Blog

Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center is excited to be the first podiatry practice in Maine, giving patients direct care for foot and ankle pain without insurance regulations. Patients can make an appointment without a referral from their doctor or insurance company. Our wait time for a new patient appointment is much less, and same-day appointments…

Have you noticed dark red to purple, painful skin patches on one or more of your toes? You may have a condition called Chilblains. Typically, these skin patches develop after exposure to damp cold but not freezing air. In normal circumstances, blood vessels dilate when warm and constrict when cold. Chilblains occur with repeated cold…

After your cancer treatment, do you find that your feet burn and tingle, or worse, they are numb? Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a widespread experience following cancer treatment. About 30 to 40 percent of the patients treated with chemotherapy develop symptoms such as numbness, burning, tingling, cold intolerance, problems with balance, and instability. Neuropathy…

Neglecting and mistreating our feet cause most of the foot problems we experience, so being aware of and addressing issues that could result in foot discomfort are critical. Shoes are one of the few articles of clothing that impact our health. Paying special attention to what shoes you wear at any age will prevent problems…

Now that travel restrictions have been lifted more and more people on going on a much-needed vacation. Most of us have been sedentary during the pandemic. If you are not prepared, foot pain may keep you from having fun on your dream vacation. Consider training for your getaway to avoid tendonitis or heel pain. Tips…

Shockwave therapy, also known as Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a fast and gentle non-surgical method derived from lithotripsy, a technique used to disintegrate kidney stones without the use of invasive surgery.  The Enplus shockwave device delivers pneumatically generated high-pressure shockwaves that travel through the skin.  Inflamed soft tissue and bone calcifications that receive these…

Did you know that up to 80% of men wear the wrong size shoe, and 90% of American women admit to owning at least one or two pairs of shoes that fit poorly, but they still wear them because they are so stylish?   As part of our new patient visit, we examine patients’ shoes as well as…

Sometimes the smallest thing can be so painful! Seed corns feel like a rock embedded in the bottom of your foot. The 2-3-millimeter lesions are cone-shaped plugs of keratin on the ball of the foot and are especially painful barefoot. You are walking on the point of the cone which is why they hurt so…

When it comes to improving health, it’s easy to look past your toenails. However, an ingrown toenail can not only be painful- but it can also pose a risk of infection. Ingrown toenails develop for a couple of different reasons. They may be caused by shoes that are too tight, an inherent foot structure, or…

Are you aware that back, ankle, hip, and knee pains may be originating from your feet? Feet provide support for your entire body and the poor posture generated by the effects of foot issues can result in a lifetime of discomfort. Overpronation occurs when your ankles are no longer in balance. Pronation is not always…

Pain in the ball of the foot may be due to “pre-dislocation syndrome”, inflammation of the joint under the second toe on the bottom of the foot. This pain may be confused with a neuroma, inflammation of a nerve between the toes. The injury can happen suddenly or over a long period of time. Certain…

Over the last 30 days we asked 5 diabetic patients to participate in a case study using Podoexpert with urea.  Podoexpert is a nourishing foam cream for cracked and dry skin.  It works by repairing and hydrating the protective skin layer on your feet and ankles. Patients used the foam twice daily. We took pictures at the first…

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

Dr. Kurlanski has a product for almost every foot and ankle conditions. These are our favorites.    Podoexpert Foam with Urea  Podoexpert nourishing foam cream with urea for cracked and dry skin. It works by repairing and hydrating the protective skin layer on your feet and ankles. It also works great for diabetic patients. Check out our study on Podoexpert coming soon with before and after photos.  Dancer…

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It combines parts of badminton, tennis, and table tennis to create an easy-to-learn game that can be picked up by anyone. Pickleball is popular not only in the US but also worldwide. The average age of a pickleball player is about 40, meaning that anyone and…

Ultimate Frisbee is incredibly fun to play but like many other sports, there is some risk for injury. There is a lot of running, jumping and quick changes in direction during play.  Players generally wear cleats and play on a grass surface. Ultimate Frisbee was created at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ in 1968….

What is Kinesio Tape? During the pandemic working from home has allowed us to exercise more.  Increased activity or doing a new activity like running, walking on the beach or hiking can cause new aches and pains like heel pain or Achilles tendonitis.  One way to treat these overuse injuries is with Kinesio Tape.  Professional…

Cortisone injections can be a quick and effective way to treat tendonitis or plantar fasciitis but it is not without its drawbacks.  Steroid injections alleviate pain and inflammation in the short term but can soften cartilage in joints and rupture tendons with repeat injections.   It rarely fixes the underlying condition and should not be used…

Are you taking Aleve or Motrin for your chronic heel pain so that you can just get through your day?  Are you worried about what it is doing to your stomach and kidneys?  We have options like shockwave to help you stop taking NSAIDs.  Ibuprofen is great for acute pain, but when pain is there longer than 2-3 weeks it is…

A little more than half the patients we see come to the office with pain in the ball of the foot from a neuroma, heel pain, ankle pain, arthritis, and tendonitis. Laser therapy in conjunction with taping, shoe recommendations, stretching, and orthotics works fantastic for these conditions. But how does it work? Laser therapy works…

It is 8 pm on Sunday night and you have finally had it with your heel pain that has been plaguing you for the last 3 months. Your first instinct is to Google your symptoms and find out how to fix your pain. You start seeing pop-up ads for inserts and read all the reviews….

As a lifestyle medicine podiatrist, I firmly believe that foot health is a reflection of our overall well-being. Our feet carry us through life, yet they are often neglected until problems arise. By adopting foundational lifestyle habits, we can support not just our feet, but our entire body’s health. Here’s how you can optimize your…

As a lifestyle medicine podiatrist, I firmly believe that foot health is a reflection of our overall well-being. Our feet carry us through life, yet they are often neglected until problems arise. By adopting foundational lifestyle habits, we can support not just our feet, but our entire body’s health. Here’s how you can optimize your…

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…

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other chronic foot conditions can be frustrating to manage, especially when they persist despite traditional treatments. One of the most effective non-invasive therapies available today is Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT), a form of shockwave therapy that promotes healing, reduces pain, and enhances mobility. If you’re struggling with foot pain, RPT…

A pet is more than just a companion—it’s a source of joy, routine, and even exercise. Whether you’re walking your dog through the neighborhood or playing with your cat at home, staying active is essential for both you and your furry friend. However, foot pain, joint discomfort, or balance issues can make pet care more…

If you’ve stubbed, dropped something on, or otherwise injured your toe, you may be wondering if it’s broken. Instead of spending hours in a crowded emergency room and facing a high bill, you can get a same-day appointment at Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center in Scarborough, Maine. We provide on-site X-rays, expert diagnosis, and a…

If you’ve been dealing with Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, you know how frustrating these conditions can be. The pain is often worse in the morning, making those first few steps out of bed feel like walking on broken glass. One of the most effective, yet underutilized, treatments for these conditions is the posterior night…

Athletes place far more stress on their feet than the average person. Running, cutting, and jumping generate forces up to five times the body’s weight, making proper foot support crucial. Generic, mass-produced inserts can provide some cushion but fail to address biomechanical imbalances, improper arch support, or impact absorption—factors that contribute to ongoing foot pain…

Good circulation in your feet is essential for maintaining healthy tissues, preventing discomfort, and reducing the risk of complications, particularly if you have conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. If you’ve been noticing cold feet, numbness, or a tingling sensation, it might be time to give your circulation a boost. Here are seven effective…

Fractures, or broken bones, are common injuries that occur when a bone is subjected to forces beyond its capacity to withstand. When it comes to foot injuries, it’s especially important to rule out a fracture early and ensure proper treatment. Here’s a closer look at how fractures heal, the timeline for recovery, and why consulting…

Hammer toes are a common yet frustrating foot condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes. If you have been struggling with this condition, you may have heard about a minimally invasive procedure called percutaneous tenotomy. This innovative technique offers a quick and effective solution for correcting flexible hammer toes, often…

Winter is here, and while the season brings cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and beautiful snowfalls, it also brings challenges for our skin. The cold air, indoor heating, and reduced humidity can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and irritated. As a podiatrist, I know how important it is to maintain healthy skin, especially for your…

Understanding Plantar Fibromas: Identification and Management Plantar fibromas are non-cancerous growths that develop along the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot. While these fibromas are generally benign, they can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. Let’s explore what plantar fibromas are, how to identify them, and…

Bone health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, especially for women, who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis as they age. Osteoporosis, characterized by weak and brittle bones, can lead to fractures and reduced quality of life. Fortunately, there are steps women can take to optimize bone health and prevent this condition….

Understanding Fibrokeratomas on Toenails: Identification and Treatment Fibrokeratomas are rare, flesh-colored benign growths that can develop on or around the toenails. Though often mistaken for warts due to their appearance, fibrokeratomas are entirely non-cancerous and require a different approach to treatment. This blog post will help you identify fibrokeratomas and explore effective treatment options. What…

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet a prime target due to the conditions inside shoes and socks. Let’s explore how fungus lives on the skin and nails, how it damages the nails by digesting keratin,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…