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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…

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…

We’ve been asked many times what makes our Neurogenx treatments for neuropathy so effective. Although we have other neuropathy treatment options, Neurogenx not only manages the symptoms of neuropathy, but it can even reverse the nerve damage and restore nerve function! Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about Neurogenx: What is neuropathy?…

There are many types of diseases and conditions that, when developed, put you at risk of then developing other related issues. For example, when you have a disease like diabetes, you’re at a higher risk for developing other conditions like nerve disease and gout. As a disease, gout is a type of arthritis that arises…

It’s common for people to not always consider a problem before it personally affects them. One foot issue, in particular, that isn’t often considered until it’s already a problem is foot fungus. The same type of fungus that affects your feet can easily spread to and affect your toenails! When a toenail is impacted by…

Here’s something you might find a bit mindblowing: the way you lace your shoes can impact your experience wearing them. If you’re like most of us, you go to the shoe store, buy a pair of shoes that are advertised to accommodate your brand of foot problems, tighten up their laces, and you’re on your…

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…

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…

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. When it strikes the feet, arthritis can significantly impact mobility and overall quality of life. However, with the right strategies and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with arthritis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain comfort and mobility…

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…

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…

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…

Your custom-fitted orthotics are an important part of your foot health, not to mention your leg, hip, and even your back health! Your orthotics are designed to last for many years, and they will if you take good care of them. Custom-fitted orthotics are designed to support and comfort your feet, and only your feet!…

In the medical field, second opinions are not only helpful, but they’re often strongly encouraged when your diagnosis proves to be a complex case. When it comes to plantar fasciitis, a decent amount of sufferers find permanent relief from merely resting or using custom orthotics. While this is fantastic news, these methods alone simply aren’t…

Do you have arthritis or diabetes? As you might know, patients diagnosed with conditions like arthritis or diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gout. Gout is a form of arthritis in which high levels of uric acid accumulate in your bloodstream. When uric acid builds up in your blood, it can cause crystals…

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have hammertoes? Probably not, but imagine what it feels like to squeeze your feet into a pair of shoes that are too small around the toes. The joints and bones of your toes get cramped up against the box of your shoe, an uncomfortable experience that can…

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…

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…

As a podiatrist, I often find that many foot problems can be prevented or alleviated with proper toenail care. Trimming your toenails may seem like a simple task, but doing it incorrectly can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to ensure you’re trimming your toenails…

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…

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…

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…

Warm weather brings special challenges to your child’s feet. Children are more active in the summer with many outdoor activities and are often tempted to run around barefoot or in minimally-supportive footwear like flip-flops. It’s up to us as parents to ensure that a child’s feet are healthy and pain-free so they can avoid injuries…

Every year on March 27th, folks around the world celebrate National Celebrate Exchange Day. It’s a national day that started in honor of the anniversary of when the first exchange club was created in the early 1900s. It originated in Detroit, Michigan as a club for local townsmen to gather and share resources, information, and…

When you step into any podiatry office, you will likely see or hear something about orthotics. There are so many different types and providers for orthotics, it can be hard to choose and easy to feel overwhelmed. While orthotics can be an investment in your personal health and wellbeing, the cost can be discouraging and…

Are you thinking about taking the next step when it comes to taking care of your feet and ankles? When foot pain and various other foot issues have troubled you longer than you can stand, it’s time to talk to a trusted podiatrist about your options. For almost everyone with foot and ankle problems, orthotics are the way to…

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…

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…

As a podiatrist, I often emphasize the importance of paying attention to the health of your feet, including the appearance of your toenails. Surprisingly, toenails can serve as a window into your overall health, reflecting underlying conditions that may require attention. Let’s explore how the appearance of your toenails can offer valuable insights into your…

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…

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….

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?…

If you have ever had an attack of gout, you would definitely know it! Gout is a form of arthritis that flares up suddenly, often in the big toe. You will experience pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joint. The pain is so intense that even the weight of a sheet at night is unbearable….

Maybe you’re thinking about finally scheduling an appointment at Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center to see one of our wonderful podiatrists. In an effort to get ready for that consultation, we urge you to focus on your feet during the days leading up to that appointment. What’s going on with your feet? Where does it…

To wrap up National Diabetes Awareness Month, all of us here at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center want to take an opportunity to talk about something very dear to us… warm, comfortable socks! Winter is coming and it’s more important than ever for diabetic people to pay close attention to the needs of their feet and ankles….

Thinking about getting another pedicure soon? Going for a pedicure can be such an amazing and relaxing experience. Not only do you walk out with pretty, pampered toes, but your legs and feet have been buffed and massaged. If you’re lucky, your back may have been massaged too if they have those special chairs! There…

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 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,…

Vacations are meant to be enjoyable and relaxing experiences, but dealing with heel pain can put a damper on your plans. Whether you’re exploring new destinations, hitting the beach, or embarking on an adventure, addressing heel pain before your vacation can ensure you make the most of your time away. Here’s how you can treat…

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…

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…

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…

Out of the 30 million Americans with diabetes, one-fourth of them are not yet diagnosed and don’t know that they have this disease. Are you one of them? These numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are disturbing because they indicate that millions of Americans already have diabetes, but their symptoms are…

Each year on March 13th, folks around the world celebrate National Good Samaritan’s Day. This can be done simply by extending a helping hand to a neighbor in need or even signing up for a monthly shift volunteering at your local homeless shelter. Getting involved in your community is a great way to feel more…

Diabetes is front and center when it comes to health and wellness in the news. Did you know that diabetes affects nearly 10% of the adult population in the U.S.? Studies have shown that approximately 34% of U.S. citizens were or are currently at risk of developing diabetes. People who are already diagnosed with diabetes…

Have you recently been diagnosed with a foot or ankle condition that, if it worsens enough, may require a referral for surgical intervention to correct it? Among these include diabetic ulcers, hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and much more. Many of these conditions can be made worse if lifestyle and physical changes aren’t made to improve your condition….

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…

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…

We treat infected ingrown toenails daily. After undergoing a partial toenail avulsion procedure, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails. We love seeing our patients but prefer for you to not have to undergo the procedure multiple times. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent a recurrent ingrown toenail…

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…