If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to target and eliminate toenail fungus. It is a promising alternative to traditional medications or topical treatments. During this procedure, a podiatrist uses a specialized laser to pass light through the toenail without damaging the nail or surrounding skin. The laser specifically targets the fungus, heating and killing the fungal cells to stop them from growing further. Patients can expect the session to last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of toes affected. Most report feeling a warming sensation or slight discomfort during the treatment, but it's generally well-tolerated and doesn't require anesthesia. One of the key benefits of laser therapy is that it has minimal risks of side effects. While some individuals may see improvement after a single session, others might need multiple treatments to get rid of the fungus. Recovery time is minimal, though it may take several months for the nail to grow back out and reveal the full results of the treatment. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is appropriate 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 Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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:
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 office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Turf toe, a common injury among athletes, occurs when the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint are sprained due to forceful pushing during activities like running or jumping. Turf toe injuries typically happen during sports practice, and are common in football and soccer. An early sign of turf toe is foot pain, which often intensifies with movement. This discomfort may lead to limping or difficulty in walking, occasionally rendering you immobile for a brief period. Sometimes a popping sound in the joint may indicate turf toe. Severe cases may necessitate immobilization or even surgery. It is extremely important not to ignore symptoms of turf toe, as early intervention can accelerate recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing persistent pain or limited mobility in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis. This medically trained foot doctor can perform imaging tests, a physical examination, and develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
To maintain optimal foot health, men should incorporate care routines into their daily regimen. These practices are important for preventing common issues such as rough skin and nail problems. Regular moisturizing helps combat dryness and prevents calluses. Cleaning between the toes is important for preventing bacterial growth and conditions like athlete's foot. Proper footwear selection is also important, and this involves making sure shoes fit well and have soft padding to minimize friction and callus formation. Additionally, trimming toenails straight across and exfoliating feet regularly with a body scrub can help maintain overall foot health. Wearing sandals or shoes in communal areas like gyms and public showers is important to prevent fungal infections. Finally, incorporating body powder into the routine can aid in absorbing excess moisture and alleviating discomfort, particularly for those who lead active lifestyles. If you have persistent pain, skin issues, or an infection on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and any treatment deemed necessary.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the fascia running along the sole of the foot. Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis relies on symptoms such as morning pain and can be exacerbated by factors like obesity, flat feet, or excessive standing on hard surfaces. There are various relief techniques that affected individuals can take advantage of, and a podiatrist can guide you toward the methods that are best for you. If you have chronic heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can perform an accurate diagnosis and get you the right treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
