Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that affects the nail, the tissue beneath it, or both. Toenails are much more commonly affected than fingernails. The infection can cause a toenail to become thickened and develop yellow or white discoloration. Material may also collect underneath the nail, and the nail can begin separating from the nail bed. Several types of fungi can cause these infections. Risk factors include older age, previous nail damage, and athlete’s foot. Diabetes and poor circulation can also increase the likelihood of developing toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus does not always cause discomfort, especially during its earlier stages. However, changes in the appearance and structure of the nail may become more noticeable as the infection progresses. Some fungal infections begin near the end of the nail and cause thickening or yellowing. Others can create a chalky white appearance on the nail surface. Because other nail disorders can look similar, appearance alone is not always enough to confirm a fungal infection. Testing a sample from the affected nail can help determine whether fungus is actually responsible for the changes.

A podiatrist can examine an abnormal toenail and determine whether testing for toenail fungus is appropriate. Confirming the diagnosis is important because conditions like psoriasis can cause similar nail changes but require different treatment. Depending on the number of nails affected and the severity of the infection, professional treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medication. Toenails grow slowly, so a healthy-looking new nail may take 12 to 18 months to fully replace the affected nail. Treatment decisions can also depend on other medical conditions and the amount of discomfort caused by the infection. If you notice persistent toenail thickening, discoloration, or separation from the nail bed, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . 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 contact our office located in Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form beneath the outer layer of skin. On the feet, they frequently develop when repeated friction damages the skin. Shoes that rub against the heel or toes can create enough friction to cause a blister. Heat, burns, or certain skin reactions can also lead to blister formation. Most blisters contain clear fluid, although some contain blood after a stronger injury. A blister can feel tender or painful, especially when pressure from a shoe repeatedly irritates the affected area.

Foot blisters can vary in size and appearance. The skin around a blister can become red and sore. A blister can break open, leaving the sensitive skin underneath exposed. This can increase the risk of infection. Signs of infection include increasing pain, redness, or swelling. Pus can also develop in an infected blister. People with diabetes need to pay particular attention to blisters on their feet because reduced sensation can make them harder to notice. Problems with blood flow can also interfere with healing. Repeated blisters can indicate that pressure or friction is affecting the same area of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine a painful blister and determine whether infection or another foot problem is present. The evaluation can also identify pressure points and areas where shoes are repeatedly rubbing against the skin. A podiatrist can recommend ways to reduce pressure and protect the affected area while it heals. Care can also address foot structure or movement patterns that contribute to repeated friction. Blisters that are very painful, keep returning, or show signs of infection deserve prompt evaluation. Patients with diabetes should be especially careful about changes in the skin of their feet. If you have developed foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes a toe to bend downward at the middle joint. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toe. The affected toe may look curled or raised near its base, with the middle joint pointing downward. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Corns or calluses may develop where the bent toe rubs against footwear. Without treatment, hammertoe can become more rigid and uncomfortable.

Hammertoe may develop because of muscle imbalance, inherited foot structure, or shoes that squeeze the toes. Risk factors include family history, aging, previous foot injuries, and wearing narrow footwear for most of the day. High heels can also increase pressure on the front of the foot. Hammertoe in the early stages may remain flexible, allowing the toe to move with pressure. As the deformity progresses, the joint may become stiff and fixed, making walking uncomfortable.

A podiatrist begins by examining the toe, checking its flexibility, and reviewing symptoms and footwear habits. Mild hammertoe may be treated with roomier shoes, padding, or orthotics. When the deformity causes persistent pain or becomes rigid, hammertoe surgery may be considered. Surgical correction depends on the severity and structure of the toe. The podiatrist may straighten the joint, release tight tissues, or remove a small portion of bone. The goal is to improve alignment and reduce painful pressure.

After surgery, the toe is protected with dressing, footwear, or immobilization while healing begins. Weight-bearing instructions depend on the procedure performed. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and monitor alignment. Recovery may also include gentle exercises to restore movement and strength. Do not ignore a toe that gradually becomes curled, painful, or difficult to fit into shoes. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for relief and comfort.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

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 Lemont, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ongoing ankle symptoms can affect balance, walking, and overall stability, increasing the risk of falls and lower extremity injuries over time. Many people experience persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or limited motion after previous ankle injuries or long-term joint conditions. These symptoms may change the way a person walks and make it more difficult to move confidently on uneven surfaces, stairs, or slippery ground. As balance becomes less reliable, the likelihood of falls may increase, especially in older adults. Fall-related injuries can include fractures, bruising, sprains, and added stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Some individuals also reduce physical activity because of ankle discomfort, which may weaken muscles and further affect stability. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle function, identify underlying causes of chronic symptoms, and recommend treatment to improve support and mobility. If ongoing ankle symptoms are interfering with balance or daily movement, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from DM Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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