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A fungal infection in the toenails begins when tiny organisms settle under the nail and gradually alter its appearance. The nail may become thicker, take on a yellow or cloudy tone, or lose its smooth surface over time. Some people notice that shoes feel tighter, while others see the nail becoming crumbly or uneven as the infection progresses. Because the fungus lives beneath the hard nail plate, it often continues to grow unless properly treated. A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm the cause, and create a plan that targets the infection at its source. Care may involve medicated applications, oral therapy, precise nail care, or advanced in-office treatments designed to limit fungal growth and improve the look and comfort of the nail. If your toenails are changing in ways that concern you, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. 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 contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot can develop when nerves between the toes become irritated from pressure, stretching, or repeated friction. These nerves run between the long bones in the front of the foot and can enlarge over time, creating a thickened area called a neuroma. Most people notice a mild ache near the third or fourth toe that progresses to burning or tingling.  Wearing narrow shoes, high heels, and flip-flops can increase pressure on the front of the foot, and some people feel as if a pebble is stuck under the toes. As nerve irritation progresses, closed-toe shoes often become difficult to wear. A podiatrist can examine the foot, assess posture, and recommend proper footwear or pads. In some cases, injections or surgery are considered to relieve pain. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The biomechanics of the foot describe how the foot moves and absorbs force with each step. When the foot lands, it must support the body’s weight, adapt to the ground, and push off smoothly for the next step. This process relies on many small bones working together with muscles, ligaments, and tendons to create balance and stability. If any part of this system is not functioning properly, it can lead to pain, poor alignment, or strain in the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, identify imbalances, and recommend treatments or custom orthotics that improve how your foot moves. If you have foot pain or are noticing changes in the way you walk, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Flat feet and fallen arches can affect balance, comfort, and the way pressure moves across the feet with each step. Some people are born with low arches while others develop them over time, due to aging, injury, excess weight, or weakened tendons. When the arch flattens, the feet may feel tired, achy, or unstable, especially after long periods of standing or walking. Swelling along the inner side of the foot or ankle can appear, and shoes may wear down unevenly. Some individuals notice discomfort in the knees, hips, or lower back because the body begins to compensate for the altered foot structure. Paying attention to these changes supports long-term mobility and reduces strain on joints. If you have persistent foot fatigue, pain, or difficulty with stability, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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