Taping for Treatment

There may have been a time or two back in your high school athletic days where you found yourself taking the advice of your trainer and taping your feet for various aches and pains. But did you ever stop to think why you were doing what you were doing? And did you ever marvel at the great level of relief you obtained just by utilizing some simple taping methods? In the world of podiatry (and sports medicine), taping and strapping techniques are commonly used as a treatment modality for some of the more frequently (and not always frequently) encountered foot and ankle problems.

One such problem encountered may be ankle instability, which may lead to ankle sprains. This problem tends to be seen in sports such as basketball. The amazing thing about tape treatment is that in research literature it is found to be as effective as some bracing techniques. Some might imagine tape to not “hold up” when compared to a seemingly better support mechanism such as a brace, but this isn’t the case. The type of taping and the technique used stems from either the foot problem or injury encountered. Although you might find several types of athletic tape at your local sports or drug store, the effectiveness behind taping treatment stems from the educated application by your local podiatrist.

Some of the benefits of taping, other than those described above, include its ability to conform to the foot and essentially work with the muscles. Depending on how many applications you may need it might be relatively inexpensive as well. Some the downfalls include the limited “life” of tape; tape tends to last about 3-5 days on the foot, so it requires repeated application. In addition, you must be observant of any possible tape allergies that might lead to dermatitis. In what may seem like a very simple treatment option, taping may be one of the most practical and beneficial conservative methods for treating multiple foot problems. Come to our office in Mentor, OH and you just might get the taping treatment!

The Fungus Among Us

I know you’ve all seen it before: thickened, yellow, toenails; a discoloration of the nail that never seems to go away; a problem that tends to be more common in elderly patients and those with systemic diseases like diabetes. Yes folks, it’s that dirty word – nail fungus. Nail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis, is actually a fungal infection causing nails to take on that ugly discoloration or thicken or split over time. Initially, when individuals seek treatment for fungal nails it’s because they don’t like the way the nails themselves look, but eventually overtime the nails can get thicker which can cause pressure inside one’s shoes leading to eventual irritation. The main “fungi suspect” as the cause of onychomycosis are dermatophytes (fungi that infect hair, skin, and nails).

Treatment for fungal nails can be quite a tedious process, given mostly to the fact that nails can take a long time to grow out. Two main recognized treatments include oral and topical medications. The oral antifungal medications are taken over the course of a three-month period. Although these medications are typically safe, it’s important that patients taking these oral medications not have liver disease. Prior to prescribing these medications, physicians ensure that patients receive a blood test in order to make sure the liver is functioning properly. Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail, but this method can take much longer as it takes 6 months to a year for the nails to grow out to a healthy color and appearance. However, there are no necessary blood tests required prior to starting topical treatment.

Although the treatments may vary, fungal nails themselves are just generally something people want to get rid of altogether. If you are currently experiencing this problem, please contact our office in Mentor, OH.