approved laser treatments—which kill the fungus using a precision beam of light—have become an increasingly popular treatment for toenail infections. Additionally, there are exciting cosmetic procedures available which create a natural-looking nail on top, giving the real nail time to grow back. To join forces and get professional help in defeating your fungal toenail infection, call a podiatrist near you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Heel pain is extremely common and is typically caused by small, repetitive injuries to the heel over time. Most heel pain is localized under and in front of the heel, although pain can also affect the back of the heel and can sometimes radiate to, or from, the arch of the foot or the ankle. Heel pain typically starts gradually and may worsen over time when left untreated. Potential causes of heel pain can include plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel pad inflammation, Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Fortunately, conservative treatment methods such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, as well as wearing supportive shoes and taking over-the-counter pain medications can help with pain and swelling, but may not be a permanent solution. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis with a corresponding treatment plan. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Peoria, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. Having wet, sweaty feet most of the time is not only annoying, but can ruin your shoes, increase your risk of slipping and falling, and break down the skin on the feet, leading to athlete’s foot and other skin infections. The first line of treatment for this condition is usually topical medications, which are applied directly to the skin’s surface. Your podiatrist may prescribe an antiperspirant cream or powder. If these fail, your doctor may suggest iontophoresis, a procedure that uses electrical currents to reduce sweating. Botox injections into the feet are another potential solution. To learn more about treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

It might be difficult to know when your child has developed a foot or ankle issue. Because they may not be able to verbalize what’s wrong, or their symptoms may be hard to spot, you should keep an eye out for other warning signs. If your child struggles to keep up physically with their friends or their legs or feet get tired, this may be an indication of flat feet. Between the ages of 8 and 14 children may experience sever’s disease, where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate at the back of the heel. This causes heel pain which may cause your child to shy away from physical activities. If your child is hiding their feet from you, they may have noticed some change and want to avoid going to the doctor. If your child seems clumsy or frequently trips or falls it may indicate a balance or neuromuscular issue, or that their feet point inward when they walk or run. Of course if they complain of any pain or discomfort in their feet, or you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist for a full examination.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM of Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Many people take their feet for granted, despite the fact they are considered to be the foundation of the body. Frequently wearing flip flops may cause foot injury and pain, in addition to contributing to poor foot mechanics. The muscles in the foot may also be negatively affected, and this can lead to serious foot problems. Existing foot conditions like arch and heel pain, may worsen when flip flops are worn. If you would like more information about the harmful effects of wearing flip flops, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Kaveh Panahi, DPM from Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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