Choose Painless Laser Therapy From
Frisco Foot & Ankle Specialists

You no longer need to feel embarrassed to wear open-toe shoes and sandals – or just go barefoot – because of toenail fungus or discoloration.
Frisco Foot & Ankle Specialists is the area’s leader in restoring nails back to health, providing a natural and luminous appearance.

The Remy Class IV laser therapy is one of the most safe and effective ways to treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis)!
Laser therapy penetrates the nail bed and kills the fungus living underneath the nail – without pain and without any harmful side effects.

When the colony of fungus under the nail is “attacked” by the laser, the elements that make it grow and thrive are destroyed. This allows your nail bed to begin growing new, healthy nail.  Nails that won’t give you feelings of discomfort or embarrassment!

Laser therapy is a quick and easy treatment allowing patients to relax during the procedure.

SCHEDULE A LASER CONSULTATION.

 

 

 

 

What is Onychomycosis?

Fungal foot infections.  They can create major discomfort and even embarrassment.  They are also EXTREMELY COMMON; affecting millions of people each year.

Additionally, fungus is easily spread.  Individuals with fungus may have contracted it through shared bathroom space, public locker rooms, showers, and pools, shared clothing or shoes, even carpeting.

For some, fungus is simply genetic.  When this is the case, treatment can become even more difficult given the likelihood of reoccurrence.

One of the most prevalent types of fungal foot infections directly affects your toenails.  This type of condition is known as onychomycosis.

You may have onychomycosis if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• yellow or other discoloration of your toenails
• thickened or brittle toenails
• an unpleasant odor coming from the nail area
• pain

It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort and embarrassment due to the unsightly appearance and these symptoms of onychomycosis.

Fungal nail affects nearly 10% of the US population.

While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems incuding:

• infection of other toenails
• infecting friends and family
• increased pain
• ingrown toenails

Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.

For more information visit FRISCO FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS.

 

What are Tailor’s bunions?

A Tailor’s bunion (also commonly called a bunionette) refers to a prominent bone on the outside of the foot by the little toe.  This bone is called the fifth metatarsal.  A Tailor’s bunion can be asymptomatic.  However, sometimes larger tailor’s bunions can be painful in shoe gear and with activity.  There may also be an associated callus that forms from pressure which may cause pain.

What causes Tailor’s bunions?

• Genetics
• Foot structure (flat footed, placing more pressure on the outside of the foot)
• Wearing too narrow shoes/high heels
• Tight calf musculature

What are treatment options for Tailor’s bunions?

Conservative treatment includes:

• Change in shoes (wearing more supportive, wider shoes)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications)
• Orthotics with modifications to offload the area of pain as well as put the foot in better alignment
• Injection therapy is an option to calm down inflammation

If conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is an option.  During surgery the bone is cut and realigned in better position to reduce the bony prominence.  There are few different surgical techniques to correcting a Tailor’s bunion.  This is typically dependent on xrays, foot structure, and activity levels.

In The Colony. Little Elm, Plano, and Frisco, we treat patients with Tailor’s bunions with an individualized and compassionate care plan.   Click here to schedule an appointment with one of the podiatrists at Frisco Star Foot & Ankle Specialists!

If you suffer from tight Achilles tendons or plantar fasciitis, stretching the Achilles tendon is super important.  Below are some exercises that can help prevent injury and reduce symptoms.

Wall Stretch

1. Start by standing in front of a wall. Stand a couple of feet from the wall.
2. Lean forwards toward the wall and place the palms of your hands on the wall.
3. Take a step backwards with the leg you want to stretch. Keep this leg straight without any bed at the knee.  Make sure the heel is touching the ground
4. Lean forward into the wall and bend the other leg.
5. You should feel the stretch in the back of your calf on the straight leg. Adjust by moving closer or further to the wall if necessary until you feel the stretch.

 

 

 

Calf Stretch with Towel or Exercise Band

1. Start in a seated position with the knee straight.
2. Hook a towel or exercise band around your foot. Hold the towel or exercise band in each hand.
3. Pull the towel or exercise band so that the ankle and foot stretch towards you.
4. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times.
5. Perform 3 times a day.

Stair Stretch

1. Stand with the balls of both feet on the edge of a stair (or curb or step). Hold on to the railings or something sturdy nearby for balance.
2. Keep your legs straight (a small bend in the knee is okay too if necessary), push up onto the toes, and then slowly lower your feet to let the heels hang down off the stair. You should feel stretching in the back of the calf and Achilles.
3. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times.
4. Perform 3 times a day.

 

 

Plantar fascia Stretch

1. For this stretch you can use a tennis ball or a frozen water bottle. If you use a frozen water bottle, make sure to wear socks and not to apply directly to skin.
2. Roll the tennis ball or frozen water bottle back and forth under the foot from the heel to the arch.
3. Roll the tennis ball or frozen water bottle back and forth for 3-5 minutes.
4. Perform 2-3 times a day.

If you are located near Frisco, Plano, or Little Elm and are suffering from tight Achilles tendons or plantar fasciitis, click HERE to schedule an appointment with Dr. Heredia or Dr. Zellers at Star Foot & Ankle Specialists.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts that are placed into a shoe to help alleviate foot, leg, and back pain.  Orthotics can be prefabricated or custom made.  Prefabricated orthotics are purchased over the counter often at sporting good stores, running stores, or even pharmacies.  Although they may be made for certain foot structures or to help alleviate pain for certain conditions, they are not customized to the patient’s foot.  Custom orthotics are available in the podiatrist’s office and are made from a scan or a cast mold to specifically fit a patient’s foot and address the patient’s symptoms.  Custom orthotics can be created with certain features to help relieve a patient’s symptoms.

Why would I need custom orthotics?

Orthotics may be needed for a variety of reasons.  For some, orthotics can offload areas of pressure or sores spots.  For others, orthotics can help correct any malalignment or control abnormal motion.

Here is a list of some conditions that orthotics can help treat:

• Arthritis
• Limb length discrepancy
• Back/hip pain
• Flat feet
• High arched feet
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Bunions
• Neuromas
• Plantar fasciitis
• Hammertoes
• Chronic ankle sprains

 

What are they types of custom orthotics?

• Functional orthotics: These are the most common type of orthotics that we make for patients. They tend to a be a little more rigid to provide more support and correction.
• Dress orthotics: Not everyone can wear gym shoes all day. Dress/work shoes can be very fatiguing to the feet.  Dress inserts are made specifically to fit dress shoes (even heels) and provide comfort.
• Accomodative orthotics: These orthotics are made of a softer material. They are typically made for people with diabetes or severe deformities/arthritis.  These orthotics are created to reduce pressure to the feet to help prevent ulcerations.
• Sport orthotics: Orthotics can be made to help control motion and alignment in certain shoe gear such as cleats and golf shoes.

If you would like to know more or be casted for a pair of custom orthotics click HERE to make an appointment with our podiatrists at Star Foot & Ankle Specialists in Frisco.

What is Gout?

Gout is an arthritic condition in which we have an excess amount of uric acid in our body.  When we have large amounts of uric acid, the uric acid can form crystals that deposit typically in joint spaces but can also occur in tendons.  When this occurs, the affected area may become very painful.

What causes Gout?

When we have an excessive amount of uric acid in our body this means either our body (kidney) is not getting rid of the uric acid efficiently or not breaking it down effectively.  Uric acid is a byproduct from the breakdown of purines.  Here are some reasons/contributing factors as to why we develop gout:

• Hereditary
• Some medications such as certain diuretics and low dose aspirin
• Diet in heavy in food and beverages containing purines (alcohol, red meat, shellfish, organ meat)
• Surgery

Of note, gout is more common in men.  People with high blood pressure, obesity, kidney disease, and diabetes may be more prone to developing gout.

What are the symptoms of Gout?

• Severe pain usually localized to one joint (most commonly we see this in the great toe)
• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth at the affected joint
• Often gout attacks begin when sleeping, and patient wakes up with severe pain. We often hear even bedsheets touching the foot cause pain.
• If gout is chronic, there is a possibility for the development of a soft tissue mass. These are called tophi and are large deposits of crystals.

How to diagnose Gout?

Gout is typically suspected clinically when we have a patient that presents to the clinic with a red, hot, swollen foot that is in severe pain with no history of recent injury.  We may order a blood test to check your uric acid levels.  We will also take xrays to ensure no damage to the affected joint.  We may also attempt to draw fluid out from the joint using a needle to send to a lab for analysis.

How to treat a Gout attack?

• NSAIDs, especially stronger ones such as indomethacin
• Colchicine is another oral treatment option
• Oral steroids can help ease symptoms
• Depending on the severity, a cortisone injection into the joint is an option
• Avoiding alcohol, red meat, shellfish
• There are also medications that help reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks
• If a large tophi develops, there is a chance for the need for surgery.

How to prevent Gout?

• Limit consumption of red meat, organ meats (liver for example), alcohol, and shellfish
• If you have recurrent gout attacks speak with your primary or podiatrist for prevention medication
• Stay hydrated

If you have symptoms consistent with gout or a history of gout and have concerns, please click HERE to schedule an appointment at Star Foot & Ankle Specialists.