Items filtered by date: March 2024

Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to target and eliminate toenail fungus. It is a promising alternative to traditional medications or topical treatments. During this procedure, a podiatrist uses a specialized laser to pass light through the toenail without damaging the nail or surrounding skin. The laser specifically targets the fungus, heating and killing the fungal cells to stop them from growing further. Patients can expect the session to last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of toes affected. Most report feeling a warming sensation or slight discomfort during the treatment, but it's generally well-tolerated and doesn't require anesthesia. One of the key benefits of laser therapy is that it has minimal risks of side effects. While some individuals may see improvement after a single session, others might need multiple treatments to get rid of the fungus. Recovery time is minimal, though it may take several months for the nail to grow back out and reveal the full results of the treatment. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is appropriate 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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Broken feet encompass various fractures, including metatarsal, calcaneus, and toe fractures, each requiring specific treatments and healing approaches. They can be complete or partial fractures. Without proper treatment, complications like chronic pain, deformity, and impaired mobility may arise. Initial treatment often involves immobilization through casting, bracing, or splinting to facilitate proper bone alignment and healing. Depending on the severity, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign bones and stabilize fractures. Bone healing progresses through stages, beginning with inflammation, followed by the formation of soft callus and eventual remodeling into mature bone tissue. Podiatrists play a significant role in managing a broken foot by providing accurate diagnosis, customized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring throughout the healing process. If you have sustained a foot fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper intervention, and to minimize complications.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Bunions manifest primarily as the big toe angling towards the other toes, causing a bony protrusion on the inner edge of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, callused skin, and foot shape changes. Treatment aims to alleviate discomfort and may involve painkillers, orthotics, or surgery for severe cases. Untreated bunions can worsen and lead to complications like arthritis or toe misalignment. Bunions are more prevalent in women, possibly due to footwear choices like high heels. Other causes of bunions include genetics, arthritis, and ill-fitting shoes. Prevention involves wearing properly fitting shoes with ample toe room, and avoiding tight or high-heeled footwear. Surgery is often the only solution for severe cases but may not guarantee complete recovery. If you have a bunion that causes you pain, it is suggested that you make appointments with a podiatrist for regular monitoring and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Pain at the back of a dancer’s ankle can happen for various reasons, ranging from overuse to specific injuries. Achilles tendonitis, a common condition among dancers, results from repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Another possible cause is posterior impingement syndrome, often seen in dancers who frequently point their toes, causing compression and irritation at the back of the ankle joint. Additionally, Haglund's deformity, characterized by a bony prominence at the back of the heel, can exacerbate discomfort, especially when wearing tight-fitting shoes. If you are a dancer and are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.