Items filtered by date: January 2021

Monday, 25 January 2021 00:00

Why Are My Toenails Yellow?

Healthy toenails are typically slightly pink in color and do not have any cracks, ridges, or indentations. If you notice that your toenails have become yellow, there could be many reasons behind this change. Normal aging can cause the nails to turn yellow over time. Their thickness and shape may also be different, but this typically does not require any medical treatment. If you are a fan of painting your toenails, especially with very bright or dark colors, your nails may be yellow once the polish is removed. This is not a major cause for concern and typically goes away if you stop painting your toenails for a period of time. The most common cause of yellow toenails is a fungal infection of the nails. Other symptoms of a fungal nail infection include the toenails becoming thickened, brittle, or crumbly. If you believe that you may have a fungal nail infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

For more information about treatment, contact Emil Lavian,DPM of Maven Podiatry. 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 18 January 2021 00:00

Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Many people enjoy running and jogging, and they are aware of the importance of choosing the right running shoe. There are many styles and options available on the market that can make it overwhelming to decide which shoe is right for you.  However, there are basic considerations that can help to make it easier to choose which can be determined by what kind of running you enjoy. Patients who prefer fast running may benefit from wearing a lightweight shoe. Average running on pavements and roads may be accomplished with a normal running shoe. It is also beneficial to have more than one pair of shoes because this may help extend the life of the shoe. If you would like additional information about what style running shoes you should purchase, please consult with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Emil Lavian,DPM from Maven Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

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Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00

Falling Can Injure The Feet

The number of falls that occur in elderly people worldwide increases every year. Research has indicated this may lead to foot injuries that can make it difficult to complete every day activities. Many falls happen in the home, and there are methods that can be implemented that can help to prevent falling. These can include removing worn rugs from the living area, and improving lighting in the household. Additionally, it is helpful to receive annual physical examinations in which existing medications are reviewed. Many patients find it helpful to install grab bars in the toilet and shower area, and falls may be minimized when a bathmat is placed on the shower floor. Please review fall prevention techniques with a podiatrist who can help you to prevent painful foot injuries.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Emil Lavian,DPM from Maven Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Wednesday, 06 January 2021 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Monday, 04 January 2021 00:00

Ingrown Toenails 101

An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail curls and grows into the skin surrounding the nail. Ingrown toenails usually become painful, red and swollen, and if left untreated, they can become infected. Common situations that cause ingrown toenails include wearing tight fitting shoes, improperly cutting the toenails, having sweaty feet, or sustaining a toe injury. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, soaking the feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day is recommended. However, if the ingrown toenail persists, it is important to have it checked by a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection. In severe cases, a podiatrist may need to remove the nail via surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Emil Lavian,DPM of Maven Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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