A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders. Podiatrists treat a huge variety of conditions, from mild ingrown toenails to serious injuries that require surgery. Some of the conditions that a podiatrist may treat include fungal toenail infections, corns, calluses, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, cracked heels, excessive sweating, flat feet, bunions, heel pain, blisters, gout, foot problems brought about by other conditions, such as diabetes, and various sports injuries. If you have any problems in your lower limbs, a podiatrist can help you by diagnosing your condition and providing treatment. A podiatrist can also do regular checkups to help you maintain the health of your feet and ankles.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

A fungal infection of the toenails is a very common condition that can cause the nails to become thickened, yellowed, or crumbly. This can sometimes lead to pain in the affected toenails. There are a variety of treatments available for fungal nail infections. Currently, a common treatment is an oral antifungal medication. While these medications have a high rate of curing the infection, it can take up to a year before you see visible results, and some people may experience side effects from taking the medication. Topical medications that are applied directly to the nail tend to have less side effects than oral medications, but are typically less effective. Some newer treatments, such as laser therapy, are still being studied, and have shown promising results thus far. If you have toenail fungus, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for 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 Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a contagious virus that infects the top layer of skin. HPV typically enters the body through broken skin, and warts are spread through direct contact with the virus. Sharing personal items that can harbor the virus, such as towels, shoes, socks, and razors can cause an infection. If you already have a wart, you can also reinfect yourself by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. Warts often take months to develop after you have come in contact with HPV, so it is important to prevent HPV infections in the first place. Some prevention strategies include not sharing personal items, keeping the feet dry, and wearing shoes when walking through public areas or on warm, moist surfaces, like those at a public swimming pool. For more information about plantar warts, consult with a podiatrist.  

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

The tarsal navicular bone is one of the many small bones in the foot that sits on the inside of the foot and helps support the arch of the foot. Due to the bone’s location, activities such as running or jumping can create risk for an injury to the bone, such as a stress fracture known as a navicular stress fracture. Usually stress fractures are a result of repetitive forces to the foot, and they become an overuse injury. Common risks for sustaining this particular stress fracture include an increase in sports training, low bone density, change of running shoes or training surface, poor nutrition, or an abnormal foot structure. If you believe that you are suffering a navicular stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

The condition that is known as poor circulation can be a common ailment among patients that are diabetic. Some of the symptoms that are associated with poor circulation can include difficulty while walking, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities, and the feet may feel cold. Research has shown that people who have stopped smoking may experience an improvement in poor circulation, in addition to patients who frequently perform specific stretches and exercises. An important prevention technique can include keeping the blood sugar levels in a normal range and monitoring blood pressure. If you have signs of poor circulation in your feet and ankles, please speak to a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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