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Have you noticed your big toenails are discolored and no longer grow to the end of your toes?  You may have disappearing nail disease otherwise known as onycholysis.  Onycholysis is when a person’s nail detaches and separates from the pink nail bed and skin replaces the nail. Although not a serious health condition by itself,…

Sandal season is in full swing and you are probably visiting your favorite nail salon or spa more frequently than during the colder months. This is a great way to pamper yourself, but you don’t want to come home with anything more than perfectly polished nails – for example, a bacterial or fungal infection. Although…

If diabetes is an issue mostly affecting the normal function of the pancreas, either through insulin resistance or the inability to naturally produce insulin in the body, how does diabetes pertain to a podiatrist? Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine, i.e., someone who specializes in the medical care of our feet and ankles. As a…

Did you know that restless leg syndrome is considered to be a podiatric issue? Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an uncomfortable ‘pins and needles’ sensation, also commonly described as ‘pin prick’ or ‘prickling’ sensations, in the muscles of the legs and feet. This uncomfortable sensation is only relieved when the legs are continuously moving…

If you haven’t been to see your podiatrist in a long time, you’re probably out of the loop when it comes to the newest generation of treatment for common podiatry issues. We can help get you all caught up! At Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center, we embrace new advancements in podiatric treatment and technology. When…

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…

As a podiatrist, I’ve seen firsthand the toll that hiking can take on feet when not properly cared for. Whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or a novice explorer, keeping your feet healthy is essential for an enjoyable hiking experience. Here are some of my expert tips to help you prevent common foot problems and maintain…

Falls are a leading cause of injury in the elderly, often resulting in decreased mobility with the potential for serious consequences.  The significance of appropriate footwear for older individuals cannot be overstated, especially concerning falls prevention.  Properly fitting shoes play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of falls among older adults. Here are some recommendations…

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…

If you’re someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis you know just how painful it can be. Getting out of bed or standing up after sitting can be debilitating.   Heel pain, which affects the fibrous connective tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot can make even the most basic daily…

Do you experience pins and needles or sharp shooting pains in your toes or feet? Are the sensations worse at night? Has your balance gotten worse? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy, a nerve problem far away from your spinal cord. Some patients may have more than one condition causing this discomfort. There are several…

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Let’s take inventory: Your feet each have 30 joints, including 3 in each of the toes. Add to that your 3 ankle joints and that is a lot of locations for arthritis to set in. Although there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common kinds are…

When we have a disease like diabetes, we are at risk of developing other conditions and diseases that can stem from diabetes. The most commonly known condition associated with diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy, or the occurrence of neuropathy in a patient with diabetes. Neuropathy happens when our nerves become diseased and dysfunctional, resulting in…

The change of season is here in Maine and wow, is it beautiful! The leaves have gone from green to all shades of autumn, the wind has picked up to a gentle breeze, the humidity has finally left the building and made way for cooler temperatures. If you’re thinking that now is the time to…

Even though plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 out of every 10 people, most of us have no clue that our foot pain might be signalling plantar fasciitis. When a case is mild, it’s easy to think that the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis is simply normal fatigue or due to aging. This couldn’t be…

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…

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…

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread condition, affecting millions worldwide women more than men. While its symptoms often manifest as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, one lesser-known indicator of this condition can be found right at your feet – in your toenails. We delve into the subtle but significant signs that your toenails might be…

Squeaky orthotics are more than just embarrassing—they’re a sign that something isn’t right. Whether you have drugstore inserts or custom orthotics from another provider, this guide will help you eliminate the noise. Have our custom orthotics? These fixes should resolve the issue quickly. Still squeaking? Call us for a free adjustment. Considering custom orthotics? Keep…

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…

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, specifically the area between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by the thickening of the tissue that surrounds one of the nerves leading to the toes, which can result in numbness, tingling, and burning.  If left untreated can result in…

Are you suffering from heel pain in the morning when you get out of bed or after sitting at your desk? Are you not walking your dog because your foot hurts? Every day with heel pain is a lost opportunity to exercise and enjoy your favorite hobbies. Don’t let your neighbor’s painful experience with cortisone…

How many of us consider that it might be possible to get skin cancer on our feet? Not only are our feet vulnerable to dangerous skin cancers caused by cumulative ultraviolet (UV) sun damage. There are other causes of foot skin cancer including: Environmental factors such as car exhaust and other pollutants and chemical burns…

What do you look for in a podiatrist when you want someone who truly stands out? When it comes to treating foot and ankle issues, keeping up to date with the most advanced and effective treatments is key. At Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center, our team proudly offers several innovative treatment methods. Cold Laser Therapy,…

Imagine this: you’re at your regular doctor’s office and your doctor asks you what has been ailing you lately. You say that the bottom of your feet have been hurting you recently but you’re not sure why. Your doctor asks you to describe where, how, and when it is painful. Will you know what to say?…

You’ve seen it everywhere in the news and heard all the rage about the health benefits of a standing desk, but how do you really know if a standing desk is right for you? At Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center you can always expect to find new and innovative medical treatment for your foot and ankle health….

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…

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…

As a podiatrist, I understand the frustration and discomfort that Achilles tendonitis can bring into your life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who enjoys a brisk walk, the pain and stiffness in the back of your heel and ankle can be debilitating. Fortunately, there are several home exercises and stretches you can incorporate…

As a podiatrist, I’ve seen firsthand the intricate ways in which lifestyle choices can influence foot health. Smoking, a habit often associated with detrimental effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health, also casts a shadow over the well-being of our feet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound impact of smoking on your feet and…

Understanding Plantar Fibromas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment 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. Let’s learn about them—what they are, why they happen, and what can be done about them. 1. What are Plantar Fibromas? Plantar…

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are small, noncancerous growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are highly contagious, making them a common problem for many people. While plantar warts can be treated, preventing them in the first place is the best course of…

Short Answer Yes! Topical medications are a fantastic alternative to anti-inflammatories like Aleve and ibuprofen or narcotics like Oxycontin and Percocet for foot and ankle pain. We use topicals to treat arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, and heel pain. A topical can be over the counter like Bio Freeze or a prescription topical with 4-5 different…

Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, occurs when the blood sugar levels are too high, damaging the nerve cells. Often occurring in the feet, neuropathy causes loss of feeling as well as pain and numbness. When a patient with neuropathy loses sensation in the toes, a minor scrape, cut or…

There are few people left in the United States who are unaware of our concerning prevalence of obesity in all age ranges. We’re known for our indulgent and deep-fried foods, as well as our tendency to live more sedentary lifestyles. While this rings true for many, the past few years of research have shown an…

Living with arthritic joints can be hard. To many of those suffering from arthritis, the thought of forcing yourself to be more active can be difficult – not to mention painful. We urge you, however, to consider this: leading studies show that daily exercise not only helps relieve the symptoms associated with arthritis, but it can…

Summer is in full swing and that means we’re nearly halfway through the year! It seems like ages ago, but one of our New Year’s Resolutions was to make a conscious effort to put our best feet forward. We can’t do that without you! If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to establish…

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…

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…

As a passionate runner, you know that finding the perfect pair of running shoes is just as important as logging those miles. To ensure that your investment lasts and continues to support you on your running journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips and best practices to help prolong the lifespan of your beloved…

Living with peripheral neuropathy can present daily challenges, but for many individuals, the struggle intensifies when the sun sets. Why does neuropathy seem to worsen at night, disrupting what should be a restful period? As a podiatrist specializing in treating peripheral neuropathy, let’s explore the reasons behind nighttime discomfort and discover strategies for achieving a…

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. Understanding Psoriasis and its Effects on Toenails Psoriasis is characterized by an overactive immune response…

How Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Biotin Can Keep Your Feet Strong and Healthy Maintaining foot health is important for overall wellness and mobility. Our feet bear the weight of our entire body and are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to take care of them. There are several vitamins…

Heel pain, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis, is one of the most common injuries we see at the office. Plantar fasciitis can interfere with day-to-day activities like walking the dog and put a damper on your long-planned vacation. Patients generally complain of heel pain in the morning after getting out of bed or sitting for…

If you follow shoe trends – or maybe that special lady in your life does – you probably have heard of the new floss heels. A floss heel – named for the dental product because their straps are so wispy – has virtually no supportive structure for the foot, even with a thin ankle strap….

It’s that time of year again! Snow is here and your sneakers just aren’t going to cut it. There’s a common misconception that boots are only for people who work outside, in construction, or in rugged terrain. The truth is, boots are great for everyone, and there’s a good reason why boots are relied on…

Ankle fatigue is no joke. There is no one better suited to understand your struggle with ankle discomfort than a podiatrist like Dr. Michele Kurlanski. When you’ve experienced one or more ankle sprains or injuries, the tendons and joints in your ankle might become weakened over time. This is especially true when your ankle sprain…

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…

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,…

As a podiatrist, one of the most common conditions I encounter in my practice is heel pain. Among the various causes of heel pain, two conditions often confused with each other are plantar fasciitis and plantar fascial tear. While both conditions affect the plantar fascia, they have distinct characteristics and require different approaches to treatment….