Partnering with Patients Against Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, as we’ve mentioned in other posts is an invasive fungus that resembles athletes foot. A sneaky fungus that can hide from you for awhile simply because you’re too busy to check your feet if there is no discomfort. Then, the day comes when the toenail fungus takes over so much that the ugly nail can’t be disguised by nail polish and the itching or pain gets your attention. Now, there’s a problem that you are well aware of.
Toenail fungus has a cycle of ‘blooming’ that can be interrupted with treatment. Some cases will respond solidly to the treatment protocol and never return. Some are persistent and we have to stay with the treatment practices that are planned out during your first visit.
Recently, Dr. Dan Walman, DPM, was interviewed on Meet the Masters about his procedures for treating toenail fungus with laser. Dr. Walman was a leader in the application of laser treatment to toenail fungus. Cool laser does its part of killing active episodes of blooming after I had applied debridement of the crumbling layer of the nail. The laser is an external conservative treatment that is effective without the side effects of strong fungicides, either internal or external.
I agree with Dr. Walman’s policies of having the you, the patient, understand how the fungus is working against you and how you can be a part of your treatment plan. Working together, we can make strides against toenail fungus before it spreads to other toes or causes you permanent damage. Fungus is everywhere. If it has set up ‘business’ in the multi-layers of any of your toes, it is planning to stay. Working together, we can discourage it and even beat it. This is more than shining the laser on the toe and having it all go away. Anyone who tells you that is all that is necessary is leading you astray. But, the treatment plans we set up are not difficult…they just take the dedication of both of us to meet our goal.
While toenail fungus is ugly, it is also contagious. Both of those aspects can affect friendships and relationships because no one wants to spread the problem to other people. And plenty of other people aren’t interested in receiving the gift of toenail fungus. Everyone is uncomfortable. Sandal days are coming for both women and men. Starting now, we can make progress against the toenail fungus that is attempting to cause miserable distraction for your life.
Call 317-660-2115 today for a consultation at Hoosier Foot and Ankle about the way toenail fungus is irritating you. I’ll show you how the CoolBreeze™ laser works on the toenail fungus in our in-office treatment conditions and how there is no downtime for recovery from the treatments.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options in the Indianapolis Area
See the new growth at the base of this toenail
Fungus organisms that destroy toenails closely resemble the same organisms that are the cause of athletes’ foot. But the two problems are treated differently. At Hoosier Foot and Ankle, we’ve brought a laser treatment system to our patients.
Using the CoolBreeze CT3™, I can apply the cool laser treatments at the clinics so you don’t have to go anywhere else. The recovery time from a laser treatment is easy. Together we will work out a treatment process for your particular situation. If the fungus is more serious, we will plan the number of treatments, including professional debridement of the affected tissue. If there is anything you can do at home, including a foot soak or topical creams, we will work that out too. We might decide that you should avoid using nail polish for a few months till the fungus has been overcome. I know it is tempting to cover up the nails after toenail fungus has made them unattractive, but clean nails have a better recovery record.
We will plan follow-up checks to make sure the fungus doesn’t get a chance to get ahead again.
By setting appointments to get treatment started, you will have a better chance of getting ahead of the pain, itching and disfigurement brought on by toenail fungus before summer when sandals are popular or necessary. Multiple treatments may be necessary and the nails will have a chance to grow out in their state of recovery.
Do yourself a favor and call today to set up the consultation that can be the beginning of your victory over a common condition — toenail fungus. You can call 317-660-2115 for the appointment or you can use the online appointment request option available 24/7 for your convenience. We’ll team up against toenail fungus.
Sharing Knowledge Keeps Skills Honed While Helping Others
Dr. Kathleen Satterfield, DPM was an inspiring guest on Meet The Masters with Brett Ribotsky as she shared her experience.
Before becoming a podiatrist, Dr. Satterfield was a successful investigative journalist. During an undercover assignment that resulted in serious threats and required guards at her home, she became acquainted with a podiatrist who had an office near the point of investigation. When the threatening environment led to a decision for a career change, Dr. Satterfield, she recalled the acquaintance with the podiatrist who had been so good with his patients. She chose to follow that medical career.
She made a plan to get the best education she could so that she could deliver the best care and first opened a practice in Vermont. However, shortly after she opened the practice, she was contacted by former teachers who saw she had the capability to share her knowledge. These former teachers wanted her to join their ranks.
Dr. Satterfield has been teaching new podiatry students ever since. She believes the level of training now prepares the students to be better resident students and therein more discerning doctors when they are ready for practice.
There are adages about teaching — some can do the work, but can’t share what they know in order to teach others. I am blessed to be able to deliver top-shelf treatment to my patients and to be able to share what I have learned with residency students who will someday be serving patients themselves.
I love working with you and helping you find solutions to the issues your feet have. And I enjoy seeing ‘the lights come on’ with new students who have a similar love of people and a mission to deliver care to patients.
To keep up with new innovations in treatment is a learning process for me and the staff at Hoosier Foot and Ankle, but we know we need to keep expanding our learning so we can give you answers in the clinic and develop a treatment plan with you. When laser treatments became available, we added that to the options that can offer you in-office treatment for conditions that respond to lasers with little to no downtime in your recovery.
Someone who could teach has helped me get to a level of expertise with wound card and pediatric club foot or pediatric flat foot treatment. Now, I can help you avoid unnecessary amputation and I can help your children get to a point of running happily around the playground. All because of another teacher.
You can understand why, when an opportunity opened for me to practice positive paybacks by taking time to teach a new generation of doctors, I accepted the chance right away.
Remember, you have skills and knowledge that you could be sharing in your neighborhood and family. I encourage you to accept that opportunity and experience for yourself the joy that I have been able to experience.
Swiftly Shifting Weather and Temperatures | Be Prepared to Avoid Frostbite
Winter is NOT over! Those moderate temps are momentary during these seeming chinook days — the sort of thing that gets the maple sap running and makes us want to run out with no hats, gloves or warm shoes. After that ‘high’ of moderate temperature, there is a swift drop back to cold, cold.
Colder temperatures and the wind chill of sharp winter wind work together to add to risk of frostbite at a time when we least expect it. The experts tell us that when we begin to get cold, nature takes over to protect our body’s core by denying circulation (and heat) to extremities. Noses, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes are exceptionally vulnerable. They’ve also noted that some of the damage from frostbite, even mild frost nip, can be long term, even permanent.
At Hoosier Foot and Ankle , we’re here to help you should frostbite get a chance to strike, but we prefer that you not have to endure frost. Risks increase for people with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or who are using certain medications such as beta blockers.
If you have to go out in the freezing weather and are tempted to try for a spring weather look we have a few suggestions that can help and still let you look avoid looking over dressed. Dry gloves and a ski band or light hat will fit in a coat pocket. A stylish scarf can be wrapped about your vulnerable face if that freezing wind kicks up. Long pants or jeans will protect your legs and ankles, while absorbent, cotton pants socks are often light weight and will work with stylish, comfortable shoes or boots that complement the jeans or slacks.
If you are unfortunate enough to get stuck in a freezing situation, look for protection from the wind and get inside as soon as possible. When you do get inside, do not panic and apply hot packs to cold extremities. A bath of warm water — not hot will help your circulation get going again without serious and more painful cellular damage. 
I know that the cold weather seems to drag on and is frustrating. But, we’re seeing longer days and know the weather will eventually turn to spring. Remember your trees and flowers need the down time. And we benefit from weather that encourages us to slow down and get out of the rat race for a few hours. Be patient and remember to be prepared to take care of yourself by avoiding frostbite.
Diabetic Foot Exam Checks for Equinus | Individual Treatment Plans
Diabetic patients bring many foot conditions because of poor circulation and the inability to be active. While it has been established that activity is important to living with diabetes, when foot pain is in place movement can be extremely uncomfortable, discouraging, and can seem impossible. Yet as noted in a recent post, Diabetic Exercise Stalled by Painful Feet?
When you are working on all of the things you have to watch when living with diabetes, the signs of equinus in a foot or both feet could be so subtle that they get missed. That lack of mobility that seems to have been slowly increasing is one of the big signs that one tends to just ‘live with’ and get on to other stuff. Maybe you’ve blamed it on ‘getting old’ or on ‘those bad shoes’. If you just life your heel a little sooner in the step, the discomfort will quiet down and you can put off thinking about it.
I’m committed to checking diabetic patients for more than toenail conditions because the little things that a patient does to compensate for the diminishing mobility — standing or stepping in an unnatural manner, for example, — can put pressure on other joints and lead to more problems. Meanwhile, the heel pain is there; the symptoms are just being accommodated.
During a thorough exam, I can check for flexibility at more than one point. The absence of adequate movement means that you may not have been in excruciating pain, but that nagging heel pain is a serious issue. The diabetes irritates it even more. But, when we’ve made the flexibility checks together, we can make a plan for treatment. I have tools such as a special brace that I’ve invented that can be applied successfully in shorter time increments. Clamping your foot and ankle in a rigid brace can lead to rubbing issues that just snowball into more problems.
If your feet have been less cooperative in movement lately, whether you live with diabetes or not, call me today for an appointment and an exam that checks for the problem areas. The longer that one sign goes untreated, the more time that will be required to get away from it.
You can call 317-660-2115 for that appointment or you can use the online appointment option available 24/7 for your convenience at the Hoosier Foot and Ankle website. We will work to get you into a time at the clinic that works best for you.
Proper Care for Wounds to Prevent Unnecessary Amputation | Save A Leg – Save A Life
At Hoosier Foot and Ankle, we are committed to treating your feet with a view of preventing future pain and unnecessary amputation. That may sound a little ‘over the top’ to anyone who isn’t fighting ongoing issues with wounds on their feet which won’t heal with general attention. Or anyone with diabetes who is fighting complications with their feet and/or ankles. Or anyone suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD) with special concerns for their feet and ankles.
As Dr. Desmond Bell, DPM stressed recently in a Meet the Master interview at podiatrysuccess.com, he didn’t plan to become a wound care expert. He planned to offer foot care, but during residency at a VA hospital, the wounded veterans seemed to make eye contact and build a bond. He found he was very good at taking care of them and found fulfillment in getting ahead of their wounds so they could continue recovery.
As his experience went on, he again was content with the podiatry practice in Florida; the community responded to the convenience of having a care facility nearby. As the wound care reputation spread, patients from other parts of town. They began getting a reputation with insurance companies about successful wound care.
At one time, they planned to have a mobile wound care service, but regulation for vehicles and costs of operation got in the way. They began going to the patients’ homes or care centers instead. Due to what Dr. Bell describes as a breakdown between the hospital and home health care led to more referrals from home health care professionals. Training for home health care professionals became a sensible next step.
The success with wound care and the necessity of treating wounds successfully to prevent amputation or save lives led to the development of Save-A-Leg-Save-A-Life. Soon chapters were being set up all over the country and the concept is spreading around the world. The membership consist of podiatrists and other types of medical professionals and doctors. Wound care often reveals other issues or conditions and recognition of the signs added to connection between treatment protocols to gain benefit for patients.
I share an opinion with Dr. Bell about wound care. I’ve been on multiple medical mission trips to Haiti to help set up wound care clinics. I also serve at wound care clinics in the area and provide necessary wound care treatment for my patients in the Indianapolis area. I believe the service helps eliminate unnecessary amputation and saves lives. Diabetic patients are particularly vulnerable to wound issues, but injuries that just don’t seem to heal quickly enough can benefit from the wound care specialists’ skill.
If you have a wound that won’t heal quickly, you don’t have to suffer. You can contact us for an appointment and a consultation about the best way to help you get well. Call 317-660-2115 today and let’s begin moving toward your recovery.
Congratulations, Congressman Dr. Brad Wenstrup, DPM
Along with other freshman House members, Dr. Brad Wenstrup, DPM and Ohio 2nd District U.S. Representative was sworn in to office surrounded by family. Dr. Wenstrup described the ceremony as “very emotional and amazing” during interviews reported by PM-News of Podiatry Management.
I’ve followed Dr. Wenstrup’s candidacy for the past few months and have been proud to have another podiatry professional involved in the government of our country. Dr. Wenstrup has enjoyed the support and encouragement of other practitioners in the podiatric field and other medical field.
According to the articles, Dr. Wenstrup will be serving on on the House Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. His admirable military career will stand him in good stead on these committees.
He also reportedly will plan to become active in a caucus of GOP doctors to make an effort to work on health care issues.
Dr. Wenstrup, in his podiatry practice, has specialized on ankle and foot injuries with Wellington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine.
Congratulations again and best wishes as a Representative, Dr. Wenstrup.
Diabetic Exercise Stalled by Painful Feet?
Diabetes doesn’t go away — it is a live-with condition. Diet and nutrition, added to exercise and activity can help make that ‘living with’ more successful.
The exercise and activity can become difficult when your feet are painful or just don’t seem to work right. As your foot care specialist, I am committed to watch for issues with your toes and toenails and give you treatments that make sure these digits don’t become big problems.
Another part of my job is to fit you with proper orthotics when they will help you avoid foot pain.
Your visit to my office also involved an exam of your foot to determine if equinus (when ankle and foot movement or flexibility is restricted) could be an issue.
Each of these items: if left untreated, cause intolerable discomfort every day and lead down the path to disastrous foot ulcers that can escalate toward unnecessary amputation for the diabetic patient.
- Toes and nails troubled by calluses and cutaneous buildup,
- Poorly fitting shoes and orthotics,
- Untreated inflexibility for foot and ankle,
And, of course, issues like these lead to little to no exercise which can help with the overall management of your diabetic condition.
When you are developing your plan to live with diabetes, begin with a visit to one of our five clinics so we can work a foot care process into your plans. We’ll carefully diagnose where you are at the moment and make recommendations for changing issues that have been causing trouble. Or make recommendations that can help avoid issues as you go along.
Activity can be maintained for your overall health while you live with diabetes. Call 317-660-2115 today to schedule your consultation at a clinic convenient for you. If you are a new patient, you can find New Patient Forms online at the Hoosier Foot and Ankle website. You can look them over and fill them out in the convenience of your home.
Let’s keep you on the exercise and activity road for your health.
Working Around the Place? | Wise Shoe Selection
When you’re working on home improvement projects or even maintenance around your place, such as mowing, the tasks often come at times of ‘hurry’. You have a lot going on and you just want to get to that home project and get it finished. Sometimes you end up with grease or grass stains on good clothes because there didn’t seem time to change.
Your feet can be of more concern, as discussed in an article featured in the Jan. 2 PM News (daily reports from Podiatry Management Online) with comments from Dr. Joseph M. Caprousso, DPM, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The article points out that construction workers don’t wear high-heels — most likely more for safety on the job than because that would be a kinky fashion statement. When you are setting out to do projects to improve or maintain your home, even something that should be over in 20 minutes or less, take time to stash the flip-flops and put on stable shoes. Flip-flops clearly leave toes, heels and other foot surfaces vulnerable to sharp objects. They also offer no support and can slip, working against you on slopes or wet areas.
There are other shoe styles that compete with the flip-flops to do you wrong in the DIY tasks. Women wearing even what seem to be reasonable heels or strap shoes can incur ankle injuries because the ground can be uneven (darned gophers and moles) or heels can sink into the ground by surprise.
I know your life is hectic and you have an overfull schedule. Please consider a resolution to take two minutes to change into stable and safer shoes before taking on the projects that will make your home more attractive and comfortable.
In the event that you forget and have an issue, remember that we’re not going to be critical. We’re here at Hoosier Foot and Ankle, ready to help you with emergencies and injuries. Call us at 317-660-2115
Don’t take Foot Pain into 2013
Are you ready for a new year without foot pain? We’re on your side. When you call and get your foot in the door, we’ll take care of the rest.
We’ll be glad to help you set up a consultation that determines what is causing your foot pain. Then, we can develop a treatment plan.
Some issues will respond to orthotics and therapy. We’re trained to make sure you get exactly the orthotic system that you need. Just grabbing something off the shelf without better understanding of the foot pain cause can be a waste of resources and money.
Other conditions can be treated with our in-office, quick recovery treatments. We have cool laser treatments for toenail fungus, plantars warts and more. In addition, the Pulse Activation/Shockwave Therapy (EPAT®) can relieve several conditions including plantar fasciittis, achilles tendonitis and that big bug-a-boo — unidentifiable heel pain. The treatments are available in our offices and help you avoid unnecessary surgery or increased use of pain relievers.
Some issues require different levels of surgery from minor to major. We’re trained and experienced to perform the type that will help you get relief from foot pain and get back in action.
Call 315-660-2115 for an appointment today. Go through 2013 without foot pain. If you are a new patient, you can find the preliminary forms on our website which will help you get a head start on that first consultation appointment. We’ll be so glad to see you!