As people age, changes in toenail appearance, particularly thickening, are common due to several underlying factors. One primary cause of thicker toenails is slower nail growth, which allows layers of nail cells to accumulate, leading to a thickened appearance. Reduced circulation and the natural thinning of the skin also increase vulnerability to toenail issues. Conditions like fungal infections and psoriasis can become more prevalent with age, causing discoloration, brittleness, and thickening in toenails. Diabetes, which is common in older adults, affects blood flow and can lead to various thickened nails along with other foot problems. Even wearing tight shoes or experiencing minor toe injuries can cause nails to thicken over time. A chiropodist can evaluate the cause of your thickened toenails and provide treatment options, including trimming problem nails and managing any infections. If you notice dramatic changes to your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance.
Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus.
What Treatments Are Available?
Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle towards the others. This deformity develops gradually, often due to pressure from footwear, inherited foot structure, or medical conditions like arthritis. Bunions are most common in women and individuals with a family history of the condition, often aggravated by wearing tight, narrow shoes. A bunion looks like a noticeable bump on the side of the foot near the big toe and can be accompanied by redness, swelling, and soreness. Pain worsens with movement or extended standing, and the affected area may feel stiff. Treatment includes wearing comfortable, supportive footwear and sometimes orthotics. If you have a bunion that is painful, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for advanced care.
Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.
Symptoms
A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
The bunion may also:
Be swollen, red, or sore
Develop corns or calluses over it
Cause pain
Limit the big toe’s range of motion
Treatment
There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm and moist environments, making locker rooms and damp socks ideal breeding grounds. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, and sometimes a red, scaly rash. In some cases, it may cause blisters or cracking skin. However, athlete's foot can resemble other skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, so proper diagnosis is essential. Antifungal creams and powders can be effective treatments for mild cases. For stubborn cases, prescription medication may be needed. To prevent athlete’s foot, keep feet dry and clean, avoid sharing footwear, and always wear flip-flops in communal showers and other damp areas. Opt for moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes to reduce sweat buildup. If you have a stubborn case of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek a proper diagnosis and treatment from a chiropodist.
Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person.
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include:
Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet
Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet
Scaly, red rash on the foot
Blisters
Foul odor
Treatment
Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both.
Prevention
Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices.
You can prevent athlete’s foot by:
Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day
Wearing shoes when walking in public areas
Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others
Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
