If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Gregory Loo, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist and Surgeon
Blog
What Causes Toenails to Become Thick
Thick toenails can develop for several reasons, and understanding the cause helps guide proper treatment. One of the most frequent reasons is a fungal infection, which can make the nail appear yellow, brittle, and difficult to trim. Repeated trauma from wearing tight shoes or stubbing the toe can also cause the nail to thicken as it tries to protect itself. Aging naturally slows nail growth and can change texture over time. In some cases, medical conditions such as psoriasis or poor circulation may contribute to nail thickening. A podiatrist can identify the cause through examination and testing, then recommend the right treatment, which may include antifungal medication, nail debridement, or improved footwear. If your toenails have become thick, painful, or hard to manage, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist to restore nail health and prevent future problems.
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 Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Finding Relief From Hammertoes
Hammertoes develop when one or more toe joints bend abnormally, causing the toe to curl downward instead of lying flat. Over time, this imbalance can make it painful to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Genetics, tight footwear, high heels, or muscle imbalance often contribute to the problem, which may start as flexible and later become rigid. Early treatment can help prevent progression and reduce discomfort. Conservative options include wearing shoes with roomy toe boxes, using custom orthotics, and performing gentle toe stretches to restore flexibility. Padding or splints can also ease pressure on the affected joints. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend minimally invasive surgery to realign the toe and restore natural movement. If your toes feel stiff, sore, or bent out of shape, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss effective treatment options.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
- Painful and/or difficult toe movement
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Calluses/Corns
- Physical deformity
Risk Factors
- Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
- Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
- Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
- Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Complications of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a frequent fungal infection that usually begins between the toes but can spread if left untreated. When the skin cracks or peels, bacteria can enter, leading to secondary infections that may cause redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, these infections can spread to the toenails, resulting in thickened, discolored nails that are difficult to treat. For people with diabetes or poor circulation, untreated athlete’s foot can cause serious complications, including ulcers or cellulitis, a deep skin infection that may require antibiotics. The condition can also spread to the hands or other areas of the body through scratching or contaminated surfaces. Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and using antifungal treatments early can help prevent these complications. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
- Thoroughly washing and drying feet
- Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
- Using shower shoes in public showers
- Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
- Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Understanding Ankle Pain and When to Seek Care
Ankle pain can result from an injury, overuse, or an underlying condition such as arthritis or tendonitis. Because the ankle bears your full body weight, even mild pain can interfere with balance and mobility. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness that worsen with activity. In some cases, untreated ankle issues can lead to instability or chronic discomfort. Proper diagnosis is key to preventing long-term problems. A podiatrist can assess the cause through examination and imaging, then create a treatment plan that may include rest, targeted exercise, or other interventions to promote healing and stability. If ankle pain is limiting your movement or does not improve within a few days, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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