Toenail fungus often starts as a small change in color or texture. The nail may look yellow, white or brown, and become thick, brittle, or crumbly over time. It can spread to other nails and may cause odor or discomfort. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist places such as sweaty shoes or public showers. Early treatment can stop it from getting worse. Creams may help in mild cases, but deeper infections often need prescription medication. Keeping nails trimmed, dry, and clean helps prevent infection. Avoid walking barefoot in shared spaces and change socks often. Toenail fungus rarely goes away on its own. If your nail is changing in appearance or causing discomfort, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for professional treatment.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Poor foot circulation can result from several underlying health conditions and often leads to discomfort and more serious complications, if left untreated. Peripheral vascular disease is a common cause, where narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain, numbness, or a cold sensation in the feet. Heart disease can also impair circulation by limiting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body, including the lower extremities. Raynaud's syndrome affects circulation by causing the small arteries in the feet to constrict, especially in response to cold or stress, leading to color changes and a feeling of coldness or tingling. Symptoms of poor circulation include swelling, cramping, slow healing wounds, and a heavy or fatigued feeling in the legs and feet. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Numbness
Tingling
Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
Pain
Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. This condition typically develops due to muscle imbalance, foot structure, or wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Over time, the affected toe may become rigid and painful, often leading to difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. When conservative treatments like shoe modifications, stretching, or orthotic devices do not provide relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical hammertoe correction aims to realign the toe by removing a small piece of bone or releasing tight tendons. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, and recovery varies depending on the severity of the deformity. Surgery can provide significant relief and improve toe alignment. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
