Nail and Skin Problems
We provide highly effective, specialized treatments to address all podiatric nail and skin conditions including fungal toenail infections, painful ingrown toenails, thick nails, corns, calluses, plantar warts, cracked heels, fungal skin infections like Athlete’s foot, and dry skin.
Diabetic Foot Health
People with diabetes are 20 times more likely than the general population to suffer from serious foot problems. While our focus is on prevention through education and ongoing care, if problems do occur we are highly adept, well equipped, and uniquely qualified at
Lala’s Footfix to treat serious complications from diabetes including skin ulcers and peripheral neuropathy.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis) occurs when the nail grows sideways into the toe, and not outward. The result is pain in the side of the toe. The big toe is most commonly affected. It can be caused by any situation that interferes with the proper outward growth of the nail, such as improper trimming of the nail or incorrect footwear.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of an ingrown toenail can be made on the basis of the appearance of the toe. A history is also obtained to determine the cause of the ingrown toenail, and to address any predisposing conditions.
Treatment
In some cases, the edge of the nail can be separated from the side of the toe. Padding is placed between the nail and the toe to encourage growth in the correct direction. Many cases require surgical removal of a portion or sometimes all of the toenail.A special procedure is performed to ensure that the nail does not grow back in the problem part of the nail bed.
Without Treatment
The nail may continue to grow into the side of the toe. This can lead to progressive pain or recurring infection. It is most serious in people with underlying medical problems such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
Athlete’s Foot
More than half the population will at one time or another develop athlete’s foot, a fungal infection on the skin of the feet. It causes itching, burning or scaling of the skin, especially between the toes or on the soles. Also known as tinea pedis, it affects men more than women, and it becomes more common with older age. Excessive moisture and lack of airflow around the feet predispose people to infection with the fungus. To decrease your chances of contracting athlete’s foot, avoid walking barefoot in public locker rooms and showers, and keep feet clean, dry and in shoes that allow the feet to get air.
Diagnosis
Your chiropodist will diagnosis athlete’s foot after conducting a physical examination of your feet. In some cases a skin scraping is obtained to look for fungus under a microscope, or a culture is taken to grow and identify it.
Treatment
Usually an anti-fungal cream or ointment applied to the affected area for 2 to 4 weeks will resolve the problem. Depending on the severity of the case, the medication will be available by prescription or over-the-counter. In certain cases, oral medications will be prescribed.
Without Treatment
Although uncommon, athlete’s foot can lead to cellulitis, a more serious bacterial skin infection of the foot that can spread up the leg.
Bunions
A bunion occurs when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes enlarged, sore an d swollen. Your big toe may start to angle toward your second toe, or move underneath it. Women are most affected by bunions, which are often caused by wearing narrow, tight shoes, or high heels. A bunionette occurs on the other side of the foot, near your small toe, and is much smaller than a bunion.
Diagnosis
A chiropodist can usually diagnose a bunion during a physical exam. An X-ray may provide further information about the joint, the angle of the toe, and if arthritis or gout are concerns to further investigate.
Treatment
Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe-box at the first signs of a bunion appearing can decrease its growth and reduce any further complications. Resting the foot, using anti-inflammatory medications and icing the area may help. In some cases a cortisone shot at the base of the big toe may help. In cases when the bunion is causing severe pain, surgery may be performed to remove the bony bump and to realign the toe.
Without Treatment
Ignoring a bunion will lead to increased pain and the chance of contracting bursitis, when the small fluid-filled sac next to the joint becomes inflamed. Depending on how severe your bunion is, your foot can become deformed and continue to cause chronic pain.
Calluses and Corns
A callus, or tyloma, on the foot is caused from repeated pressure and friction, leading to the build up of thickened skin. The callus, which be may hard, dry or cracked, acts to protect the area underneath it. A corn is similar to a callus but is smaller and appears on toes rather than on the sole of the foot.
Diagnosis
A callus or corn is typically diagnosed upon examination.
Treatment
Your chiropodist will remove corns and calluses at routine foot care visits. To help prevent the corns and calluses from forming in the first place, your chiropodist will look to identify whether there are any structural foot problems or biomechanical issues creating pressure points and treat them using proper footwear, padding and offloading, and sometimes with custom orthotics.
Without Treatment
While treatment for calluses and corns is not always necessary, it may provide you with more comfort. Larger calluses can cause significant pain. In some patients, especially when they become cracked, calluses can lead to wounds that can lead to serious problems, especially in people with diabetes. Calluses and corns can also be signs of other structural or biomechanical foot health issues.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are also known as fissures. They are, as their name implies, cracks in the skin that form when the heel becomes excessively dry and callused. They are common during the low-humidity winter months in cold climates. They can also be caused by long-term wearing of open shoes and sandals.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made upon examination by your chiropodist.
Treatment
Your chiropodist will remove the dry, cracked area down to healthier skin. He or she will usually prescribe a high-strength moisturizer, a home regimen, and regular follow up. Footwear advice will be provided as appropriate, depending on the cause of the condition.
Without Treatment
Cracked heels can become progressively worse, leading to pain and even bleeding. People with diabetes, circulatory problems, and other immunity issues should seek prompt treatment to minimize the risk of serious infections.