Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, begins as a small white or yellow spot under the nail. As the fungus spreads, the nail can thicken, become discolored, and develop a brittle or crumbly texture. Without treatment, the fungus can worsen, leading to overgrowth, making it difficult to trim nails, and causing discomfort when walking. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. Signs that toenail fungus is getting worse include increased nail thickening, spreading discoloration, foul odor, and pain. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding skin, causing more severe issues like cellulitis. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break. The ankle is made up of three main bones, the tibia or shinbone, the fibula which is the outer bone of the lower leg, and the talus or foot bone. These fractures can happen due to various causes, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms of a broken ankle often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In some cases, you may even hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to ensure proper healing and to avoid long-term complications. If you suspect you have a broken ankle, it is important to seek medical attention. It is suggested you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist to get the care you need to get back on your feet.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Neuropathic ulcers are serious foot wounds often associated with conditions like diabetes. They develop as the result of nerve damage, which can reduce sensation and lead to injuries going unnoticed. Common symptoms of foot ulcers include localized redness, swelling, and a foul odor. The ulcer itself may appear as an open sore, often located on pressure points like the heel or ball of the foot. Treatment is important to prevent complications, such as infections or amputations. Initial steps include keeping the ulcer clean and dry, often using saline solutions for cleansing. Debridement, or removal of dead tissue, may be necessary to promote healing. Offloading the affected area by using specialized footwear or orthotic devices helps alleviate pressure and facilitates recovery. If you suspect you have a neuropathic foot ulcer, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This specialist can provide expert care tailored to your needs and help ensure a successful recovery.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that can develop on the heel due to excessive stress, injury, or conditions like plantar fasciitis. These spurs typically form where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, causing localized pain and discomfort. Symptoms of heel bone spurs include sharp or aching pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Swelling and inflammation surrounding the heel may also be present. Relief often involves a combination of approaches to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. This can include wearing supportive footwear, using custom orthotics, and resting the affected area. Stretching exercises may also be beneficial. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery might be necessary. To address heel pain and explore effective treatments, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide tailored care for your condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Proper toenail care is key for preventing painful conditions like ingrown toenails. Trimming your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges or cutting them too short, helps prevent the nail from growing into the surrounding skin. This simple step is effective in avoiding ingrown toenails, which can be worsened by wearing shoes that are too narrow or short, causing your big toe to rub against the shoe. Initially, an ingrown toenail might not cause any symptoms, but over time, it can become painful, red, and swollen, and may even become infected with pus forming under the nail. To avoid these complications and ensure effective treatment, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. Early intervention can simplify the treatment process and alleviate discomfort more efficiently. If you are experiencing signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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