From Dr. Kurlanski’s Desk
Welcome to my personal blog page, where I share advice, insights, and practical tips to help you move better, feel stronger, and live fully—straight from my experience as a foot and ankle specialist and functional medicine doctor.
Stay Ahead of Foot Fungus with Hypochlorous Acid Spray: Why Lighthouse Daily Defense Spray Belongs in Every Foot Care Routine
I developed Lighthouse Daily Defense HOCl Spray because I wanted a medical-grade, science-backed solution that was gentle enough for daily use yet powerful enough to support true foot and skin health. Our version is a stable, purified hypochlorous acid solution that mimics the body’s natural immune response—safe, fragrance-free, and suitable even for sensitive skin.
How Laser Therapy Helps Foot and Ankle Pain: What to Expect and Who It Helps
Foot and ankle pain can be life-changing. Whether it’s a new injury or something you’ve been living with for years, persistent pain makes exercise, work, and even daily errands more difficult than they should be. At Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center, we use Class IV Remy laser therapy as part of our treatment approach because it helps patients heal faster, reduces inflammation, and gets them back to activity with less pain.
The Best Supplements for Joint & Foot Health in Winter
Winter is one of the toughest seasons on your feet and joints. Cold temperatures can worsen inflammation, stiffen tendons, and amplify the aches of arthritis—especially in the feet, ankles, and midfoot. Many of my patients assume they simply need to “wait it out,” but winter is actually the perfect time to support your joints from the inside out.
How to Stay Active When You Have Arthritis in Your Feet
Living with arthritis in your feet can feel discouraging. Stiffness in the morning, aching after activity, and that constant “crunchy” feeling in the joints can make you wonder if staying active is even possible.
Don’t Let Fungus Linger This Winter: Nail and Skin Care Tips
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we take a comprehensive approach to treating and preventing fungal nail and skin infections. Winter is actually the ideal time to address these issues, since you can treat them quietly and effectively while your feet are covered. By spring, your nails and skin will be healthy, clear, and ready for sandal season.
Heel Pain in Runners: Prevention and Recovery
Running is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise—but it’s also one of the most demanding on your feet. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, heel pain is one of the top complaints we see in runners, whether they’re training for a marathon or just getting back into fitness after a break.
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Foot Pain
Many people shrug off foot pain as something that will “just go away.” But the reality is, foot pain is rarely random—it’s your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Ignoring that signal doesn’t just prolong discomfort; it can lead to long-term problems that are more complex, more expensive, and harder to fix.
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Heel Spurs: What’s the Difference?
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Two terms often come up in conversation—plantar fasciitis and heel spurs—and they’re frequently used interchangeably. But while the two conditions are related, they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting the right treatment and lasting relief.
Direct Care 101: How Paying Directly Can Save You Time, Stress, and Money
Between insurance approvals, billing departments, copays, and waiting weeks to see a specialist, it can start to feel like you spend more time managing your care than receiving it. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we believe there’s a better way. It’s called Direct Care.
You Can Still Wear Nail Polish During Fungal Nail Treatment — Here’s How
If you’re treating fungal toenails, you might think nail polish is off-limits until your nails completely grow out. The good news? You can still enjoy polished nails — as long as you do it safely and strategically.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we understand that healthy nails and beautiful nails can go hand in hand. Here’s how to balance both.
Common Pickleball Injuries — and How to Avoid Them
Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular sports across all age groups — and for good reason. It’s fun, social, and great exercise. But as the sport’s popularity has grown, so has the number of pickleball-related foot and ankle injuries we’re seeing in the office.
Is High Cortisol the Reason Your Plantar Wart Won’t Go Away?
You’ve tried it all—over-the-counter acids, freezing, and even advanced in-office treatments. Yet that stubborn plantar wart is still there, mocking you every time you look at your foot.
Heel Pain in Kids: Why Soccer Players Often Get It (and How to Fix It)
Heel pain in kids is common—especially in active young athletes—and one of the top causes is a condition called Sever’s disease. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we see this condition all the time during soccer season.
How Onyfix Can Help Repair Nail Trauma—and Support Fungal Nail Treatment
Toenails are more than cosmetic. They protect the tips of our toes, and when they’re injured or infected, they can cause pain, pressure, and embarrassment. Fortunately, advances in podiatry now give us innovative tools to help damaged nails grow back healthier. One of the most promising is Onyfix®, a non-invasive nail correction system.
Peptides and the Role They Play in Treating Foot Pain
As a podiatrist, I’m always searching for therapies that not only relieve pain but also address the underlying cause of injury. Over the past few years, peptides have gained attention in both regenerative medicine and sports medicine for their ability to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
The Most Elegant Molecule in Skincare:
I’m about to tell you why I’m completely obsessed with hypochlorous acid, one of the simplest, most powerful, and safest molecules in all of medicine and skin care. It sounds fancy. It’s not. In fact, hypochlorous acid is a molecule your body already makes—every single day—to fight off infection.
Back on the Court: Healing Pickleball Injuries Faster
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.—and here in Maine, it’s easy to see why. It’s social, fun, and accessible for all ages. But with its quick pivots, sudden stops, and repetitive movements, pickleball also comes with a unique set of injuries. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we’re seeing more and more players walk through our doors with pain that keeps them sidelined.
Protecting Diabetic Feet: How Hypochlorous Acid Spray Can Help Prevent Infections and Ulcers
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we work closely with patients to prevent complications before they begin. One simple tool we often recommend is incorporating hypochlorous acid spray into your daily foot care routine.
Why Won’t My Heel Pain Go Away?
If your heel pain has persisted for more than 6 months, or if it flares up with even mild activity, you may be dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis—a more advanced and stubborn condition that often needs more than basic treatment.
Are Your Joints “Too Flexible”?
Have you ever been told you’re “double-jointed” or super flexible? While that might sound like a party trick, too much flexibility—especially in your feet and ankles—can actually lead to instability, pain, and injury over time. This condition is called hypermobility, and for many patients, it’s a hidden cause behind chronic tendonitis, ankle sprains, and even flat feet. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to be hypermobile, how it affects your lower limbs, and what a podiatrist can do to help.
Step Into the Future: How We 3D Print Custom Orthotics Right in Our Office
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we’ve completely changed that experience by 3D printing your custom orthotics in-house.
Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Heel Pain and Ankle Arthritis
If you’ve been battling chronic heel pain or ankle arthritis and feel like you’ve already tried everything—stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, injections—it may be time to consider regenerative medicine.
7 Things Dr. Kurlanski Wishes All Her Patients Would Do
As a lifestyle-focused podiatrist, my goal is not just to treat foot problems but to help my patients build habits that prevent them in the first place. Here are seven things I wish all my patients would do to support their feet and their bodies.
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough & Advanced Treatment Options
If you’ve been struggling with heel pain for months or even years, you’re not alone. Chronic plantar fasciitis is one of the most frustrating foot conditions—often lingering despite stretching, orthotics, and home remedies. While most cases of plantar fasciitis improve within a few months, some patients develop persistent, stubborn pain that just won’t go away. If you’ve tried everything and are still dealing with heel pain, it’s time to consider advanced treatment options that go beyond the basics.
Is It Time for New Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are an investment in your comfort, mobility, and foot health—but they don’t last forever. Whether you’ve been wearing your orthotics faithfully every day or pulling them out seasonally for long walks and workouts, it’s important to recognize when it’s time for a replacement.
What Makes Our Laser Therapy Different (and Why It’s Worth It)
You’ve tried ice, rest, inserts… and the pain keeps coming back. Laser therapy could be your next best step. If you’ve been dealing with nagging foot pain, heel pain, or even nerve pain like burning or tingling in your toes, chances are you’ve tried the usual treatments—new shoes, stretching, cortisone shots, maybe even rest or…
What Goes Into Making Custom Orthotics? (It’s More Than You Think)
Why your lifestyle, preferences, and past experiences matter just as much as your foot shape. Custom orthotics aren’t just shaped to your feet—they’re shaped to your life. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we take time to understand you before we ever start building your orthotics. Why? Because two people can have the same foot…
How Do I Stop the Fungus from Coming Back?
Why Daily Use of HOCl Spray is Your Best Defense! You finally cleared up that fungal infection. Your nails are looking better. The itch is gone. Everything seems fine—until it comes back. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here’s the truth: getting a fungal infection is a lot like catching a cold. Just because…
Dr. K’s Favorite Foot Care Truths (Straight From the Exam Room)
Honest advice, a little humor, and what to expect when you’re under my care. One of the best parts of being a direct care podiatrist is the time I get to spend actually talking with my patients—no insurance checkboxes, just real conversations. Over the years, I’ve found myself repeating certain phrases that sum up my…
Move Better, Feel Better: The Overlooked Role of Foot Health in Weight Loss
When we think about weight loss, we often picture nutritionists, personal trainers, and family doctors as part of the team. But did you know that a podiatrist can be a key partner in helping you succeed? As a podiatrist specializing in functional and lifestyle medicine, I work with patients not just to treat foot and…
Home Care for Fungal Toenail Treatment: How to Improve Nail Health & Prevent Reinfection
If you’re undergoing treatment for fungal toenails (onychomycosis), it’s essential to take daily home care measures to support healing and prevent reinfection. While oral medications, prescription topicals, and laser therapy help eliminate the infection, your foot hygiene and environment play a huge role in ensuring successful treatment and long-term prevention. In this post, we’ll cover…
How Lymphedema Affects Your Toenails
If you’re living with lymphedema, you likely already know how it can impact your legs and feet. But did you know it can also affect the health of your toenails? Lymphedema, which causes chronic swelling due to poor lymphatic drainage, can have several negative effects on nail growth and appearance. Here’s what you should know….
Orthotics Plus Therapy: A Powerful Combo
How Custom Orthotics Work with Other Treatments Custom orthotics play a critical role in supporting and correcting foot mechanics. But they are even more effective when used alongside other treatment options. Here’s how they complement different therapies to relieve pain and improve function. Shockwave Therapy and Custom Orthotics Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing in damaged…
Recovering from Plantar Fasciitis: What to Expect
How to Know if Plantar Fasciitis is Healing Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. If you’re dealing with it, you know how stubborn and frustrating recovery can be. One question we hear often is, “How do I know if my plantar fasciitis is improving?” The good news: With the…
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Plantar Fascial Rupture: Understanding the Difference, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic, and often, the culprit is plantar fasciitis. However, a more severe but less common condition—plantar fascial rupture—can also cause significant pain and dysfunction. While both conditions affect the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of…
Early Intervention for Fungal Toenail Infections: Why Acting Fast is Key to Successful Treatment
Fungal toenail infections (onychomycosis) are one of the most common foot conditions, affecting millions of people each year. While it may start as a small white or yellow spot under the nail, if left untreated, it can worsen and become difficult to treat. Many people ignore early signs of a fungal infection, thinking it will…
What To Look for When Back-to-School Shoe Shopping
It still feels like summer here in Cumberland County, but soon those yellow school buses will once again announce another school year. So it’s time to put away the sandals and worn-out sneakers and go back-to-school shoe shopping. Parents, it’s up to you to be firm! Don’t give in to your child begging for the…
Toe Ulcer Treatment – Tenotomy – Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most effective treatments for toe ulcers is a tenotomy. When an individual has neuropathy, or nerve damage, due to diabetes or another problem such as cellulitis, there is a loss of feeling in the extremities, often in the feet. At our practice, we often hear questions from our patients as to what…
Eat More Fruits and Veggies for Foot Health
We all know that we should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day, but sometimes this seems like a tall task. September is a great time here in Maine to talk about healthy fruits and vegetables. First of all, it’s Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month when healthy eating, especially with fresh produce…
Consider Your Arch Type When Shoe Shopping
Each time you purchase shoes, it’s a good idea to have your feet professionally measured. Our feet grow as we age, and too narrow or too tight shoes can cause many foot problems such as ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoe and bunions. When you choose shoes, it’s important to consider your arch type too. Our…
Learn How To Prevent Falls During Fall Prevention Month
September is Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month to remind us to boost our nutrition by incorporating these delicious foods in our diet. But September is also a great time for another important health reminder – Fall Prevention Month. Did you know that one out of every four Americans falls each year? An older…
When Should You Call a Podiatrist for Help?
After a foot injury, or if you have had foot, toe or heel pain for a while but you haven’t done anything about it, you may be hesitant to seek the help of a podiatrist. Well, we are here to help! It’s much better to come in for an evaluation by our expert doctors than…
Viola Davis Chooses Comfort for Emmy Award Presentation
Viola Davis, actor, and producer, wowed the audience at the recent Emmy award show when she revealed her trendy platform sneakers while presenting the Best Supporting Actor Award. Davis, who is the first black actress to win the “Triple Crown” of an Academy Award, an Emmy and two Tonys, had changed out of her red…
Are Heel Spurs Related to Plantar Fasciitis?
Heel pain can be sharp and hit you when you first get up in the morning or can be a throbbing discomfort. The pain can be chronic or can flare up with activities like running or walking. A heel spur can be the cause of your heel pain. A heel spur is a calcium deposit…
Do’s and Don’ts for Halloween Foot and Ankle Safety
With Halloween right around the corner, little children are nestled all snug in their beds thinking of candy and jack-o’-lanterns! What are parents thinking of, besides do they have all the costume pieces that their child wanted? Safety on Halloween night. Incredibly, more than 3,800 children are injured in the U.S. on Halloween night. The…
Take Care of an Ingrown Toenail Before It Gets Worse
Switching back to closed-toe shoes when you have been wearing sandals all summer may not be easy, but if you notice toe pain in your new routine, then you may have an ingrown toenail. The cause of an ingrown toenail is when the nail cuts into the tender skin and tissue at its side. By…
Pain in the Ball of Your Foot May Be a Neuroma
If you have pain in the ball of your foot – kind of like when you have a pebble in your shoe, or when you sock is bunched up under your toes – then you may have Morton’s neuroma. This painful condition causes pain, but you won’t notice any lump or other outward sign. Symptoms…
Put a Podiatrist on Your Diabetes Management Team
Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect your whole body – including your feet. It’s important to understand diabetes and its complications, so we are writing a series of blogs to learn more about this disease for National Diabetes Month in November. Individuals with diabetes have too much blood sugar, called glucose, in their…
Diabetes: The Heart Connection
We recently explored how important it is that a podiatrist is on your diabetes management team because of the link between diabetes and serious foot problems. There is a link between diabetes and heart disease too. The theme of this year’s National Diabetes Month in November is “Take Diabetes to Heart” to focus on the…
9 Foot Care Tips for Those with Diabetes
Diabetes can hit your feet pretty hard. When blood flow is reduced due to excess glucose in the bloodstream, the ability of your body to heal any damage in the feet may be impaired. Also, neuropathy or nerve damage can cause diminished sensation in the feet. The result? A small nick, scrape, bruise or puncture…
Protect Your Feet during Winter Sports To Avoid Injury
If the change in weather to colder temperatures has you itching to dig out your skis, skates, and snowshoes, be sure to prepare before heading outside. Preparation is essential for safety when enjoying winter sports. Poorly-fitting equipment or inadequate physical preparation can turn a winter outing into a long recovery period after an injury. Tips…
About Neuropathy: Myth or Reality?
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a very common and damaging complication from diabetes and other diseases and conditions. The affected nerves can cause numbness, pain, burning, and cramping. Neuropathy is especially risky for the feet, as the loss of sensation that often accompanies this condition can make it hard to detect dangerous foot ulcers. If…
Treat Family and Friends to Foot Care Gifts
For December gift-giving or any other time of the year, why not treat a family member or friend to the gift of foot health? Foot care gifts keep on giving as the New Year passes into 2020. Pamper Friends and Family with These Foot Care Gifts Tuck some extravagant foot creams, lotions and scrubs along…
Stop Toenail Fungus in Its Track
Although winter is here in southern Maine, it’s still very possible to catch a toenail fungus. Wearing cold-weather shoes and boots creates the perfect environment for this type of fungus. They love warm, dark,and moist places like the inside of your shoes! Toenail fungus is also very contagious. You can pick it up at public…
Take Good Care of Your Feet: A New Year’s Resolution that You Can Keep
We’ve got a great idea for a New Year’s resolution that is good for you and easy to keep. This year, keep your lowly feet in mind and resolve to take good care of them! Your feet work hard – in fact, if you walk about 7,000 steps each day, that can add up to…
Hammertoes Won’t Get Better on Their Own
A hammertoe is a deformity in one or more of the smaller toes. You may notice that the toe is bending up at the middle joint, making it resemble a hammer. Hammertoes are caused by a ligament and muscle imbalance in the affected toe joint. Wearing shoes that are too short resulting in the toe…
Foot Odor – Can It Be Avoided?
Sweaty, smelly feet don’t just happen in summer. In fact, wearing closed shoes in cold weather creates the perfect environment for foot odor. Our feet have the most sweat glands of any part of our body – 250,000 to be exact! But sweat by itself doesn’t mean a bad odor. Instead, bacteria cause foot odor…
“Open Sesame”: Treating Painful Sesamoiditis
Just think of the great forces at work on your feet when you walk. Nearly one-and-a-half times your body weight impacts the bottom of your feet with each step. The force is greatly increased when running, jogging and jumping. The ball of your foot at the base of the big toe is significantly impacted by…
Preventing Falls for Senior Citizens
If you are a senior citizen, or if one of your family members is elderly, it is vitally important to do everything you can to avoid falls. For seniors, falls are the leading cause of injuries – fatal and non-fatal – and every 11 seconds an elderly person must go to an emergency room after…
Foot Ulcers: Seek Professional Care Right Away
A foot ulcer is a serious injury that requires medical attention right away. Foot ulcers are deep sores or a break in the skin. The danger is that they can easily become infected and worsen. Left untreated, a foot ulcer can affect deeper layers of the skin and even the bone. Foot ulcers are caused…
