Author: Blogs

Set yourself up for success when treating your fungal nails. You need to treat the environment as well as your nails. Whether you choose laser, topicals, oral medication, or a combination of all 3, we have home tips to optimize your results. Medication Treat the skin and the nails with an antifungal. If you have…

Warmer weather means vacation. I recently went to Key West and was looking forward to wearing my new Teva sandals and slip-on shoes without socks, and I was confident I could wear them without a problem. On the first day of vacation, I felt a hot sensation on my right little toe and knew I…

Heel pain, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis, is one of the most common injuries we see at the office. Plantar fasciitis can interfere with day-to-day activities like walking the dog and put a damper on your long-planned vacation. Patients generally complain of heel pain in the morning after getting out of bed or sitting for…

Short Answer Yes! Topical medications are a fantastic alternative to anti-inflammatories like Aleve and ibuprofen or narcotics like Oxycontin and Percocet for foot and ankle pain. We use topicals to treat arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, and heel pain. A topical can be over the counter like Bio Freeze or a prescription topical with 4-5 different…

Are you suffering from heel pain in the morning when you get out of bed or after sitting at your desk? Are you not walking your dog because your foot hurts? Every day with heel pain is a lost opportunity to exercise and enjoy your favorite hobbies. Don’t let your neighbor’s painful experience with cortisone…

Do you experience pins and needles or sharp shooting pains in your toes or feet? Are the sensations worse at night? Has your balance gotten worse? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy, a nerve problem far away from your spinal cord. Some patients may have more than one condition causing this discomfort. There are several…

Have you noticed your big toenails are discolored and no longer grow to the end of your toes?  You may have disappearing nail disease otherwise known as onycholysis.  Onycholysis is when a person’s nail detaches and separates from the pink nail bed and skin replaces the nail. Although not a serious health condition by itself,…

What is a Direct Care Podiatrist? A direct care podiatrist does not participate with insurance. We have been a direct care podiatry practice since October 2021. We have less administrative burdens allowing us to spend more time with patients. We can address several issues during a visit rather than having the patient come back for…

Are you thinking about going hiking this Fall? You should! Maine has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the world and it shouldn’t be missed. Here are some quick tips to keep your feet healthy and help you on the trail! 1.     Pick the Right Shoes Sandals and flip-flops aren’t going to cut…

Plantar warts are one of the most challenging infections to treat as a podiatrist. I often joke that warts are like unwanted house guests that leave when they want to leave. The virus is happy living in the outer layers of your skin undetected by your immune system. If you pick at them, they can…

Custom Molded orthotics vs Over the Counter orthotics Custom molded orthotics are directly molded to a patient’s foot. OTC inserts are generic and may only address the arch height, high medium, and low. Sizing is based on a range of sizes, not your exact size. Custom molded orthotics give a 3-dimensional correction. We can lower…

Many people try to DIY their foot problems away. Do-It-Yourself projects are fun and rewarding, but this is not the case when it comes to your feet. DIY patients often spend hundreds of dollars on the wrong shoes and over-the-counter treatment without resolving their foot pain. What if something goes wrong and the problem becomes worse?…

Ingrown toenails are a common injury and cause inflammation, soreness, and redness on your toe. Some people are predisposed to ingrown toenails while others may get ingrown toenails from repeated trauma or how they cut their nails. Here are 5 ways to prevent ingrown toenails: 1.     Wear proper fitting shoes Ill-fitting shoes are known to…

Does your job require that you stand for 5 to 8 hours each day? Have you gotten home to find that your heels and legs were aching after standing on concrete floors? Standing on your feet for work causes excessive strain on your back, hip, knees, and feet. If you are required to work even…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the CDC website, more than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it. 96 million US adults – over a third – have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have…

Winter is in full effect. Time to get your warm socks and winter boots out of the closet. You may already know properly fitting shoes are key to keeping your feet happy, but properly fitting socks can also impact your foot health. My grandmom used to give us socks for Christmas.  I used to think it…

Have you noticed swelling and pain when moving your big toe joint? Have you noticed a lump on top of the toe joint that gets irritated in shoes? You may have arthritis in your big toe joint otherwise known as hallux limitus. “Hallux” is the big toe and “Limitus” means limitation. Hallux Limitus is a…

Walking is a great low-tech habit to improve or maintain your overall health at any age. Exercise does not need to be fancy and expensive to be effective. No special equipment is required to go for a walk.   For the most benefit we recommend walking 30 minutes per day.  Best of all walking is…

How Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Biotin Can Keep Your Feet Strong and Healthy Maintaining foot health is important for overall wellness and mobility. Our feet bear the weight of our entire body and are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to take care of them. There are several vitamins…

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are small, noncancerous growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are highly contagious, making them a common problem for many people. While plantar warts can be treated, preventing them in the first place is the best course of…

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, specifically the area between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by the thickening of the tissue that surrounds one of the nerves leading to the toes, which can result in numbness, tingling, and burning.  If left untreated can result in…

If you’re someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis you know just how painful it can be. Getting out of bed or standing up after sitting can be debilitating.   Heel pain, which affects the fibrous connective tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot can make even the most basic daily…

We all know sudden hot flashes, brain fog, irritability, and poor sleep quality are symptoms of perimenopause and menopause but did you know that declining estrogen levels can also impact your feet?  As a female podiatrist, I appreciate the loss of estrogen for my patients.  Menopause does not directly cause foot pain but does result…

Running is a great way to stay in shape and improve overall health, but it can also lead to heel pain also known as plantar fasciitis.  If you’re a runner who is experiencing heel pain, you’re not alone. Don’t worry, there are ways to alleviate your heel pain and get you back on track. In…

Not all heel pain is from plantar fasciitis. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, one of which is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, but it occurs in the ankle. It is a result of compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs…

You may have hammertoes if you’ve noticed a bend in your toes that won’t go away.  Your toes may be working extra hard to compensate for a tight Achilles tendon causing you to grip the ground as you walk.  Over time the toes become contracted. Hammertoe is a general term.  A true hammertoe has a…

Sandal season is almost here.  New shoes can mean new hot spots and blisters on your feet and toes. The best predictor of a blister is an area that has previously blistered.  Once a blister develops, it can be very tempting to pop it. If the blister is intact and not painful we recommend leaving…

Foot health is crucial for overall well-being, and for those who require orthotic support, having a second pair of custom-molded orthotics can bring numerous advantages.  Ordering a second pair of orthotics is much more straightforward because most of the work has already been completed by the doctor, including biomechanical evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription writing. 1….

As a podiatrist, I often encounter patients struggling with fungal infections of the feet. Athlete’s foot infections can be uncomfortable, scaly, red, itchy, and persistent if not treated properly.  Ignoring thick yellow crumbly toenails will spread if left untreated. While it’s crucial to seek professional advice for treatment, practicing good home hygiene is equally important…

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor activities. However, for individuals living with peripheral neuropathy, the summer heat and potential hazards can pose unique challenges.  Here are some essential tips to help patients with peripheral neuropathy make the most of the summer season while keeping their feet…

Congratulations on your new custom-molded orthotics! These customized devices are designed to provide optimal support, alignment, and comfort for your feet. As a podiatrist, I understand the importance of a proper break-in process to ensure that your orthotics seamlessly integrate with your feet and footwear.  Here is our step-by-step guide to properly break in your…

Toenail splitting, also known as onychoschizia, is a common condition that can cause discomfort and concern for many individuals. The toenail can split lengthwise or across the nail plate.  If you’ve experienced toenail splitting, you’re not alone.  Causes of Toenail Splitting: Trauma: Injuries such as stubbing your toe, dropping heavy objects on your foot, or…

Pre-season is here and summer is winding down.  Kids and coaches are eager to train to get ready for the upcoming fall sports season.  You may be shuttling your student to two practices a day!  Overtraining can cause injury such as heel pain in kids.  As adults, we tend to get plantar fasciitis or plantar…

Plantar warts are a common foot condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unfortunately, misinformation and old wives’ tales have circulated for years regarding the treatment and prevention of plantar warts. We will debunk some of these myths and provide accurate information to help you understand and address plantar warts effectively. Myth 1: “Warts have…

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin, but it can also have an impact on the toenails. Nail psoriasis, a common manifestation of psoriasis, can cause significant discomfort and affect the aesthetic appearance of the nails. Understanding Psoriasis and its Effects on Toenails Psoriasis is characterized by an overactive immune response…

Understanding Plantar Fibromas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Imagine having tiny, tough lumps growing on the bottom of your feet. These bumps, known as plantar fibromas, are a bit puzzling but also quite common. Let’s learn about them—what they are, why they happen, and what can be done about them. 1. What are Plantar Fibromas? Plantar…

As the summer sun begins to set, and the aroma of sharpened pencils fills the air, we find ourselves at that exciting juncture in the year – back to school time. It’s not only a period of fresh starts and new challenges for children and young adults, but it’s also a golden opportunity for parents…

Plantar warts can be a persistent and uncomfortable foot condition, often causing pain and discomfort with each step. While there are various treatments available, one of the latest breakthroughs in wart removal is Swift Microwave Therapy. In this blog post, let’s delve into how Swift Microwave Therapy works and why it’s gaining recognition as an…

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common and persistent condition that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. As a podiatrist, my goal is to help you navigate the journey of treating fungal nails effectively and setting realistic expectations for the process. It’s important to understand that treating fungal nails requires time, patience, and…

As a podiatrist, my primary goal is to help my patients regain their comfort when walking and standing, especially when faced with conditions like plantar fibromas. Plantar fibromas, those firm nodules that can develop on the bottom of the feet, can often lead to discomfort and pain making it crucial to explore effective treatment options. Several…

Toenails are a small yet crucial part of our bodies, serving an aesthetic purpose and playing a role in protecting our toes. However, toenails can sometimes fall off for various reasons, leaving many people puzzled and concerned.  Trauma One of the primary reasons toenails fall off is trauma. Trauma can be the result of various…

Fungal nails, medically termed onychomycosis, are a common and often frustrating condition that can lead to thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. Not all thick yellow nails have a fungal infection. Properly diagnosing fungal nails is crucial for effective treatment.  Fungal nail infections primarily stem from various types of fungi, with the most common culprits being…

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve dysfunction that can affect the nerves outside of the spinal column. Peripheral neuropathy is a very general term for nerve damage or injury with a host of symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by several conditions including diabetes, trauma, vitamin deficiency, alcohol use, shingles (herpes zoster), Lyme…

Ingrown toenails can be a very painful condition, causing discomfort and potential infections if not properly addressed. Sometimes attempting to manage ingrown toenails at home with soaking and topical antibiotic ointment is not enough. Patients who seek care from their PCP are often given an antibiotic, which only temporarily helps the condition. Seeking professional help…

Welcome to Lighthouse Foot and Ankle in Scarborough, Maine! I’m Dr. Michele Kurlanski, and I’m excited to share the many advantages of being a direct care, direct pay podiatrist who doesn’t participate with insurance. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, we prioritize delivering personalized, high-quality care that revolves around your specific needs and goals. Advantages of…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Having diabetes along with heel pain can be challenging to treat. Heel pain, which can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Heel pain in diabetics can stem from various causes, and understanding these factors is crucial for effective management and relief.  Why Do Diabetics Experience Heel Pain? Diabetes can contribute…

Peripheral neuropathy, a common condition among individuals with diabetes and other underlying health issues, can cause discomfort, pain, and tingling in the extremities. Managing this condition is crucial to improving quality of life and maintaining daily activities. While medical intervention is often necessary, there are several home treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help alleviate…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires meticulous care and attention, especially when it comes to foot health. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to foot complications due to reduced blood circulation and nerve damage. One such common foot issue is an ingrown toenail, which can lead to infections and…

Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that affects various aspects of an individual’s health, including the feet. One common issue that people with diabetes often face is a higher susceptibility to fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis. Fungal infections in the nails cannot only be painful and unsightly but can potentially lead to more…

Neuromas, those pesky inflamed nerves causing discomfort and pain in the ball of the feet, can be a real challenge for individuals striving to maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle. While traditional treatments have their merits, the emergence of laser therapy is a promising alternative to surgery and painful injections.  Understanding Neuromas: A Brief Overview…