Toe Nails Turning Colors?

While you are sitting at home enjoying the Winter Olympics, have you noticed that your toenails are beginning to change colors? Instead of the healthy, light color the nail bed used to be, they have now become more of a yellowish or brownish color? Have you noticed that your nails are somewhat brittle with underlying debris? If this sounds like some or all of your toes you probably have something called onychomycosis। One of the contributing factors causing these ugly nails are tight shoes which crowd your toes, keeping them warm, moist and tight. Exercise can also cause repetitive micro-trauma, allowing for fungus to invade the nails. Using community showers without shower sandals or spending a lot of time around locker rooms and swimming pools can expose your feet to fungus. In addition, systemic conditions such as Diabetes can also make it easier for fungal infections to develop.

Fungal nails can be diagnosed by your local podiatrist, with the use of a few simple tests such as a KOH test or fungal culture। These tests involve taking a sample from under the nail, after the nail is trimmed back। Other conditions can cause the nail to look as if it has a fungal infection, so the condition must be diagnosed before it can be treated। There are several options available for treatment। There are topical agents, which include antifungal creams, lotions, gels and polish that are applied directly to the affected area। Oral antifungals are usually more effective at killing the fungus, but may cause side effects। The worse of which can be liver damage। Blood work is usually drawn before you start to make sure your liver enzymes are normal। Topical agents are used on superficial fungal conditions. Whereas, the orals are used for more severe, thickened nails.

Exciting new technology is now being researched for the treatment of mycotic (fungal) nails, including the use of lasers and UV light। Much of this data and research is currently undergoing FDA trials, so keep checking with your podiatrist on new available technology! A new fungal polish has been approved by the FDA but will not be available until the fall of 2010.

Ways to prevent from getting fungal nails can include avoiding tight fittings shoes, staying away from certain athletic surfaces, always wearing clean socks, washing and drying feet daily, and switching between a few different pairs of shoes। Fungus loves warm, dark and damp environments, so try to provide dryness, light for your feet। Take care of your toes, and they will take care of you! If you are worried you may have fungal nails, call your local podiatrist before summer and sandal season begin!

The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about common conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Any advice given, whether medical or legal, is an opinion. For legal counsel or podiatric care, one should see their local podiatrist or attorney. More information can be found at my website www.michiganfootdoctor.com

Ankle Sprain Causing You Pain?

Are ankle sprains are one of the most common lower extremity ankle injuries for both athletes and the rest of us. The literature states that inversion (when the foot turns inward) ankle sprains are most common, happening about 85% of the time. This is because increased range of motion in the “inverted” (turned in) and “plantarflexed” (downward pointed) position can also tear ligaments in the ankle, with a severe sprain. One of the most common sports ankle sprains are encountered in is basketball. This is usually caused by a player jumping and landing awkwardly on another player’s foot, leg, or twisting their ankle. Other things that can cause ankle sprains include stepping on an uneven surface or in a hole, especially when wearing shoes with a platform or heel.

Ankle sprains can be a debilitating injury, and sometimes people never truly recover from one if not treated properly. They are usually graded in three different stages, ranging from a mild strain of the ligaments, to a full rupture. Symptoms of ankle sprains include severe pain, feeling or hearing a pop/snap, swelling, bruising, and an inability to walk. Dwight Freeney suffered a severe ankle sprain, but was able to play in the Super Bowl because his medical staff performed round-the-clock treatment and rehabilitation. Kobe Bryant also suffered a severe ankle sprain, causing him to unfortunately miss the NBA All-Star game. Athletes usually have fewer problems rehabbing an ankle sprain because they have an extensive medical support team. Those not fortunate enough to be in the same position must take their future ankle stability into their own hands. As the saying goes, a bad ankle sprain can sometimes be worse than a clean break! With this in mind, it is important that you receive immediate medical attention so a proper treatment plan can be started. This could include ice, elevation, compression, bracing, physical therapy, and rest. Future complications of an untreated ankle sprain can include ankle instability, recurrence of ankle sprains, decreased range of motion, swelling that remains forever, and arthritis. If you feel you may have suffered an ankle sprain, do yourself a favor and see your local podiatrist!

The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about common conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Any advice given, whether medical or legal, is an opinion. For legal counsel or podiatric care, one should see their local podiatrist or attorney. More information can be found at my website www.michiganfootdoctor.com

Kids in high heels causing early bunions?

Fashions newest controversial topic surrounds young children, and believe it or not, the wearing of high heels. These so coined “kiddie” or “kitten” heels have been spotted all across America, and these girls aren’t playing dress-up. It is a growing trend for celebrities and the general public alike to put their children in high heels, some as young as three months old! Having your children follow in the current trend can be very detrimental to the permanent structure of their feet. I strongly encourage all parents to not let their children participate in such behavior! Although formal studies with children have not yet been conducted, this is because there has never been such a trend until recently.

Women across the world know that high heel shoes can be very uncomfortable, especially when wearing them for extended periods of time. They can lead to many common foot conditions, including: calluses, corns, neuromas, bunions, and most importantly foot pain! Although it has been said that high heels are not the only cause of bunions, they are definitely a contributing factor. Putting a child in high heels can potentially do a great deal of damage, mainly for the reason that their foot is still growing. Since their bones are still growing, the point of the shoe can cause bunions, and the heel in the back increases pressure to the toes. This is not the right recipe for future adult happy feet! Realistically speaking, fashionable shoes are necessary at times. They should definitely be used in moderation when possible. Parents, don’t let your children grow up too quickly!


The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about common conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Any advice given, whether medical or legal, is an opinion. For legal counsel or podiatric care, one should see their local podiatrist or attorney. More information can be found at my website www.michiganfootdoctor.com