Blog

Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the toenails. The infection develops when fungi grow under or within the nail, slowly damaging the nail plate and surrounding tissue. Many people first notice a nail that becomes yellow, white, or brown, and begins to thicken or crumble. While it may seem like only a cosmetic concern, thickened nails can press against shoes and cause pain during daily activities. Nails may become difficult to trim and can trap debris that worsens irritation. The infection may also spread to other nails or nearby skin. Older adults and people with diabetes or circulation problems often experience more severe cases. A podiatrist can confirm the infection and recommend effective treatment options. If you notice thick, discolored, or painful toenails, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, which must absorb force and keep the body balanced with every stride. Each step sends pressure through the heel, arch, and forefoot as the foot strikes the ground and pushes the body forward. The ankle joint bends and stabilizes the leg while muscles and tendons guide movement and protect the joints. The plantar fascia, a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, supports the arch and helps absorb impact. The Achilles tendon, the thick cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, helps lift the heel during push off. During a run, the foot may absorb forces several times greater than body weight. When running leads to ongoing foot or ankle pain, a podiatric evaluation is suggested for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are frequent concerns for basketball players because quick pivots, sharp stops, and repeated jumping place heavy stress on the lower limbs. Sprains are especially troublesome, often occurring when the foot rolls inward or outward and overstretches the supporting ligaments of the ankle. These basketball injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty pushing off the ground. Fractures of the foot or ankle can also occur from forceful landings or repeated impact, sometimes affecting bones such as the fifth metatarsal or the talus. Conditions like Achilles tendon strains or ruptures develop when the tendon is pushed beyond its limit during explosive movements. Shoes that lack adequate support or worn-out athletic shoes can increase the risk of injury, as can wearing flip-flops before or after games. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, order imaging if needed, and provide effective treatment or discuss surgery when necessary. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing sports, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle tendonitis occurs when the strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone become irritated or inflamed. This condition often develops from overuse, sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, or biomechanical imbalance. Patients may notice aching, stiffness, or sharp pain that worsens with movement and improves with rest. The area can appear mildly swollen or warm, and the pain may feel worse in the morning or after prolonged activity. Left untreated, tendonitis can lead to weakness or more serious injury. A podiatrist begins with a detailed examination to identify the specific tendon involved and the underlying cause. Treatment may include activity modification, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory measures, and targeted exercises to restore strength and flexibility. Early care helps prevent long-term damage. If you think you may have foot or ankle tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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 offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.