Laser treatment is a non-invasive option for addressing toenail fungus. This procedure uses concentrated light energy to target fungal infections beneath the toenail. It penetrates the nail and reaches the nail bed where the fungus resides. The heat generated by the laser toenail treatment disrupts fungal cells, preventing further growth and reducing infection. Some laser systems vaporize infected tissue, while others sterilize the area to prevent recurrence. Most patients require multiple sessions over several months to see improvements, as toenails grow slowly and healthy regrowth takes time. While laser toenail treatment is generally safe, some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary changes in the treated nail. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your fungal toenail infection, determine if laser therapy is appropriate, and monitor progress. Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy does not typically cause systemic side effects, making it a preferred option for some patients. If you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if laser treatment is right 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 one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing irritation and pressure on the nerve. This condition often results from repeated irritation or injury to the foot. The main causes of Morton's neuroma include wearing tight, high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes together, engaging in high-impact activities, and having certain foot abnormalities like flat feet or high arches. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include sharp, burning pain, numbness, or a feeling of something being trapped in the ball of the foot. The pain typically worsens when standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes. In some cases, a tingling sensation or swelling may also occur. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Diabetic neuropathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage the peripheral nerves, particularly in the feet, toes, and ankles. Diabetic neuropathy progresses through three stages. Early stages often involve mild tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the feet. In the moderate stage, these symptoms become more frequent and painful, with possible muscle weakness or loss of coordination. Severe neuropathy leads to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice wounds and injuries and increasing the risk of infections and serious complications. Common symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy include sharp pain, cramping, swelling, frequent infections, and a loss of muscle tone. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to ulcers, deformities, or even limb loss. A podiatrist can assess nerve function, monitor symptoms, and recommend treatment to manage pain, prevent complications, and slow progression. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that severely affects mobility. Treatment options include surgical repair or immobilization. Achilles tendon surgery reattaches the torn ends of the tendon and can be performed as an open procedure, which involves a larger incision, or as a percutaneous procedure. Percutaneous procedures use small punctures in the skin to insert tools for repairing the tendon, offering a less invasive approach that may result in reduced scarring and faster recovery. Surgery is often recommended for younger or more active patients because it lowers the risk of another rupture. Immobilization uses devices like casts, splints, or walking boots to keep the lower leg and ankle stationary while the tendon heals naturally. This method is commonly chosen for older or less active patients due to fewer associated risks. A podiatrist can assess your Achilles tendon injury and determine the best treatment based on the extent of the rupture and your activity level. If you have torn your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.