A toenail infection, known as onychomycosis when caused by fungus, can affect the way your nails look and feel. Infected toenails often become thick, brittle, and discolored, turning yellow, brown, or even white in appearance. The surface may develop ridges, crumble at the edges, or lift away from the nail bed. Warm and damp environments, such as heavy work boots or locker room floors, can encourage fungal growth, making toenails particularly vulnerable. In addition to fungal infections, bacteria can also infect the nail, leading to swelling, redness, and discomfort around the nail fold. These changes may interfere with walking, cause pain when wearing shoes, or increase the risk of further foot problems. A podiatrist can perform an examination, remove a small sample of nail if needed, and determine the cause of the infection. Early treatment helps prevent complications and restores nail health. If you believe you have a toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When specific types of high heels are worn, they may give the legs and feet the illusion of looking leaner and elegant, despite the possible foot problems that may develop. These problems can include the formation of bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails. It is important that high heels fit properly, and the shoe size may need to increase if weight is gained. Research has indicated that feet may feel more comfortable when high heels are made with thicker heels. This is helpful in providing the balance that is needed to perform daily activities, in addition to providing a more even distribution of body weight. Many patients choose to wear insoles, which may prevent foot pain. If more information is needed about the types of high heels to purchase, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can address any concerns you may have.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

There are numerous nerves that are located in each foot. Morton’s neuroma can occur when a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes swollen, and may gradually become inflamed. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include a sharp or burning pain that is often felt between the third and fourth toes. It can be caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. It is beneficial to refrain from activities that put pressure on the toes, and the affected foot may feel better when it is massaged and frequently elevated. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Carrie Frame, DPM of West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

The majority of broken toes can heal by staying off of the foot. If the fracture is severe, the toe may need to be stabilized as the healing process occurs. This can be accomplished by using a method that is called buddy taping, which is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. Broken toes can cause severe pain and discomfort, and generally happens if a heavy object is dropped on it. Some patients stub their toe against a piece of furniture, and this can cause the toe to break. It is beneficial to limit walking as much as possible. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are large enough to accommodate the broken toe. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine the best course of treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Carrie Frame, DPM from West Virginia Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Charleston, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.