Fungal infections occur when fungi infect the toenail, leading to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. Symptoms of a fungal toenail include yellow, brown, or white discoloration of the nail, along with thickened or distorted nail shape. In more severe cases, the toenail may become crumbly or even separate from the nail bed, causing pain or discomfort. Fungal toenail infections are typically caused by exposure to moist environments like sweaty shoes or communal showers, and nail damage. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system are more susceptible to these infections. A podiatrist can diagnose a fungal toenail infection through a simple examination and may recommend antifungal treatments, either topical or oral. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to fully treat the infection. Regular foot care, wearing proper footwear, and maintaining good hygiene can also help prevent future infections. If you have a fungul toenail infecftion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS of Illinois. Our doctor 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 Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right running shoes is important for foot health and injury prevention. Proper arch support helps distribute pressure evenly, reducing strain on the heels and forefoot. Cushioning is necessary to absorb impact, lessening stress on the joints and soft tissues. The fit of your running shoes should be secure, but not too tight to avoid blisters, black toenails, and nerve compression. Toe box width is another factor, as shoes that are too narrow can cause pain and deformities over time. The shoe’s flexibility should match natural foot movement to prevent unnecessary strain on the toes and ankles. Stability is essential, as inadequate support can increase the risk of sprains or tendon injuries. The type of running surface also matters, as road and trail shoes provide different levels of traction and shock absorption. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and gait to recommend shoes that improve comfort and help prevent running-related injuries. If you have foot pain or other ailments caused by running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, triggering an inflammatory response. Symptoms typically include intense, throbbing pain, especially at night, and the joint may become hot and tender to the touch. The main cause of gout is high levels of uric acid due to a high purine diet, rich in red meat. Other causes are alcohol, and sugary foods, dehydration, or genetics. Over time, untreated gout can lead to the formation of nodules, or tophi, which are hard, painless lumps that develop around the joints, often in the toes, fingers, or elbows. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through blood tests and joint fluid analysis. Treatment may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to manage uric acid levels. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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