Fungal toenail infections develop when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail, causing thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. These infections often return because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and public spaces. Reinfection can also happen if treatment is stopped too soon or shoes are not properly disinfected. Beyond over-the-counter and prescription medications, a podiatrist can provide advanced care, including professional nail debridement to reduce thickness, stronger topical treatments, oral antifungal therapy, and, in some cases, laser treatment to target the infection. Regular monitoring helps ensure the infection is fully cleared. Preventive steps like keeping feet dry, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding barefoot exposure are essential. If the infection continues or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for comprehensive treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of ABC 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 contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful joint condition that often targets the foot, most commonly at the base of the big toe. It develops when excess uric acid in the body forms crystals that settle in the joint, leading to irritation and inflammation. A gout attack often begins with a rapid onset of pain, swelling, and a deep throbbing sensation that can make walking difficult. The skin over the joint may look red or purplish, and feel warm to the touch. This discomfort can come in waves or flare-ups. Some patients notice stiffness lingering even after the initial pain improves. A podiatrist can assess joint involvement, rule out other causes of foot pain, and guide appropriate care. Treatment includes medication to calm inflammation, recommendations to reduce joint stress, and ongoing management to help limit recurrence. If you experience sudden or recurring toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and management solutions.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Many women notice that their feet remain larger after pregnancy due to physical changes that occur during this time. Increased body weight places added stress on the feet, which can cause the arches to flatten and lengthen. Hormonal changes also play a role by relaxing ligaments, including those in the sole, leading to permanent structural changes. This added strain can result in discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty finding properly fitting shoes. Risk factors include multiple pregnancies, significant weight gain, and prolonged standing. These changes may also affect overall foot function and alignment, if not addressed. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics to improve comfort and stability. If you have noticed any uncomfortable changes in your feet during or after your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief remedies with personalized care.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Paying attention to your feet can help catch problems early and keep you comfortable. Start by looking at your feet each day. Check for color changes, swelling, cracks, or areas that feel warm or tender. Notice any thickened nails or changes in shape. Use a mirror, if needed, to see the bottoms. Clean your feet with mild soap and warm water, then dry them well, especially between the toes. Apply moisturizer to prevent dryness, but avoid the spaces between toes. Trim nails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes that do not rub or pinch. Additionally, replace worn footwear and choose socks that keep feet dry. Staying active can support circulation and overall foot health. If you notice ongoing changes or have foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate care plan.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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