common conditions

bunions, fungal nail, hammer toes

we treat conditions from podiatric disorders to routine diabetic foot care

diabetic foot care to reconstructive surgery of the foot

If you suffer from anything listed below, don't hesitate to call Chapel Podiatry & Associates, PA, and set up your appointment for treatment.

Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a contracture of one or both joints in the 2nd through 5th toes. This abnormal bending can create pain and irritation when wearing shoes and causes a build up of corns or calluses on or around the affected toe or toes.

The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle or tendon imbalance. Hammertoes are often aggravated by shoes that do not fit properly.

Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. Changes in shoe wear and using an orthotic device to correct the imbalance may reduce irritation.

Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail cuts into the surrounding skin. Symptoms may include mild discomfort to redness, swelling, drainage, and pain.

Toe deformities, such as bunions or overlapping toes, can cause an ingrown toenail, as they increase the pressure on neighboring toes. Improper trimming of the nails and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly are also common causes of ingrown nails.

If the ingrown nail condition is mild, you can soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salts and carefully trim the nail. If it does not alleviate the irritation and pain, make an appointment to see our doctor.

Fungal Nails
Symptoms include thickened toenails which are often brittle or crumbly, distortions in shape, loss of luster or shine, and unusual discoloration.

Most people do not complain of pain in early stages, but the thickness of the nail can result in pressure to the toe, especially when wearing shoes.

Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter anti-fungal nail creams and ointments are available, but they are not very effective.

Fortunately, other non-surgical treatments have been introduced during the last 10 years. To treat your nail fungus, our doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication after determining that you actually have nail fungus.

Bunions
A bunion is a progressive dislocation of the big toe joint. The joint becomes enlarged and the big toe drifts towards the other toes.

Bunions are most often caused by a genetic predisposition in the mechanical structure of the foot. Some people are born with a flat foot or a high-arched foot; these are the people most prone to bunion problems.

Initial treatment of bunions should include shoe modification. In addition, bunion pads can help to protect the irritated area. Orthotic devices may also be beneficial to provide adequate support and reduce the abnormal collapsing of the foot.

If the pain persists despite initial therapy options, surgical corrections should be considered. Patients who have bunions corrected earlier tend to have a more successful outcome.