KeryFlex Nail Restoration

Many medical conditions can affect the shape or texture of toenails. Brittleness or dryness of the nails, meaning that the nails easily become cracked, chipped, split, or peeled, can be observed as a sign of aging, nail fungus, in response to the long-term use of nail polish or exposure to moist conditions. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Now available exclusively through Cumberland Foot and Ankle Centers of Kentucky and Cumberland Med Spa is the Premium Nail Treatment Package, which includes 3 nail laser treatments for the healing and repair of the damage caused by onychomycosis along with an instant healthy nail beautification using the KeryFlex Nail Treatment.

KeryFlex is a safe, nonsystemic in-office application that restores the appearance of patient’s natural nails. The product allows our podiatrists to remodel patients’ nails that have been affected by fungus, nail dystrophies and trauma. The KeryFlex nail provides a natural looking nail during oral anti-fungal therapies. It also provides an immediate cosmetic improvement to compliment laser fungal treatments.

If you think you may benefit from KeryFlex nail restoration, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Pediatric Foot Care Tips

At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, we understand that taking care of your child’s feet may not trigger the idea of a top priority. However, as early as infancy, it is essential to take proper measures to ensure proper pediatric foot health.  In addition to providing exercise for your baby’s feet and checking them daily for abnormalities, our podiatrists suggest utilizing these tips for pediatric foot care.

• Cut toenails straight across – doing so will help prevent painful ingrown toenails. Signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling.


• Keep feet clean and dry – Preventing bacterial and fungal infections begin with good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your child’s feet at bath time. Afterward, dry them well between the toes to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in moisture.


• Prevent foot injuries – Walking barefoot outdoors on dirty pavement exposes kids’ feet to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries. If your child receives a cut, scrape, or scratch on the feet, rinse it with soap and water and keep the injury covered with a bandage until it heals.

If you have questions about your child’s foot health, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Prevent Running Injuries

When one is an avid runner, there are a variety of injuries that can occur throughout their training. They range from mildly annoying to something requiring physical therapy or even surgery. Most common running injuries are due to overuse, overtraining, improper shoes, or a biomechanical flaw in body structure and motion. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, our podiatrists can treat you if you get injured, however, we would rather you take precaution to prevent running injuries instead.

To ensure that you take proper care of your body, make sure that you stretch properly, wear appropriate footwear, and listen to your body when it’s telling you to rest. If you don’t stretch before a run, you could strain your muscles and it might even slow you down. If you wear the wrong shoe it can actually aggravate existing problems, causing pain in your feet, legs, knees, or hips. In addition, never push your body to its limit if it’s telling you to slow down and take it easy. If you follow these tips, you should be able to run without risking injury.

To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Types of Foot Orthotics We Offer

The mechanical properties of foot orthotics help to ensure the correct positioning of the bones in the feet, ankles, and knees. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, we offer a variety of foot orthotics to the patient, but all of them have one common goal, to prevent injuries and reduce muscle fatigue, in addition to promoting more efficient muscle performance. Our orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into these three categories.

• Rigid Orthotics – Often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber, rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function in the foot and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, arches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.


• Soft Orthotics – These types of orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn on the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes.


• Semi-Rigid Orthotics – The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with rigid materials and provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. In addition, semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders.

If you think you may benefit from foot orthotics, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Consequences of Claw Toe

Claw foot, also known as claw toes, is a condition where your toes bend into a claw-like position. When you have claw foot or claw toes, the bottom half of your toe points up while the top half bends down. They are uncomfortable, but usually not a serious problem unless they are caused by an underlying disorder like stroke or diabetes. They also might hurt, and you may develop corns or calluses on the part that sticks up from rubbing against your shoes. If you suspect you have claw foot or claw toes, make an appointment with one of our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center right away.

People often blame this common foot deformity on wearing shoes that squeeze your toes. However, claw toe is often the result of nerve damage caused by diseases like diabetes or alcoholism, which can weaken the muscles in your foot. Having claw toe means your toes “claw,” digging down into the soles of your shoes and creating painful calluses. The condition can only get worse without treatment and risks becoming a permanent deformity over time.

To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Foot Callus Care

Constant friction and pressure on one part of the foot can cause calluses to develop on the feet. A callus is caused by the buildup of hard, dead skin over an area of pressure or a bony prominence (usually the heel or the ball of the foot under the metatarsal heads). At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, we understand that calluses can be annoying and potentially painfully, which is why we would prefer you call us before attempting to remove them on your own.

 

The friction and pressure that cause calluses to develop can be caused for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common include wearing improper footwear, walking barefoot, athletic activities, and obesity. Calluses can be prevented by reducing or eliminating the circumstances that lead to increased pressure at specific points on the feet. If you suffer from calluses, our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can perform a foot exam and help you understand how to prevent the calluses from forming as well as treat the callus or remove it for you.

If you have a foot callus that you wish to have removed, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Plantar Wart Prevention and Treatment

If you frequent public pools or public showers, our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center encourage you to wear footwear each time you step foot into these places. The reason for this is because you can contract contagious skin conditions. One of these skin conditions is called plantar warts. Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV) typically through cuts or breaks on the bottom of your feet. To diagnose a plantar wart, one of our podiatrists will examine the patient’s foot and look for signs and symptoms.

There are two types of plantar warts, a solitary (single) wart that often increases in size and a mosaic wart that is a cluster of warts growing closely together in one area. These warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but they usually appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. When first diagnosed, individuals often feel a “lump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, similar to having a stone in the shoe. If left untreated, plantar warts can cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain.

If you’ve recently suffered a foot or ankle injury, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain

Foot sprains and strains are common injuries that share similar signs and symptoms but involve different parts of the body. Adults and children who play contact sports such as soccer, football, wrestling, and hockey are put at risk for sprains and strains. So are folks who play sports that feature quick starts, such as running races or marathons. Regardless of the type of foot and ankle injury you encounter, at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center our podiatrists can treat it. But first, we’d like to let you know what the difference is between a sprain and a strain.

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments – the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. The most common location for this type of injury is your ankle. A strain is defined as a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains have the tendency to occur in the lower back and in the hamstring muscle on the back of your thigh.

If you’ve recently suffered a foot or ankle injury, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Ingrown Toenail Overview

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but adults get them more than children do. Like many people, when you trim your toenails, you may taper the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. But what you may not realize is that this technique encourages your toenail to grown into the skin of your toe, causing an ingrown toenail. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but the problem more often affects the big toe. If you are timid about trimming your toenails, give our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center a call so we can assist you.

When you first have an ingrown toenail, it may be hard, swollen, and tender. You can develop in an ingrown toenail by cutting your toenail too short, wearing shoes that are too tight, and stubbing/hitting the nail on a hard surface. The main symptom from an ingrown toenail is the pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. To relieve pain, you can soak your sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes two to three times each day to help it grow out naturally, but you should never by any means attempt to remove the nail on your own.

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Foot and Ankle Tendonitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Tendonitis is what happens when the tendon gets irritated from being moved outside of its regular motion. In fact, the word itself literally means, “overuse and inflammation of the tendon.” The tendon is the area of your body that’s connected to the muscle which causes your body to move as a whole. The tendons themselves come in all shapes and sizes, but when tendonitis begins to affect the foot and ankles, our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can treat this condition.  

Foot tendonitis can sometimes occur in athletes, runners and people who are constantly on their feet. Foot tendonitis is a classic overuse injury and impacts a specific tendon within the foot, the posterior tibial tendon. Most commonly, patients with this condition complain of pain and swelling on the inward side of the foot and ankle, and occasionally have an unsteady gait. Treatment varies by each individual case however, the initial treatment of posterior tibial foot tendonitis is focused on resting the tendon to allow for healing.

If you have further questions about tendonitis, please give us a call. To learn more about tendonitis as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773. 

What Is a Heel Spur and How Do I Treat It?

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot therefore, it absorbs the most amounts of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone and is caused when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of flat feet, but people with high arches can develop them too. If heel pain has you bothersome, our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can provide you with relief.

Heel spurs under the sole of the foot are associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the “bowstring-like” tissue stretching underneath the sole that attaches at the heel. Plantar heel spurs cause localized tenderness and pain made worse when stepping down on the heel. Heel spurs are diagnosed based on the history of pain and tenderness localized to the area of bony involvement. The key for proper treatment of these spurs is determining what is causing the stretch in the plantar fascia. Common treatments include stretching exercises, foot orthotics and in some cases losing weight. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications are often helpful.

If you have further questions about heel spurs, please give us a call. To learn more about heel spurs as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773. 

How to Give Yourself a Foot Self-Exam

At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, we want you to put your best foot forward at all times and this starts with self-exams. Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active, so if you neglect them, it can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems in the future. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Here are just a few things to look for when self-examining yours.

• Balance – a good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes close. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.


• Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.


• Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign.


• Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation.

If you have further questions about foot examinations, please give us a call. To learn more about foot self-examination guidelines and conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773. 

What is Sesamoiditis?

Most bones in the human body are connected to each other at joints. However, there are a few bones that are not connected to any other bone. Instead, they are connected only to tendons or are embedded in muscle. These are sesamoids and they act as pulleys in different parts of the body. Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation of the sesamoid apparatus, which is located in the forefoot. If you are experiencing difficulty and pain in bending and straightening your big toe, our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can help.

Sesamoiditis is fairly common in physically active young folks and it can typically be distinguished from other conditions that cause pain in the forefoot by its gradual onset. The foot pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually if the aggravating activity is continued. For this condition, noninvasive treatment is always the first choice. Minor cases require a strict period of rest and the use of a modified shoe or a shoe pad to reduce pressure on the affected area. In addition, the big toe may be bound with tape or athletic strapping to immobilize the joint as much as possible and allow healing to occur.

If these symptoms sound all too familiar to you, please give us a call. To learn about sesamoiditis and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773. 

Types of Foot Injuries

With each step we take, we place our entire body weight onto our feet. This fact alone makes them prone to injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of the lower extremities. Therefore, if you’ve injured your foot or ankle, visit us at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center as soon as possible following the injury.

Many fractures and sprains occur during sports, but since winter is upon us, it’s important to take extra caution while shoveling or walking outside. Tripping or stumbling on uneven ground is a common cause of foot and ankle sprains and fractures. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the on the affected foot or ankle are the most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle. Increased difficulties of these symptoms are definite signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist.

If you have recently suffered a foot injury, give us a call immediately. To learn about foot injuries and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Treatment for Tailor’s Bunion

Bunions are abnormal bone formations that are prevalent on the foot and tailor’s bunions are a variation of the traditional bunion. Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal “head,” located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Uncomfortable and inappropriate footwear are usually the culprits when it comes to aggravating and worsening these bunions, but luckily our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can help.

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of tailor’s bunion are usually aggravated by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the toe, producing constant rubbing and pressure. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, treatment of tailor’s Bunions is fairly simple. Just by using padding and wearing a wider, softer shoe can help the problem. Also, shoes can be spot stretched to make the area of the shoe a bit wider next to wear the tailor’s bunion lies. Another treatment option requires applying Vaseline along with special wrapping which may be worn for a set amount of time.

To learn about tailor's bunion and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Heel Pain: Causes and Treatment

Heel pain is generally the result of walking abnormalities that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Heel pain is an extremely common and potentially disruptive affliction that has many possible causes, including stress fractures, arthritis, nerve irritation, cysts, tendonitis and most often, plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, no matter what is causing your heel pain, our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can treat it.

Heel pain is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or a fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Your feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. Heel pain is frequently triggered by wearing flat-footwear because this type of footwear can stretch the plantar fascia to such an extent that the area becomes swollen (inflamed). When you continue to walk on a sore heel, it will only get worse and could become a chronic condition leading to more problems. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but methods may include resting from the activities that caused the problem, doing stretch exercises, using pain medication and wearing open-back shoes.

To learn about heel pain and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot – also called tinea pedis – is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands. How you treat athlete’s foot depends on the type and its severity and at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center we offer a variety of nonprescription as well as prescription methods.

Athlete’s foot often appears as an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools are one of these factors. In addition, wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes and keeping your feet wet for long periods of time are also factors that increase your risk of getting the infection. If left untreated, the skin may become highly sensitive to the touch. It is important to treat Athlete’s foot at the first sign of infection as the body may become vulnerable to other bacterial infections as large cracks occur in the skin.

If you suffer from itchy feet and suspect it may be Athlete’s foot, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about Athlete’s Foot as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

What is a Ganglion?

 

Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with fluid that develop on top of a joint, ligament or tendon. Typically located on the ankle or top of the foot, ganglions usually grow slowly but can cause severe irritation when the size becomes too large. The symptoms of this condition range from tingling and numbness to pain. Once diagnosed by our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, ganglion treatment will be discussed from there. 

A physical examination is often all that is needed to diagnose a ganglion. The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown; however, they may be linked to inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule, an injury, overuse or repetitive motions, or arthritis. Ganglions are usually small, painless bumps and do not cause other symptoms. Sometimes the bump can be tender to the touch, or there can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may experience a tingling sensation. 

If you have questions ganglions, give us a call. To learn more about ganglions, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with fluid that develop on top of a joint, ligament or tendon. Typically located on the ankle or top of the foot, ganglions usually grow slowly but can cause severe irritation when the size becomes too large. The symptoms of this condition range from tingling and numbness to pain. Once diagnosed by our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, ganglion treatment will be discussed from there.

A physical examination is often all that is needed to diagnose a ganglion. The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown; however, they may be linked to inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule, an injury, overuse or repetitive motions, or arthritis. Ganglions are usually small, painless bumps and do not cause other symptoms. Sometimes the bump can be tender to the touch, or there can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may experience a tingling sensation.

If you have questions ganglions, give us a call. To learn more about ganglions, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

 

Diabetic Foot Care

If you have diabetes it is important to inspect your feet every day and seek care early if you get a foot injury. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems, because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your feet for a lifetime.

By taking proper care of your feet, most serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented. Here are some diabetic foot care tips to follow.

• Wash and dry your feet daily using mild soaps and warm water. Once patting your skin dry, apply lotion on your feet to prevent cracking.


• Examine your feet each day by checking for dry, cracked skin, blisters, scratches and other sores that appear out of the ordinary.


• Take care of your toenails by cutting them after bathing, when they are soft. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes and cut toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file.


• Protect your feet with shoes and socks.

If you have questions about diabetic foot care, give us a call. To learn more about diabetic foot care, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Do You Suffer From Flat Feet?

Most people have a gap under the arch of their foot when they are in a standing position. The arch, the inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch or it is very low. Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. If you experience symptoms with flatfoot, at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center non-surgical treatment options are always explored first.

A significant number of people with flat feet experience no pain and have no problems. Some, however, may experience pain in their feet, especially when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. The leg joints may also be affected, resulting in pain. If the ankles turn inwards because of flat feet the most likely affected areas will be the feet, ankles, and knees. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition. A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor may detect.

If you have pain in your feet, give us a call so we can diagnose your condition and discuss your treatment options. To learn more about flat feet, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.