Items filtered by date: March 2025

Toenail fungus causes toenails to become brittle, crumbly, discolored, or misshapen. In some cases, the nails may thicken, separate from the nail bed, or emit a foul odor. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making it easy to contract in places like locker rooms or public shower areas. Symptoms include pain or discomfort when wearing shoes or walking. The condition can also spread to other nails or skin, if left untreated. Treating toenail fungus can be challenging, as visible results often take months due to the slow growth of toenails. Available treatments include topical medications, oral antifungal drugs, and laser therapy. Podiatrists often recommend a combination of oral and topical treatments for the best results. However, oral medication may come with side effects, and topical treatment may not be as effective for severe cases. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from everyday injuries to underlying medical issues. Common causes include sprains, strains, fractures, and arthritis, which can lead to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, are also frequent, especially in athletes and active individuals. Less common causes of ankle pain include nerve compression, gout, infections, or vascular issues, which may result in persistent or worsening symptoms. Structural problems, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to chronic discomfort. Ignoring ankle pain may lead to long-term mobility issues. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, or instability of your ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a foot condition where the big toe points toward the second toe, causing a bony bump to form at the base of the toe. They are particularly common in older women, anyone with flat feet, or people with a family history of bunions. Pregnancy can also contribute, as hormonal changes and weight gain put additional pressure on the feet. Symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint, often worsened by wearing tight or narrow shoes. As the condition progresses, it can lead to difficulty walking and discomfort during daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the bunion and offer treatment options to reduce pain and slow progression. Conservative options include custom orthotics, padding, or changes to footwear. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the toe. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

When an ingrown toenail becomes severe, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent infection. A podiatrist can perform different types of ingrown toenail surgery based on the severity of the condition. Partial nail avulsion surgery involves removing the part of the nail that is growing into the skin while preserving the healthier portion of the nail. In more severe cases, a total nail avulsion may be required, in which the entire nail is removed. To reduce the chance of recurrence, a podiatrist may perform a matrixectomy. This procedure destroys part or all of the nail matrix to prevent regrowth in the affected area. Ingrown toenail surgeries are typically performed at the podiatrist’s office setting with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Afterward, patients receive guidance on keeping the area clean and monitoring for any signs of infection. Addressing an ingrown toenail early can help prevent complications such as persistent pain, swelling, and drainage. If you are suffering from a severely ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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