A toenail that begins to change in color, thickness, or texture may be a sign of infection. What often starts at the edge of the nail can spread across the surface, leading to yellow or white discoloration, brittle texture, and even complete crumbling of the nail plate. In more advanced cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed, which can cause swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity surrounding the toe. These changes occur more commonly in the feet because toes are often confined in warm, damp environments inside shoes, especially when worn for long periods of time.  Walking barefoot in public places, like locker rooms, or wearing flip-flops in moist conditions can also increase risk. A podiatrist can carefully examine the affected nail, and identify the cause. Treatment of fungal toenails include trimming away damaged nail tissue, or, if necessary, performing outpatient surgery to remove the infected portion. If you notice changes to your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Ankle pain while walking can be caused by several conditions, including gout, osteoarthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness. Osteoarthritis results from the gradual wear and tear of cartilage, causing stiffness, aching, and decreased mobility in the ankle joint. Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage, often due to diabetes or other medical conditions, and can cause burning, tingling, or numbness in the ankle and foot. The pain may feel sharp, throbbing, or burning and can worsen with activity. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis through a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging or nerve studies. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle modifications, orthotics, o,r in some cases, surgery. To address ankle pain effectively and improve mobility, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a frequent concern, and one common cause is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Causes may include overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or repetitive strain from sports. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, flat feet, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with movement. A podiatrist can diagnose the Achilles tendonitis, provide treatment such as targeted stretching exercises or orthotics, and help prevent further injury. If you are struggling with heel pain or suspect you have Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe occurs when one of the toe bones fractures due to trauma, stubbing, or dropping a heavy object on it. Causes include sports injuries, accidents, or repetitive stress. Risk factors are osteoporosis, poor footwear, and high impact activities. Symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Taping can help stabilize the toe if the break is minor, determined by evaluating pain, alignment, and mobility. The process involves gently wrapping the injured toe to its neighbor for support while avoiding circulation issues. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment, which may or may not include buddy taping. If you suspect you have broken your pinky toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the injury and offer the best treatment solution, preventing long-term complications.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen ankles and feet can result from a variety of causes that should not be ignored. Cardiovascular concerns, such as poor circulation or heart disease, may lead to fluid buildup. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute. Additionally, certain medications like those for blood pressure or diabetes may trigger swelling, while lymphatic issues can cause fluid to collect in the tissues. Infections in the feet or ankles can create localized swelling along with pain and redness. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, age, and chronic medical conditions. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, provide treatment, and recommend preventive care. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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