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Infected Ingrown Toenails and Diabetes: A Call for Immediate Attention and Care

Infected Ingrown Toenails and Diabetes: A Call for Immediate Attention and Care

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 potentially serious consequences like amputation if left untreated. Find out why it is critically important to seek prompt treatment for an infected ingrown toenail, especially for those with diabetes.

Home Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy: Finding Comfort in Your Space

Home Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy: Finding Comfort in Your Space

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 symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Soleful Struggles: Managing Heel Pain in Individuals Living with Diabetes

Soleful Struggles: Managing Heel Pain in Individuals Living with Diabetes

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. 

Beyond Insurance: The Freedom and Flexibility of Direct Pay Podiatric Care

Beyond Insurance: The Freedom and Flexibility of Direct Pay Podiatric Care

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.

The BEST Treatment for Infected Ingrown Toenails

The BEST Treatment for Infected Ingrown Toenails

Infections from ingrown toenails can lead to severe pain and complications. Discover the BEST treatment from our podiatrist for quick, pain-free relief.

Unraveling the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy: Recognizing Nerve-related Warning Signs

Unraveling the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy: Recognizing Nerve-related Warning Signs

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 disease, and hepatitis C.  It often manifests with a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and location. 

Diagnosing Fungal Nails. More Than Meets the Eye.

Diagnosing Fungal Nails. More Than Meets the Eye.

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.

Why are my Toenails Falling Off?!?!

Why are my Toenails Falling Off?!?!

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.

Exploring Treatment Options for Plantar Fibromas

Exploring Treatment Options for Plantar Fibromas

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.  There are several conservative therapies that aim to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.

Setting Realistic Goals for Treating Fungal Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting Realistic Goals for Treating Fungal Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

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 a proactive approach. Learn from Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center about the steps involved in achieving clearer nails and the key aspects of setting achievable goals.

Exploring Swift Microwave Therapy: A Breakthrough for Plantar Warts

Exploring Swift Microwave Therapy: A Breakthrough for Plantar Warts

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 effective solution for plantar warts.

Back to School: Evaluating Your Child’s Foot Health for a Strong Start

Back to School: Evaluating Your Child’s Foot Health for a Strong Start

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 and caregivers to reassess the foot health of their loved ones. Learn from Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center about some key points to consider this back-to-school season.

What is That Lump in My Arch?

What is That Lump in My Arch?

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. Learn from Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center about what they are, why they happen, and what can be done about them.

Psoriasis and Toenail Health: How to Prevent and Minimize Nail Damage

Psoriasis and Toenail Health: How to Prevent and Minimize Nail Damage

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.

Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Separating Fact from Fiction about Plantar Warts

Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Separating Fact from Fiction about Plantar Warts

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.

Step-by-Step Guide: Breaking in Your New Custom Molded Orthotics

Step-by-Step Guide: Breaking in Your New Custom Molded Orthotics

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. 

Summer Time Tips for Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: Enjoying the Season Safely

Summer Time Tips for Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: Enjoying the Season Safely

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 safe and comfortable.

Essential Home Hygiene Tips to Prevent Fungal Infections

Essential Home Hygiene Tips to Prevent Fungal Infections

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.