Items filtered by date: December 2024

Toenail fungus causes toenails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. People most likely to develop toenail fungus include those with medical conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. Smoking can also increase the risk, as it damages blood vessels and reduces circulation to the feet. Additionally, older adults are more susceptible, as aging can lead to reduced nail growth and changes in skin structure, making it easier for fungi to invade. Toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds that thrive in warm, damp environments like public showers or tight, sweaty shoes. Symptoms include yellow, brittle, or distorted nails and there may be an unpleasant odor. Persistent or severe infections may require prescription antifungal medication or laser treatment. A podiatrist can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan to ensure the infection is fully treated. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. 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 offices located in Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain can result from various causes, including bunions, arthritis, ingrown toenails, corns, or nerve issues like Morton’s neuroma. Overuse during activities or wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes can also lead to discomfort. Toe pain might feel sharp, throbbing, or even numb, depending on the underlying issue. Relief options depend on the cause. Wearing wider, supportive shoes can ease pressure on the toes. Soaking your feet and using pads for corns, can reduce pain and swelling. A podiatrist can diagnose the problem and recommend effective treatments, such as orthotics, targeted exercises, or minor procedures if needed. If you are experiencing persistent or severe toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Tendon pain often arises from conditions that affect different parts of the foot and ankle. Posterior tibial tendinopathy, often linked to flatfoot deformities, commonly causes pain along the inner ankle and arch. Peroneal tendinopathy affects the tendons on the outer ankle, and is sometimes mistaken for, or associated with ankle sprains. Tibialis anterior tendinopathy, which impacts the front of the ankle and midfoot, can cause pain during activities like walking or running. A podiatrist can assess your ankle pain using imaging studies to pinpoint the affected tendon and rule out other issues. Treatment typically includes specialized support, such as orthotics or ankle braces, to stabilize the foot and reduce strain on the affected tendon. In more persistent cases, advanced options like immobilization or surgery may be considered. Addressing tendon pain early can help restore function and prevent worsening symptoms. If you have foot or ankle tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Blisters between the toes are often caused by friction, moisture, or infections. They can be painful and make walking uncomfortable. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fluid-filled pockets that may burst and cause irritation. Among the causes of blisters are allergies to certain shoes or materials, fungal infections like athlete's foot, or poorly fitting shoes that create friction. Fungal infections often occur in damp environments and may lead to itching, cracking, and peeling skin between the toes. Allergies to shoe materials or detergents can also trigger blisters. Tight shoes or socks that trap moisture can worsen friction, increasing the likelihood of blisters forming. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For fungal infections, antifungal creams or powders can help, while wearng proper shoes and moisturizing can prevent friction-related blisters. A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment, whether it is antifungal therapy or advice on proper footwear. If you are struggling with blisters between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Pain in the bottom of the foot can be caused by several conditions, including plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, or Morton’s neuroma. Each has distinct causes and symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue along the sole of the foot. It typically causes sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It is often due to overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing improper footwear. Plantar warts are growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, appearing as small, rough bumps on the sole of the foot. They can cause pain when walking or standing, particularly if they are in weight-bearing areas, and are extremely contagious. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include burning, numbness, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose these conditions and recommend treatments, including custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or in some cases, surgery. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ocotillo Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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