Nail Polish and Nail Fungus

The other day I wanted to paint my toenails with the at-home shellac kit I received for Christmas. I've been told by both the Podiatrists at the office I have "superficial" nail fungus. This means it's on the surface and shows as white spots (similar looking when you have a calcium deficiency). I stopped myself from applying it to my toenails because I didn't know if the next time I used it on my fingernails the fungus would spread.

At the Blacksburg office, I made sure to ask Dr. Feeny if that is the case. She said with all the chemicals nail polish has it probably wouldn't spread, but my best option would be to pour some of the nail poslih onto a disposable dish, get a disposable brush and apply the polish/shellac this way. Obviously that's way too much of a task with shellac (you have the base coat, color, and top coat) so if I do decide to use one of my favorite polish colors, I'll just use regular nail polish!

Lately for my toenails I've only been applying Dr. Remedy's since it has natural ingredients, helps with the fungus and also strengthsns the nails (and we sell it in the office so it's too really convenient to purchase).

Ugly Toenails?

We know how annoying it is to not be able to de-stress from they day by taking your socks and shoes off and kicking your feet up! Instead you decide to keep those socks on in case someone were to spot those unsightly toenails.

Also, after researching what it is you're looking at, they're so time consuming to get rid of! Honestly, the time is worth it. If they are left untreated, the fungus gets worse and worse and soon you'll be seeing just white superficial nail fungus (looks similar to calcium deficiency) to thick, ugly, yellow, brittle nails you thought you'd never have.

We went ahead and created a short video in our Roanoke office (no sound so you can watch it at work ;) ) to let you see how quick and easy the laser treatment is. We ask you bring a clean pair of socks for after the treatment and we also provide with the essentials to sterilize your environment.

If you have any more questions about the laser or nail fungus, give us a call! There's also tons of information on our website including our interview with Channel 10 news!

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A Podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist- we offer all services listed below and more!

Dr. Kate Steklachich

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

• Surgeries- everything from removing a bunion to reconstructive surgeries 
• Bunions
• Warts
• Ingrown Toenails
• Routine/Diabetic Foot Care
• Custom Orthotics & Over the Counter Orthotics
• Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spurs
• Bone Spurs
• Neuropathy
• Neuroma
• Corns/Calluses
• Athlete's Foot
• Nail Fungus
• Injuries

The list can really go on and on! Our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices want to stress that we specialize in feet and ankles. A lot of people may think going to a general surgeon or orthopedist for surgery is a better idea than a podiatrist for a problem they are having with their feet or ankles. However, because we specialize and are day in and day out dedicated to this specific area- we know it best! If you have a question about a condition, pain or something else you are experiencing and it isn't listed here or our website- give us a call! We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

8 Tips For Healthy Feet on the Trail

My office is located within one mile of the Appalachian Trail. Each summer, I observe the wave of through hikers making the 2,168 mile trek from Georgia to Maine and then later in the summer, those heading south from Maine to Georgia. Many end up with a visit to my office for ankle sprains, stress fractures, infected blisters and various other hiking related conditions.

Recently, I received a call from a friend that is through hiking for her second time in the past 10 years. She was in North Carolina at the time and was experiencing unrelenting pain in her foot. Having a telephone consultation and attempting to determine her diagnosis without examination was interesting and challenging. It made me think about the new trend in Internet or telephone doctor “visits”. But, that is a subject for another post on another day. I want to share with you these tips to keep your feet happy on the trail:

Train For The Hike:
If you are considering a long trip such as through hiking the Appalachian Trail, I strongly suggest that you start out training early with short day hikes. Marathon runners must train and condition for a marathon and hikers are no different. Those that are not adequately conditioned are more likely to develop overuse injuries.

Pack A Foot-Care Kit:
A small foot-care kit carried in a small Ziploc bag weighs only a few ounces. It should contain foot powder, alcohol wipes, a few tinctures of benzoin wipes to help the patch stick to your skin, several blister patches of your choice, a least a yard of duct tape wrapped around a small pencil, and a safety pin to drain blisters.

Invest In Good Footwear:
You should have a fingers width between the longest toe and the front of your boot. Be sure to also check the fit on an incline (both up and down). Any slippage of the boot will cause friction and blisters on a long hike. Try your boots on with the socks that you will be wearing while hiking.

Break In Those Boots:
Wear your boots around the house for a few days to be sure they feel OK. Then venture outside while shopping and on walks and short hikes so they mold to your feet. Leather boots are usually stiff until broken in. If a little snug, you can bring your boots to a shoe repair to have them stretched or purchase a leather expander and stretch the boots at home.

Wear Good Socks:
Wear moisture-wicking wool or synthetic socks rather than cotton socks. Consider wearing a sock liner but be sure that your boots will be big enough for two pair of socks.

Manage Your Toenails:
Toenails should be trimmed straight across the nail—never rounded at the corners. Leave an extra bit of nail on the outside corner of the big toe to avoid an ingrown toenail. Black toenails are a common hikers condition which is caused by blood being trapped under the nail.

Manage Your Skin:
Treat hot spots early! Use moleskin or duct tape to prevent blisters before they happen. Many hikers think tough callused skin helps prevent blisters but too much is never a good thing. Blisters deep under calluses are difficult to drain and treat. Use a pumice stone or callus file and apply Vaseline to manage callused areas. Blasters can be drained if painful but be sure to leave the roof intact to protect the sensitive skin underneath.

Rest Your Feet:
Take your boots and socks off when resting and eating lunch, elevating your feet to reduce swelling. In camp wear sandals or flip-flops. Your feet need the air and will appreciate the sunlight.

Long distance hiking is an incredibly rewarding experience. May these tips keep your feet healthy on the trail!

Dr. Jennifer Feeny
Happy Trails,

KeryFlex Nail Restoration

Get your nails restored for the summer with KeryFlex, a quick treatment performed in our office!

If you have any impairments to your nails such as splits, discoloration, it's been removed, or more- you are the perfect candidate for KeryFlex!

  

· Will it hurt? No!  We are simply applying a resin (gel) on your skin and nail

· How long does treatment last? Typically it lasts 8 weeks

· Does this cure my fungal nail? No, this is a cosmetic
treatment to make your nails look better. Now you can feel more confident in your new sandals!

· Is it covered by insurance? Unfortunately, KeryFlex is not
covered by insurance 

For more information about KeryFlex and how the treatment is
performed visit our website!