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Nail fungus, typically picked up from not wearing the proper footwear in communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, is contagious and can lead to a great deal of pain if left untreated. When the fungus gets under the nail, it will likely cause the toenail to thicken, harden, and become discolored. The nail may also become brittle and fall off. Those with diabetes, circulatory issues, or an immune deficiency are more likely to develop a toenail fungus infection. Your chances of getting an infection may also increase with age. As far as treating the infection, we recommend you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a physical exam, as well as to get a sample of your nail tested to determine if the infection truly is fungal.  Once diagnosed, a podiatrist may suggest oral treatments, topical treatments, laser treatments, or for more severe cases, surgical treatments. For professional care and an advised treatment plan, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning?

There are many reasons why ankle pain may exist. It is considered to be a common  injury, and the type of ankle pain can range from a severe sprain to a broken ankle. It can occur as a result of suddenly stepping off of a curb and twisting the ankle, or from participating in certain sporting activities. The tendons in the ankle help to make it possible to walk and run, and if these become torn or stretched, severe pain and discomfort may occur. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, the correct treatment can begin. Moderate relief may be found when the affected ankle is elevated, which may help to alleviate existing swelling. When the ankle is wrapped in an elastic bandage, the foot may feel adequately supported. If you have fallen and your ankle is affected, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper healing treatments.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

When the feet are frequently stretched, painful foot and ankle injuries may be avoided. The tendons, ligaments and muscles of the feet may become stronger when a stretching regime is routinely performed. An effective stretch for the toes can consist of placing your feet flat on the floor while sitting down. As the heels are kept on the floor, raise the toes up and down until the ball of the foot lifts off the floor. This can be beneficial in building flexibility and mobility. Some patients find it helpful to walk barefoot on the sand, as this can help to add strength to the overall feet and calves. If you would like more information about how stretching can help the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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