January 2023

One of the treatments that are available for toenail fungus is laser therapy. Research has shown this form of treatment has a high cure rate and is generally safe. Some patients may need to have consistent treatments for maximum effectiveness. This form of treatment works by using blasts of energy that produce heat. It is directed into the affected nail and the heat will target the fungus. This is an effective method in limiting the growth of the fungus and will ultimately destroy it. Patients who are considering laser treatment will meet with a podiatrist who will clip a part of the toenail to be properly examined. This is followed by cleaning existing dead skin surrounding the nails and trimming them. Once the foot is cleaned with a sterile solution, the laser will be directed over the affected nails. Complete healing can take up to 12 months as the new toenail grows free of fungus. If you are interested in having laser treatment to cure your toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best course of treatment 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 Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical name for the foot condition known as Sever’s disease is called calcaneal apophysitis. It can be a common ailment among physically active children and young teenagers, and it affects the growth plate in the heel. It happens because of changes that occur where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. This tendon is located in the lower half of the calf and overuse of the heel may cause pain while the cartilage changes to bone. Symptoms that often accompany this condition can include heel pain during physical activity and there may be a tendency to limp or tiptoe. Treatment often begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition and limiting the amount of weight that is put on the foot. It may be beneficial to perform specific stretches that can strengthen the entire foot and this can help accelerate the recovery time. If you notice your child is limping, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose Sever's disease and offer the correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

There are a variety of reasons your feet may hurt while walking. If any of the several small bones in the feet become injured or misaligned, or the cushioning around them deteriorates, pain can be significant. Some of the more common foot maladies that can affect feet when walking are plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and turf toe. Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain in the heel or bottom of the foot which is worse first thing in the morning. Metatarsalgia causes a sharp, aching pain in the ball of the foot just behind the toes and may also cause numbness or tingling in the toes. It can feel like there is an object, like a pebble in the shoe. Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe. Pain is worse when the toe is hyperextended, as it often is in a push-off position. It causes pain and stiffness in the toe, and perhaps swelling and bruising. Since there are other conditions that mimic these ailments, it is important to see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. This type of doctor can help with all foot and ankle-related pain.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

A blister on the foot can cause discomfort, despite its small size. It is defined as a bubble that is filled with liquid, forming directly over the portion of skin that has become damaged. It is the body’s natural defense in protecting the new skin as it grows, and it will gradually drain when it is no longer needed. Larger blisters may need to be drained, and this is done by puncturing the edge of the blister with a needle that has been sterilized with alcohol. It is suggested to people who are diabetic to refrain from doing this, which may help to prevent an infection from developing. Open blisters require an application of petroleum jelly, followed by covering them with a bandage. It is beneficial to remove the bandage at night, which may help to accelerate the healing process. Blisters on the feet occur from excessive friction and may be common among people who frequently run or jog. A podiatrist is specialized in guiding patients to learn specifically what causes blisters on the feet, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can provide you with preventive methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Every time you press your foot down on the accelerator of the car, nine muscles in your ankle, foot, and leg are used to accomplish this task. Additionally, very time you stand on tiptoe to reach something on a high shelf, you need these same muscles to help you to accomplish that. Dancers and many athletes, such as basketball and soccer players, depend on plantar flexion to extend their feet. This action is called flexing the muscles, and an injury to any of the muscles involved can make it painful and difficult to extend the foot. Ankle sprains and fractures are the main conditions that inhibit plantar flexion. When the ankle bones and muscles are injured, the result is swelling that reduces the range of motion. Three actions can help to prevent these types of injuries. First, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, and avoiding high heels which do not support the ankle. Secondly, perform exercises that strengthen those muscles in the legs, ankles, and feet which support plantar flexion. And lastly, consult a podiatrist who can provide you with tips on how to preserve ankle strength and support. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.