From Dr. Kurlanski’s Desk

Heel pain in children commonly known as Sever’s disease, is a painful condition affecting the growth plate in the heel bone of children and adolescents. It occurs during periods of rapid growth and high levels of physical activity. Traditional treatments for Sever’s disease have focused on rest, anti-inflammatories, stretching, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. However,…

In the realm of healthcare, navigating insurance policies can be a daunting and often frustrating task. As a podiatrist who operates under a direct care/direct pay model and does not accept insurance, including Medicare, I often encounter patients who are curious about the advantages of this approach. Despite having Medicare or other insurance coverage, there…

Fungal toenail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, are a common yet notoriously stubborn condition. Despite being prevalent, treating fungal toenails is often a challenging and prolonged process. As a podiatrist, I encounter many patients frustrated by the persistent nature of this infection. In this blog post, I will explain why fungal toenail infections are so…

Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are a persistent and often frustrating condition affecting many people. As a podiatrist, I frequently encounter patients eager to find effective treatments to restore the health and appearance of their nails. In this blog post, I will explore the effectiveness of various fungal nail treatments, discuss their pros and cons,…

Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, swelling, and sometimes infection. As a podiatrist, it is one of the most common conditions that I treat. Understanding the procedure for treating ingrown toenails can help alleviate anxiety and ensure proper care. In…

Navigating the complexities of healthcare billing can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the intricacies of Medicare and direct care practices. As a direct care podiatrist who has opted out of Medicare, I often receive questions about why I can’t submit a superbill to Medicare for reimbursement. In this blog post, I will…

When it comes to foot health, choosing the right support can make all the difference. Orthotics, devices worn inside shoes to correct foot issues, come in two main types: custom molded and over-the-counter. Each has its place, but custom-molded orthotics often provide superior benefits. Read more to find out why custom orthotics might be the…

Understanding Heel Pain If you’ve ever experienced sharp heel pain when taking your first steps in the morning, you may be dealing with a common condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel…

Imagine your body is like a car engine, and sometimes parts of the engine get worn out or damaged, causing pain and making it hard for the engine to run smoothly. Laser therapy is like shining a focused energy beam of light on those damaged parts to help them heal faster. How Laser Therapy Works…

Understanding Plantar Heel Pain While plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, it is not the only condition that can lead to discomfort in this area. As a functional medicine podiatrist, it’s essential to consider a holistic view of the patient’s health to identify other potential causes of plantar heel…

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 2 soccer practices a day!  Overtraining can cause injury such as heel pain in kids. As adults, we tend to get plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain,…

Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the joints.  While it can affect various joints in the body, the feet are particularly susceptible, leading to discomfort and mobility issues.  What is Pseudogout? Pseudogout is similar to gout but…

Plantar fibromas are benign fibrous nodules that form in the arch of the foot, specifically within the plantar fascia. While these nodules are non-cancerous, they can cause discomfort and pain, especially when walking or standing for prolonged periods. Traditional treatments have ranged from orthotic devices and physical therapy to invasive surgical procedures. However, a less…

Warts, although often considered a minor skin issue, can be a source of significant discomfort and embarrassment, particularly when they occur on the feet. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts can appear anywhere on the body, but plantar warts (those on the soles of the feet) are especially problematic due to the pressure and…

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors, but it can sometimes come with its own set of challenges. One of the more unsettling issues that runners may encounter is losing a toenail or two. While it might seem alarming, it’s actually a common problem in the running community. Let’s delve…

Toenail issues are common and can range from minor annoyances to serious health concerns. While some toenail problems can be treated at home, others require professional attention. Knowing when to see a podiatrist can prevent complications and ensure your feet stay healthy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it’s time to…

Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, can be particularly bothersome when it affects the feet. This condition, known as plantar hyperhidrosis, can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and a range of secondary issues such as infections, warts, or unpleasant odors. If you find yourself constantly dealing with sweaty feet, it’s important to understand the causes…

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it can be quite debilitating if left untreated. The condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes. Thankfully, there are several effective…

Fungal toenail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are notoriously stubborn and can be difficult to treat. While prescription treatments are available and often effective, there are cases where fungal toenails do not respond as expected despite our best efforts. As a podiatrist, I frequently see patients frustrated by the persistence of their infection even after…

Most of us don’t think about our feet until they hurt, but did you know your feet can offer important clues about your overall health? From skin and nail changes to pain and swelling, your feet can reveal underlying health issues before other symptoms become noticeable. Paying attention to these signs can help you catch…

Plantar fibromas, also known as plantar fibromatosis or Ledderhose disease, are benign (non-cancerous) nodules that form in the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. These fibromas can be very painful, especially when walking or standing for extended periods. Though surgical removal of plantar fibromas is a common treatment, it has a high recurrence…

As a podiatrist, I often talk about the importance of caring for your feet. But did you know that one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your feet (and your entire body) healthy is through regular walking? Walking isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s one…

Fungal toenail infections, or onychomycosis, are a common but often overlooked condition. Many people delay seeking treatment until the infection has progressed, causing significant changes to the nails.  However, waiting too long can make the infection harder to treat and increase the risk of complications. As a podiatrist, I often emphasize that there is an…

An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries, and proper rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and preventing future issues. This 6-week rehab outline incorporates advanced laser treatment at our office, along with rest, ice, compression, exercises, and orthotics to ensure a complete recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury. Week 1: Initial Recovery…

Winter sports enthusiasts understand the importance of performance and comfort on the ice and slopes. Whether you’re an ice skater, skate skier, or downhill skier, your feet bear a tremendous amount of stress and impact in your boots. This is where custom-molded orthotics play a crucial role. Designed to provide personalized support, custom orthotics can…

Ingrown toenails and pincer nails can be a source of ongoing discomfort and frustration for many individuals. The condition, which occurs when the sides of the nail grow into the surrounding skin or when the nail becomes severely curved, can lead to pain, swelling, and even infection. Traditional treatments often involve invasive procedures that can…

When the weather gets colder, choosing the right socks becomes essential for keeping your feet warm, dry, and healthy. With so many options available, knowing what to look for can help you make the best choice. This blog post will guide you through selecting socks with the right materials, the importance of proper fit, and…

As temperatures drop, many people experience the discomfort of cold feet. While chilly toes may seem like a normal winter annoyance, persistent cold feet could signal an underlying issue that requires attention.  Common Causes of Cold Feet Raynaud’s PhenomenonRaynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold temperatures…

Heel pain is a common complaint, but not all heel pain originates in the foot. For some individuals, the root cause lies in the lower back, particularly when conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis are present. These issues can compress nerves that travel down the leg, resulting in referred pain to the heel. On…

Laser treatment for fungal nails is an effective solution to combat onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). However, achieving the best results requires more than just the laser itself. Our goal with treatment is to target the fungus in three critical areas: the nails, the skin, and the environment. Addressing all three helps prevent reinfection and supports…