Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, can be an unsightly condition to have. It usually appears as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. This infection often comes from walking barefoot in a public bathroom, locker room, or swimming pool area. It is important to treat this condition immediately to prevent it from worsening, spreading, or causing more serious complications. The fungi that cause this infection are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body, even the blood. Most often, they spread to other nails on the feet or hands. Antifungal medicine is usually used to combat the problem. Ways to prevent toenail fungus include using antifungal powder on the feet each day, not sharing shoes or socks, washing and drying feet regularly, wearing breathable shoes, and not walking barefoot. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.​​

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet is undoubtedly an uncomfortable and unpleasant condition that can affect many people. While pregnant women and those who suffer from diabetes are famously prone to suffering from swollen feet, runners  may experience this condition. Runners’ feet may swell both during and after runs for a number of reasons. First, tight and restrictive running shoes can contribute to swelling. Since ill-fitting shoes often squeeze the toes and heels, muscles in the feet become overwhelmed in trying to maintain balance while running, resulting in swelling. Be sure to select the right pair of comfortable running shoes that match your foot type to avoid this pitfall. Additionally, runners’ feet may swell up if they are simply running with poor technique. For example, if a runner lands on their heels instead of the balls of their feet during their runs, they can essentially place more pressure on the bottoms of their feet, which can lead to foot swelling. If you find yourself suffering from swollen feet after runs, you might try applying ice to your feet to reduce the swelling or even elevating your feet. A podiatrist may be able to help you manage this condition and help you mitigate its effects.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in one’s toes can interfere with a running routine. Toe injuries while running can heal in a short amount of time with care and rest, but a more serious problem with a toe may derail a runner’s routine and set them back for longer than comfortable. Common toe problems in runners range from mild blisters to more serious hammertoes and stress fractures. A blister is caused by friction between the skin and shoes or socks. The outer layer of the skin separates from the inner layer and fills with lymph fluid. These are most common when a runner wears new shoes for the first time or increases their mileage. A hammertoe causes one or more of the smaller toes to bend upward. A corn or callus can develop on top of such a toe causing it to rub against shoes and the toe joint(s) can become swollen and painful. Stress fractures are common in teen athletes and are a result of overdoing runs. If a toenail becomes painful and begins to blacken, it might be runner’s toe. This is when the nail is under pressure because a shoe is too tight, or the toe is impacted repeatedly while running. Pressure causes friction between the nail and surrounding tissue. Fluid accumulates and blood capillaries break, causing the toenail to change color and pain to come on. The blackened toenail will eventually fall off, but this could take months. If you are a runner and you have toe pain, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and determine how to best treat it.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Excess uric acid crystals can cause a condition known as gout. It is brought on by elevated purines in the bloodstream that form crystals in the joint of the big toe and cause extreme pain and discomfort. Gout can occur from genetic reasons, eating foods such as shellfish and red meat, excess alcohol use, or drinks made with large amounts of sugar. The pain that accompanies gout is sudden and generally happens in the early morning hours. It was referred to as a “rich man’s disease” because wealthy people often consumed these types of extravagant foods. There are effective prevention methods that may reduce the risk of getting gout. These include eating healthy foods and maintaining a normal weight. Also, it can be beneficial to practice a simple exercise program, and drinking plenty of fresh water can help to improve kidney function. If you have frequent gout attacks, it is wise to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this painful ailment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Most of us take our feet for granted, even though they are the most overworked and overburdened parts of our body. Given how important our feet are in having a healthy, full life, it stands to reason that we should practice proper foot health care. Neglecting to do so leaves us open to various foot ailments that can make walking hard and restrict our overall mobility. There are several things you can do to care for your feet. To start with, frequently examine your feet for any abnormalities. Wash your feet daily to rid them of dirt and sweat. Make sure to dry the feet thoroughly. Exfoliate them regularly to rid them of thick, hardened skin that tends to develop on weight-bearing and high-friction areas. Moisturize the feet to keep them soft and hydrated, making them less prone to cracked heels. Wear well-fitted shoes that provide adequate support to allow for ease of movement as well as to help prevent foot pain and injuries. Trim your toenails along the curve, without cutting them too short to ward against ingrown toenails. Soak the feet and massage them to relax, bring down any swelling, and help you calm and unwind after a long day. If you have an underlying health condition or find you are developing problems like corns, calluses, blisters, or infections, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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