Are you tired of hiding your toes in the sand? Are your toenails beginning to discolor, thicken, or crumble? This could be the beginning of toenail fungus. Fungi are nearly everywhere, and they particularly love dark, moist, and warm places, like inside your shoes. Healthy feet depend on healthy hygiene, so it’s important to keep your toes clean and dry. Cut your toenails straight across with a sanitized nail clipper. Wear breathable, properly fitted shoes and socks. Your toenails should never be touching your shoes. It also helps to alternate your shoes. If your feet sweat and your shoes are damp, it's time to go to the next pair while the other pair dries. Avoid going barefoot in public places, especially in locker rooms, showers, and pools. If you have tried at-home remedies to clear your toenail fungus and it keeps returning, it may be time to follow up with your local podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are various reasons why patients can develop an ingrown toenail. These can include incorrectly trimming the toenails, genetic predisposition, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Many patients have symptoms such as redness and tenderness surrounding the ingrown toenail, and an infected toe may cause pus to drain from it. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and it may help to wear larger shoes. The feet can feel better when they are clean and dry, and it may help to apply an antibacterial ointment. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways, often starting with reduced circulation and nerve damage. Poor circulation makes it harder for blood to flow to the lower limbs, slowing the healing process of even the smallest cuts or blisters. Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, may cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet, which makes it difficult to feel injuries or pressure spots. Without proper sensation, wounds may go unnoticed and become infected. Thickened skin, fungal nails, and dry skin are also more common in people with diabetes, further increasing the risk of complications. Preventive care is essential and includes daily foot inspections, wearing comfortable footwear, and regular professional checkups. If you live with diabetes and notice any changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete evaluation and care plan.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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