Toenail fungus appears in various forms, each with distinct characteristics. Subungual onychomycosis is the most common type and affects the nail bed underneath the nail. It often causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail. White superficial onychomycosis causes white patches on the surface of the nail and may cause the nail to become soft and powdery. Candida onychomycosis is caused by yeast and typically affects fingernails but can also appear on toenails, especially in individuals with a compromised immune system or frequent exposure to moisture. This form can cause swelling, pain, and a yellow or white discoloration of the nail. Each type of fungal infection may appear similar at first glance, but identifying the specific form helps determine the most effective treatment and approach to care. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the proper shoe size is important for comfort and foot health. A simple way to measure at home begins by placing your foot flat on a piece of paper while standing. Carefully trace around the outline of your foot to capture its natural shape. Use a ruler to measure from the heel to the longest toe to determine the length. Then measure across the widest part of your foot to find the width. These measurements can help guide your shoe selection, but having your feet professionally measured at a store often provides more accurate results. Feet can change in size over time, so it is helpful to check measurements regularly. Wearing the right size helps prevent discomfort and supports healthy movement throughout the day. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and provide more guidance on how to obtain your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe joint, or first metatarsophalangeal joint, may result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones and soft tissue structures of the forefoot. This joint links the long bone of the foot to the base of the big toe and bears significant stress during walking and running. Common causes of pain in the big toe joint include bunions, arthritis, gout, metatarsalgia, and turf toe. A bunion can result when the top of the big toe shifts toward the second toe, causing the bottom of the toe to shift away from the foot. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types, can damage the joint cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain. Gout, another form of arthritis, may produce sudden swelling due to uric acid crystal deposits in the big toe joint. Turf toe, common in athletes and dancers, may occur from forced upward bending of the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of your big toe joint pain and may recommend surgery when other methods are not effective. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors 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:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

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 Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are small fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin due to friction, heat, or irritation. On the feet, they are often caused by wearing tight shoes, prolonged walking or running, moisture buildup, or socks that rub against the skin. Common areas affected include the heels, toes, and soles. Symptoms of a blister include a raised, bubble-like area filled with clear fluid, often accompanied by redness, tenderness, or a burning sensation. Walking can become painful, and, if the blister breaks, it may become vulnerable to infection leading to increased redness, swelling, or pus. While many blisters heal on their own, recurring or infected blisters should be evaluated by a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat and drain blisters safely, prevent infection, and recommend proper footwear or orthotics to stop future occurrences. They can also identify underlying issues like abnormal gait or foot structure. If you have a painful foot blister, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.