Toenail infections are a common problem that occurs when a fungus begins to grow under the nail. Upon infection, the toenail can turn yellow, become crumbly, thicken, and separate from the nail bed. Because the fungi that cause these infections thrive in warm and moist environments, there are a few key ways to prevent a fungal nail infection. These methods include ensuring that the feet are properly dried, keeping the toenails short, wearing clean socks, wearing footwear in public pools and showers, not sharing footwear with others, and using an antifungal spray in your shoes. If you still get an infection, there are a variety of treatment options that a podiatrist can provide. A podiatrist can prescribe antifungal medicines, remove the infected nail, or use an antifungal nail polish. If you believe that you have a fungal nail infection, visiting a podiatrist is recommended. 

For more information about treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy occurs when nerves that are in the feet or hands become damaged. Common symptoms of neuropathy include a sense of numbness or tingling, burning or stabbing pain, a loss of balance, and muscle weakness in the feet. Those who are older, have a family history of neuropathy, are malnourished, or have preexisting conditions like diabetes or cancer, are at a higher risk for developing neuropathy. Treatment options for this condition may include a nutritional plan, pain medications, or physical therapy. If you believe that you are afflicted with neuropathy it is important to consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children may be susceptible to incurring a broken foot as a result of their physical activity. There are several types of fractures that can occur. An open fracture is defined as damage that has happened to the tissues and skin near the affected area and may cause a bone infection without immediate treatment. A closed fracture can occur from a fall, and there is minimal injury to the skin. Children generally have softer bones than adults, and a buckle fracture can happen as a result of flexible bones. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically involves having an X-ray taken, treatment can begin. If your child has fallen and has severe foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly seek the care of a podiatrist, who can determine if the foot is broken.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs due to blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to this area. The most common symptoms of PAD are pain, numbness, heaviness, or achiness in the leg muscles, especially when walking or climbing stairs. You may also notice a weak or absent pulse in the legs and feet, slow-healing wounds on the feet, a pale or bluish color to the skin, a lower temperature in one leg than the other, poor nail growth on the affected foot, and poor hair growth on the affected leg. However, it is worth noting that many people who have PAD have no noticeable symptoms. For this reason, it is important to receive regular screenings for PAD from a podiatrist, especially if you have certain risk factors, such as being a smoker, or having diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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