TOENAIL FUNGUS 101:
The Basics

What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, or Onychomycosis affects over half of Americans by age 70. As we age, the incidence of Onychomycosis increases. One might think that the toenail is a difficult thing to penetrate due to its hard appearance however on a microscopic level it is quite easy to gain access to. Once a fungus gains access to the toenail, either by microtrauma or by moisture it can then spread in the warm moist environment of shoes and socks.

What does a fungal infection look like on my toenails?
If you suffer from a nail fungus infection, you will notice that the nail(s) will become opaque and yellow in color. In addition, you’ll notice a gradual thickening of the nail that can range from slight to extreme. As the infection progresses, the nail will become overall weak and will begin to flake and crumble. In extreme cases, the nail will detach itself from the nail bed and fall off. Fungus can infect the surrounding skin around the nails and between the toes. When the fungus primarily affects the skin around the nails, it’s referred to as athlete’s foot. With athlete’s foot, you’ll notice that the skin will become extremely dry, itchy, and will seem to crack.

What are my treatment options once I am diagnosed with Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus will not go away by itself. Toenail fungus treatments are required to properly cure this often painful ailment. If the toenail fungus is diagnosed early, the treatment can be as simple as applying a good topical preparation to the infected area. Because many people often choose to wait it out instead of seeking treatment right away, the fungus will penetrate the toenail bed. If this happens, a topical prescription alone usually won’t work on the fungus. Instead, more advanced treatments will be needed to eradicate the nail fungus. One such option is an oral antifungal medication. Treating toenail fungus with oral medication can have risks. Oral anti-fungal medications can cause liver damage in some people. Other options include Laser toenail Surgery.

How effective is Laser Toenail Treatment on my toenail fungus?
The Q-Clear Q-Switch™ laser treatment can effectively and efficiently rid you of ugly unsightly toenail infections in as little as one treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. The mid-infrared laser wavelength penetrates the nail and the nail bed, eliminating the destructive nasty infection thus allowing your own body to revitalize your own nail naturally as it grows out clean clear and healthy.

How can I avoid getting a toenail fungus?
Because it is difficult to treat or eradicate toenail fungus, it is a good idea to try to prevent it. It helps to wear protective shoes or sandals in pool areas, public showers, and gyms, and to avoid borrowing someone else’s shoes or sharing socks or towels with someone who has a toenail fungus. Wash your feet regularly, and dry them thoroughly when they get wet. Wearing nail polish on the toes is not advised because it can seal in fungus and allow it to grow. Keep toenails trimmed, and be sure to disinfect any pedicure tools before using them.

Also, it can’t hurt by treating all environmental surfaces in your home with an effective disinfectant to prevent the fungus from developing in the first place. Also, since fungus thrives best in a warm and damp environment, if your feet perspire excessively, you may need to treat them with an effective antiperspirant as well as change your socks or hose once a day. It also would be a good idea to use an antifungal shoe spray on your shoes and socks as well.

If you do develop toenail fungus, see your Podiatrist.

At the Hartford Podiatry Group, we have been treating patients for over 25 years. Give us a call or click on the link below to learn more!

Hartford Podiatry Group

860.523.8026

What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body and the joint fluid (hyperuricemia). The build-up of uric acid commonly happens when the body does not process certain proteins well in our body, which occur naturally in our diets, called purines (PURE-EENS). The actual accumulation of uric acid results when the body does not eliminate uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or when the body produces too much uric acid. It is a hereditary tendency to accumulate uric acid. This hereditary tendency may skip an individual or a generation and reappear in the children of someone without any signs of gout. Gout is most commonly seen in males between the ages of 50 and 60, although there are occurrences in females and in younger males.

What are the symptoms of Gout?
The onset of gout is heralded by a sudden onset of pain in one or more joints, commonly in the joint of the big toe of the foot. Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint accompany the pain. Often the patient does not remember injuring the joint before the pain begins. Many patients report that they first notice the pain in the middle of the night and relate that even the bed sheets cause pain when they touch the involved joint. Other typical areas of pain are the instep of the foot, the ankle, or the knee. When the foot is affected, it is difficult and painful to wear shoes and to move the joint or stand on the foot.

How is the Gout diagnosed?
Diagnosis of gout is based on personal and family history along with and examination by the doctor that often finds the common symptoms of gout and makes a clear diagnosis. Uric acid levels are often determined by performing blood tests, and uric acid crystals can be found by examining joint fluid. Both bones and joints are examined through x-rays to rule our abnormal changes due to gout.

How is Gout treated?
The first step for treating gout is obtaining a correct diagnosis. An acute attack of gout is most often managed through oral anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter medications may reduce symptoms of gout; however they are rarely effective in treating the acute pain, swelling, and inflammation. When the symptoms of gout occur in the toe, relief is often found by elevating the foot, avoiding standing and walking, and wearing loose slippers until consulting a podiatric physician.

What if I don’t get treatment?
If you don’t get treatment, a gout attack can last for days or even weeks. If you keep having more attacks, more joints will be affected, and the attacks will last longer.
Over time, if left untreated gout attacks can lead to soft tissue swellings of uric acid crystals called tophi in your joints. Tophi usually form on the toes, fingers, hands and elbows. You can also get kidney disease or kidney stones. Over time, the bone around a joint may be destroyed by gout, and may require surgical treatment to repair the joint and treat the arthritis.

What can I do to avoid gout attacks?
Once we have taken care of your current pain, we will likely refer you to your primary care physician. He or she may prescribe medicines to prevent future gout attacks. These medicines can wash the uric acid from your joints, reduce swelling and keep uric acid crystals from forming. It is important that your doctor determines whether your body is either producing too much uric acid or not eliminating it properly. This is important in order to determine the effective medication to treat the gout.

Can I lower my risk for developing an acute Gout attack?
Foods high in purines can elevate uric acid levels and cause an acute attack of gout. Such foods include red meats, shellfish, beer, red wine, and salt. Certain medications such as diuretics (water pills); often prescribed to control high blood pressure or reduce swelling may be responsible for acute attacks of gout. Gout may also be caused by stress, infection, and trauma. The chance of an attack of gout can be reduced or the severity of an attack can be lessened by consuming 6-8 glasses of water daily, eating an appropriate diet, and evaluating current medications. Regular visits to a podiatric physician will also reduce the chances of an attack if you have a personal of family history of gout.

At the Hartford Podiatry Group, we offer the latest technology to our patients.  Patients suffering from foot and ankle pain will benefit from a custom orthotic.  Common causes of foot and ankle pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, ankle sprains, ankle instability, neuroma and hallux limitus. Custom orthotics correct the patient's faulty foot mechanics, decrease pain and increase stability.  In addition, a custom orthotic can offload and protect pressure areas of the foot to slow down the progress of a callous or prevent an ulceration in patients with Diabetes.                           
 

The Footmaxx system is a computerized gait and pressure analysis tool.  We can analyze the steps a patient takes and create an orthotic specific to their needs.

If you are an athlete or your feet tend to sweat and smell, we have a solution.  Footmaxx offers the Performaxx orthotic.  This device has a unique top cover which contains active particles that increase blood flow and oxygen, infused silver ions which capture and kill odor, and a dry-release which evaporates sweat quickly.

If you or someone you know would like more information on the Footmaxx system and custom orthotics, please call us at the Hartford Podiatry Group.

Call today for an appointment or click here to schedule a consultation.

Telephone: 860.523.8026

Welcome to the Blog of The Hartford Podiatry Group

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a podiatrist in the Connecticut area, we're excited you are here. With the podiatry industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote podiatric awareness as a vital part of your healthy, active lifestyle.Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including the latest developments in podiatry, podiatric treatments and helpful foot care advice from Drs. Rutstein and Kosofsky and their staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure the long-term health of your feet.
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

-- The The Hartford Podiatry Group Team