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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…

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

Plantar warts are one of the most challenging infections to treat as a podiatrist. I often joke that warts are like unwanted house guests that leave when they want to leave. The virus is happy living in the outer layers of your skin undetected by your immune system. If you pick at them, they can…

What is easier during the summer months than throwing on a pair of flip-flops in the morning and then you are good for the day? But wearing these flimsy sandals for too long can result in overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and tendonitis. Wearing flip-flops to protect your feet is smart. At…

There are a handful of foot and ankle conditions that are easier than others to self-diagnose before having a podiatrist professionally diagnose it for you. These conditions are much more visually apparent than others, like bunions or ingrown toenails. For other conditions, however, it can be much more difficult to even notice symptoms, not to…

Are you worried about the cold winter season ahead? You aren’t alone! During the cold winter season, many pre-existing foot and ankle issues can worsen due to the drop in temperature. In addition to this, the weather itself makes foot and ankle injuries all the more common. Out of all the different types of foot and…

Have you been getting outside much this summer? It’s never too late to get started! While hiking has always been a beloved American past time, hiking has recently become more popular across many age groups. Many of our patients at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center are passionate hikers! Many active people experience various aches and pains in…

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…

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, characterized by thickened, discolored, and brittle nails, can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. Laser treatment is a safe and effective option for addressing fungal toenails, offering patients a non-invasive solution with promising results. However, proper post-treatment care is essential to maximize the effectiveness of the procedure and prevent recurrence. Caring for your…

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.  Trauma One of the primary reasons toenails fall off is trauma. Trauma can be the result of various…

Not all heel pain is from plantar fasciitis. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, one of which is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, but it occurs in the ankle. It is a result of compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs…

Are you thinking about going hiking this Fall? You should! Maine has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the world and it shouldn’t be missed. Here are some quick tips to keep your feet healthy and help you on the trail! 1.     Pick the Right Shoes Sandals and flip-flops aren’t going to cut…

At our practice, we see all kinds of foot and ankle problems, ranging from hammertoe, bunions, and tendonitis to heel pain and ingrown toenails. But we never have seen a baby giraffe that needed therapeutic shoes! That’s what happened at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. Little Hasani – Swahili for “handsome” – was born with a…

How can you tell if you need to see a podiatrist? Considering how often we use our feet on a daily basis, the chances that your feet and ankles would benefit from seeing a podiatrist are pretty high. There are so many different kinds of issues that can give us trouble with our lower extremities,…

People diagnosed with diabetes are at a greater risk for heart disease. This means that taking care of your diabetes will also in turn help you take care of your heart. Every November for National Diabetes Awareness month, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) works with its partners to raise awareness for diabetes management and prevention….

Every year, thousands of U.S. citizens are diagnosed with diseases and conditions that negatively impact the health of their feet and ankles. One of those many diseases and conditions is arthritis, affecting nearly 54 million diagnosed adults in the U.S. today. Arthritis is classified as the painful inflammation and stiffness of our joints, causing many well-known…

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…

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,…

As a podiatrist, I understand that the fear of needles may deter some from seeking essential foot care treatments. Treatments like ingrown toenail removal can be very painful without local anesthesia.  Needle phobia, also known as trypanophobia, is a common concern that can affect individuals of all ages. There are strategies to ease needle phobia,…

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. Several…

Running is a great way to stay in shape and improve overall health, but it can also lead to heel pain also known as plantar fasciitis.  If you’re a runner who is experiencing heel pain, you’re not alone. Don’t worry, there are ways to alleviate your heel pain and get you back on track. In…

What is a Direct Care Podiatrist? A direct care podiatrist does not participate with insurance. We have been a direct care podiatry practice since October 2021. We have less administrative burdens allowing us to spend more time with patients. We can address several issues during a visit rather than having the patient come back for…

Guys, admit it – we don’t always take care of our health as we should. After all, with everything that we have going on, we won’t let a little foot pain or skin problem stop us. But many foot problems can worsen quickly if not tackled right away. Not only that, but many of us…

Have you ever found yourself wondering why the tops of your feet or the sides of your ankles look puffy at the end of a long day? This is a normal and common occurrence in anyone who spends at least one-third of the day, or longer, on their feet. There are many reasons why you…

There are many aspects of our lives that change the day we are officially diagnosed with diabetes. Among those many changing aspects of life, our relationship with our shoes is one of the most important parts of transitioning to a diabetic friendly lifestyle. Did you know that the month of November is Diabetes Awareness Month? During this…

Of all the different kinds of ways our feet and ankles can experience aches and pains, some experiences are perceived as more of a concern than others. This is for good reason – however, one of the most prominent aches and pains U.S. citizens experience is heel pain… yet heel pain is often overlooked as…

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…

Heel pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. From plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendonitis, various conditions can cause discomfort in the heel area. As a podiatrist, I use Kinesio tape daily to alleviate heel pain and improve my patients’ overall foot health. In this blog post, I’ll discuss…

Dealing with dry, cracked heels can be both uncomfortable and unsightly. Establishing a consistent skincare regimen is key to promoting healing and preventing further issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to caring for your dry, cracked heels 1. Soak and Exfoliate Start your regimen with a warm foot soak to soften the skin. Add a few…

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…

We all know sudden hot flashes, brain fog, irritability, and poor sleep quality are symptoms of perimenopause and menopause but did you know that declining estrogen levels can also impact your feet?  As a female podiatrist, I appreciate the loss of estrogen for my patients.  Menopause does not directly cause foot pain but does result…

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…