Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is a type of fungal infection that can affect fingernails and, more commonly, toenails. If you have a fungal toenail infection your nail may become thickened, brittle, ragged, crumbly, or discolored. Toenails are made up of layers of fibrous keratin, which the fungus can get in between. The fungus can even grow underneath the nail or in the matrix of the nail (where it grows), causing the nail to separate from the toe. Each of these scenarios can make treating toenail fungus challenging when using oral or topical antifungal medicines. Laser therapy treatment to eradicate toenail fungus has become a popular and effective treatment because it can painlessly and accurately target the fungus within the layers, underneath, or in the matrix of the toenail without affecting healthy structures surrounding it. If you have toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist to see if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

There are a variety of injuries that can impact the feet and ankles that come from playing baseball. One of the most common injuries that occurs in baseball, due to running, sliding, and stepping on bases, is an ankle sprain. Athletes who overtrain can also develop heel injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. There are also a number of injuries that can be caused by cleats. If the cleats don’t fit properly, they could cause issues such as bunions, hammertoes and neuromas. Ingrown toenails are also common among baseball players, since toenails that are cut too short or at an angle can dig into the skin and get infected. Baseball players who are dealing with any sort of pain or aggravation in their feet or ankles would be wise to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

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 Paul Potach, DPM from Illinois . Our practitioner 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 contact our offices located in Wheeling and Berwyn, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many active people develop what is known as Achilles tendonitis, which occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed over a period of days, rather than suddenly. It is usually the result of repetitive use and the tightening of the calf muscles. A regular routine of stretching can help to strengthen the tendon and lengthen the muscles. Before starting any exercises, it may be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the painful area and diagnose your injury properly. The calf is made up of two muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, that the Achilles tendon connects to your heel. Both can be stretched using the same exercise in slightly different ways. Stand with both hands pressed against a wall, touch the toes of one foot to the wall with the knee bent. Place the leg to be stretched straight back, with the heel up and the leg straight. Be sure that the heel lines up with the foot. Slowly lower the heel. This should stretch the gastrocnemius (larger) calf muscle. Hold the stretch for a few seconds and repeat several times. To stretch the soleus muscle, do the same exercise with both legs bent. This releases the gastrocnemius and allows the smaller muscle to be stretched. If you are afflicted with an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony outgrowth along the outside of the foot, at the base of the pinky toe. Bunionettes are thought to form due to inherited mechanical structure defects in the foot. When the area at the base of the pinky toe is put under excessive pressure and friction, usually from wearing shoes that are too narrow and rub against the toe, a bony outgrowth develops in this area. This deformity grows outwards and pushes the pinky toe inwards, toward the other toes. Bunionettes cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the bunionette, as well as a visible foot deformity that can make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you have a painful bunionette, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Paul Potach, DPM of Illinois . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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