Items filtered by date: February 2025

Laser treatment is a non-invasive option for addressing toenail fungus. This procedure uses concentrated light energy to target fungal infections beneath the toenail. It penetrates the nail and reaches the nail bed where the fungus resides. The heat generated by the laser toenail treatment disrupts fungal cells, preventing further growth and reducing infection. Some laser systems vaporize infected tissue, while others sterilize the area to prevent recurrence. Most patients require multiple sessions over several months to see improvements, as toenails grow slowly and healthy regrowth takes time. While laser toenail treatment is generally safe, some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary changes in the treated nail. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your fungal toenail infection, determine if laser therapy is appropriate, and monitor progress. Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy does not typically cause systemic side effects, making it a preferred option for some patients. If you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fitting shoes correctly is essential for comfort and foot health. Shoes should fit snugly around the heel and midfoot without causing pressure or rubbing. The toe box should offer enough room for the toes to move freely without feeling cramped. While trying on shoes, it is important to ensure that the toes do not touch the end of the shoe, as this can cause discomfort and may gradually lead to foot problems. Ideally, there should be about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the shoe’s front. The concept of breaking in shoes is real but limited. While new shoes may feel stiff at first, they should not cause persistent pain. If shoes are excessively tight, they are likely too small. It is important to try shoes on later in the day when the feet are slightly swollen to ensure they will remain comfortable throughout daily activities. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and guide you on specifics for proper shoe fitting.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation. SLE can affect anyone but is most common in women aged 15 to 45, particularly those of african, asian, or hispanic descent. Although its exact cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors play significant roles. SLE often impacts the feet, causing joint pain, swelling, and deformities due to inflammation in small joints and soft tissues. This can make walking or standing difficult and increase the risk of foot ulcers. Custom orthotics provide relief by supporting the arches, improving alignment, and reducing pressure on inflamed areas. If you have SLE, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess your feet, prescribe orthotics, and recommend additional treatments such as  targeted exercises or footwear modifications.

The benefits of custom orthotics are far-reaching and can make a significant impact on your daily life. Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance your performance, a healthcare worker on your feet every day, someone who experiences chronic foot pain, or someone who wants to improve their overall comfort and well-being, custom orthotics can be a game changer. 

Custom orthotics provide support, stability, and relief for a variety of foot conditions ranging from flat feet to heel pain. They can even help prevent injuries and address more severe foot concerns, such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot issues. 

Contact One of our podiatrists at Battle Creek Foot & Ankle to create tailored orthotics for you and enjoy a higher quality of life, reduced pain, and increased mobility. With the right orthotics, you can continue doing the things you love, whether it’s running, dancing, or simply walking comfortably without discomfort. 

If you are suffering from foot discomfort or have concerns about your foot health, do not hesitate to contact One of our podiatrists at Battle Creek Foot & Ankle to explore the benefits of orthotics for you. Your feet are the foundation of your body and investing in their well-being can lead to a happier, healthier, and more active lifestyle. Your feet will thank you!

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot, sometimes called foot drop, occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the front part of the foot become weakened or paralyzed, making it difficult to walk without dragging the toes. Drop foot often leads to changes in gait, such as lifting the knee higher to avoid tripping. Causes of drop foot include nerve damage in the leg or spine, diabetes, or strokes. Symptoms may also involve numbness in the foot, loss of sensation, or a noticeable limp. Treatment by a podiatrist focuses on improving mobility and preventing further complications. Ankle-foot orthoses, or AFOs, can stabilize the foot and ankle, keeping the foot in a neutral position to reduce the risk of falls. Functional electrical stimulation may also be used to activate the muscles, improving walking patterns. A podiatrist can assess the underlying cause of drop foot and provide solutions to improve mobility and function. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain affects many people due to the intricate structure of the foot and the stress it endures during daily activities. Bunions, caused by bone misalignment, can lead to discomfort and changes in foot shape. Deformities like claw toes and hammertoes, often linked to tight shoes or imbalanced muscles, can result in painful corns or calluses. Arthritis in the toes and ankles may cause stiffness and reduced mobility, with age and weight being contributing factors. Fractures from injuries, such as falls or missteps, and sprains from ligament damage can also be significant sources of pain. Conditions like athlete's foot, fungal infections, and nerve issues such as peripheral neuropathy, which causes tingling or burning sensations are other potential concerns. A podiatrist can evaluate any of these conditions and offer treatment ranging from orthotics for support to surgery, in more severe cases. If you have foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our podiatrists from Battle Creek Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Battle Creek, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.