Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is common among teenagers and those who are overweight, as tight shoes or excess pressure can aggravate the toenails. In addition to discomfort, you may notice pus or drainage if an infection sets in.  A podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the ingrown toenail and providing treatment options. For mild cases, they may suggest soaking the foot, proper nail trimming techniques, or padding to reduce pressure. If the condition persists or becomes infected, a podiatrist may need to remove part of the nail, or, in more serious cases, perform a permanent nail removal procedure. They may also recommend wearing properly fitting shoes to prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you prompty schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM of Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Laser treatment is a non-invasive option for addressing toenail fungus. This procedure uses concentrated light energy to target fungal infections beneath the toenail. It penetrates the nail and reaches the nail bed where the fungus resides. The heat generated by the laser toenail treatment disrupts fungal cells, preventing further growth and reducing infection. Some laser systems vaporize infected tissue, while others sterilize the area to prevent recurrence. Most patients require multiple sessions over several months to see improvements, as toenails grow slowly and healthy regrowth takes time. While laser toenail treatment is generally safe, some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary changes in the treated nail. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your fungal toenail infection, determine if laser therapy is appropriate, and monitor progress. Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy does not typically cause systemic side effects, making it a preferred option for some patients. If you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Nadia Sadeghi, DPM from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Fitting shoes correctly is essential for comfort and foot health. Shoes should fit snugly around the heel and midfoot without causing pressure or rubbing. The toe box should offer enough room for the toes to move freely without feeling cramped. While trying on shoes, it is important to ensure that the toes do not touch the end of the shoe, as this can cause discomfort and may gradually lead to foot problems. Ideally, there should be about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the shoe’s front. The concept of breaking in shoes is real but limited. While new shoes may feel stiff at first, they should not cause persistent pain. If shoes are excessively tight, they are likely too small. It is important to try shoes on later in the day when the feet are slightly swollen to ensure they will remain comfortable throughout daily activities. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and guide you on specifics for proper shoe fitting.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM from Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony enlargement that develops at the base of the big toe, often caused when the top of the toe angles toward the others. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. Other symptoms include irritated skin over the bump or stiffness in the joint. Bunions can develop due to genetics, foot structure, or wearing shoes like high heels that squeeze the toes or shift weight toward the forefoot. Bunions are diagnosed through physical examination, questions about symptoms and footwear, and sometimes X-rays to assess the joint’s alignment. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and improving foot function. A podiatrist can recommend footwear that minimizes pressure, as well as prescribe orthotic devices like splints or pads to improve alignment and provide cushioning. In more severe cases, this foot doctor may discuss surgery to restore joint alignment. If you have a problematic bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM of Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and osteoarthritis, OA, both affect the joints of the feet, toes, and ankles, but are distinct in their causes and progression. RA is a disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness that can affect both feet symmetrically. Over time, this can result in joint deformities and decreased mobility. OA is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing against each other. This wear and tear often results in extreme pain, swelling, and the development of bony growths, which may affect one foot more than the other. Risk factors for RA include family history and being female, while OA is more common with age, obesity, or previous joint injuries. A podiatrist can manage arthritis in the feet, by determining the type of arthritis, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting options to reduce pain and preserve joint function. If you have foot problems resulting from arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Nadia Sadeghi, DPM of Lincoln Park Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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