Toenail fungus is a common nail infection caused by fungi that thrive in warm moist environments, and invade the nail through tiny cracks. Early signs include yellow-brown discoloration, dullness, and a slow-growing change in nail appearance. As the infection progresses, the nail may become thickened, brittle, and crumbly, sometimes producing debris and a foul-smelling odor. Causes include exposure to damp shoes, shared locker rooms, and weakened nail barriers. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, poor circulation, athlete’s foot, and frequent nail trauma. A podiatrist can confirm the infection, trim and thin thickened nails, and recommend targeted treatments that support clear nail growth. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family 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 contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are benign skin lesions that develop on the soles of the feet as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus. The virus enters through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin and thrives in warm, moist environments. These growths often appear as rough, grainy areas with small dark spots and may cause pain or tenderness when walking or standing. Symptoms can include thickened skin, discomfort with pressure, and the sensation of stepping on a small stone. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public areas, weakened immunity, and direct contact with the virus. A podiatrist can provide safe removal and targeted treatment. Plantar warts can be painful, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It develops when fungi grow in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes or locker rooms. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. Also, cracking, and sometimes blisters or odor can result. Causes include prolonged moisture exposure, walking barefoot in public areas, and wearing tight footwear. Risk factors consist of excessive sweating, weakened immunity, and poor foot hygiene. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection, prescribe effective antifungal treatment, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the foot, especially the big toe, and often appears without warning. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in the joints due to diet, genetics, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth that may develop overnight. The joint may look shiny, swollen, and inflamed, and it often feels extremely tender to the touch, making walking difficult. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed history and physical exam, supported by imaging or lab testing when needed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may progress to medication management, footwear guidance, dietary education, and strategies to reduce flare-ups. Early care can limit joint damage and improve mobility. If you have gout, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor 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 offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.