Changes in the appearance of toenails often develop slowly and may be easy to ignore at first. A fungal infection can begin when organisms enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Warm, moist environments, tight shoes, nail injuries, and reduced circulation increase risk. Common signs include thickening, discoloration that appears yellow, white, or brown, crumbling edges, and nails that lift from the nail bed. Some people also notice odor or discomfort when wearing shoes. Treatment depends on severity and nail involvement. Options include prescription topical medication, oral therapy, or advanced treatments designed to target infection within the nail. Because nails grow slowly, improvement takes time and consistency. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other nail conditions, and recommend an effective plan to restore healthier nail growth and reduce the chance of spread to other nails or skin.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing falls in the workplace begins with proper safety practices that protect your entire body, including your feet and ankles. Personal protective equipment such as non-slip footwear provides essential traction on slick or uneven surfaces. Fall arrest systems offer added protection when working at heights, while well maintained ladders help reduce the risk of sudden slips. Safe lifting techniques also play a key role by keeping your body aligned and reducing strain on the lower limbs. Despite precautions, foot and ankle injuries can still occur. A podiatrist can evaluate workplace-related injuries, provide treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics to prevent future issues. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and additional fall prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones across the front of the foot, and it can happen from a sudden injury, twisting the foot, or repetitive stress that gradually weakens the bone. Because these bones help support body weight with each step, even a minor fracture can lead to swelling, bruising, sharp discomfort while walking, or difficulty bearing weight. Some fractures appear suddenly, while others develop slowly in active individuals as a dull ache that becomes harder to ignore. Prompt evaluation is important because each fracture pattern requires a specific approach, ranging from rest and supportive footwear to immobilization or more advanced treatment. Delaying care may affect healing and prolong pain. If you have ongoing pain in the forefoot after an injury or repeated activity, it is suggested tat you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that encourages safe, steady healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated impact and overuse rather than a sudden injury. Runners may continue training without realizing an injury is present because symptoms often begin gradually. Common signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness that develops during activity and improves with rest. One key warning sign is an isolated spot of pain that can be pinpointed with a finger and feels sharp or aching with pressure. Continuing to run can worsen the injury and prolong healing. A podiatrist can perform a detailed examination, order appropriate imaging, and confirm whether a stress fracture is present. They can also guide footwear choices and a safe return to running plan. If foot pain persists or becomes more focused, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.