Plantar warts are common warts that form on the bottom of the foot as a result of the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV. HPV tends to thrive in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, shower floors and swimming pools. The virus transmits through direct contact and is usually picked up through a small opening in the skin. Once the wart forms, it will appear as a circular flat spot with a depressed center, and it may appear yellow or have a black dot in the middle. Plantar warts can also be very painful. Plantar warts that are causing pain or are spreading should be treated by a podiatrist since there is not a way to tell how deep the wart has grown. Based on the condition of the wart, a podiatrist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for the wart.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Onychomycosis, or fungal toenail infection, accounts for about half of all nail infections. Caused by a fungus growing beneath the surface of the toenail, this type of infection can be difficult to treat. In recent years, laser therapy has become an increasingly viable treatment option for fungal toenail infections. Unlike drug therapy with oral antifungal medications, laser treatment is not associated with adverse side effects and drug interactions. Laser therapy also has the potential to lead to faster results than topical treatments, which are applied directly to the surface of the nail. To learn more about laser treatment and see if it is right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . 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 feel free to contact our office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When your feet hurt, it is not easy to to do any form of exercise. However, it is thought that being active can actually help to reduce pain in the long run. If putting weight on your feet for any period of time is simply too painful, taking to the water might help. Exercising in a pool eliminates the pressure on your feet while allowing you to move other parts of the body. Applying ice to the sore areas of your feet is another way to reduce the pain. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, available over the counter, can also help. Devices such as canes, walking sticks, or walkers can absorb some of the weight placed on your feet when you stand or walk. Also, check that your footwear is comfortable, roomy, cushioned and supportive. Another key contributor to foot pain is being overweight, so the combination of a healthier diet and added exercise will likely be beneficial. If your pain increases or becomes unbearable, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, as well as other treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

The Tarsal Tunnel is a narrow tunnel in the ankle, next to the ankle bones, that serves as a pathway for nerves, veins, arteries and tendons. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve in this tunnel gets squeezed or compressed. Like carpal tunnel, both arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space. Common signs of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can include a tingling or burning sensation, numbness, or a shooting pain. While symptoms may be felt in the heel, calf, arch or toes, they are primarily felt in the ankle and the bottom of the foot. Symptoms can come on suddenly but are typically provoked by overuse of the foot, such as standing or walking for extended periods of time.  It is important to seek treatment from a podiatrist for this condition in order to determine the correct diagnosis and prevent permanent nerve damage.  

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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