We are hard on our feet, especially the skin and toenails. We walk barefoot on dirty surfaces and expose them to bacteria and viruses. We shove them into socks and shoes and then sweat—creating the perfect environment for fungus to grow between the toes and under the toenails. We don't trim our toenails often enough or correctly, promoting painful ingrown toenails. And after all of this, we hesitate to seek professional help to find a solution that prevents chronic conditions.
At Forward Foot & Ankle Center, we are proactive about skin and toenail care and encourage you to be, too. We offer skin and nail care treatments that resolve painful conditions, stop the spread of infections, and prevent a recurrence. No problem is too small, so contact us when you notice a wound, wart, or swollen toe.
Common Foot Problems: From Infections to Fungus
We can't shield our feet from all of the hazards in the world, but the sooner we get a diagnosis and treatment for an infection or sore, the better. We see patients with skin problems like the following every day in our Livermore office:
- Plantar warts. Plantar warts are caused by a virus invading the bottom of your foot through a crack or cut in the skin. You can have a single wart or a cluster of them. Tough skin has often grown over the top when you notice the wart, so it might look more like a callus than a wart. While you will see home remedies available in the drug store, these can waste time and money. Our office has a range of options available to get rid of the wart, including cryotherapy, laser removal, and minor surgery.
- Ulcers. Wounds on the bottom of the feet can be difficult to heal because they are constantly covered and aggravated. This is especially a problem for people with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. We offer diabetic foot care that includes foot inspections, wound care, and treatment of infected and chronic ulcers.
- Corns and calluses. These areas of thickened skin are caused by too much pressure on a given area, usually from shoes, bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities. We offer options—including padding, orthotics, and shoe recommendations—to manage and treat the areas so corns and calluses can heal.
- Athlete's foot. Cracked, red, and itchy areas—especially between the toes—clearly indicate a fungal infection known as athlete's foot. An over-the-counter anti-fungal medication can resolve the problem if you catch it early. However, if it has spread, you might want to seek our help for stronger medications.
Treating Fungal Nail Infections and Ingrown Toenails
A spa pedicure can be a nice way to pamper your toes—if the spa is hygienic and the pedicurists are properly trained. However, simply keeping your nails trimmed and inspecting them for signs of infection are all you need to do to have healthy toenails. We have effective solutions for the following:
- Fungal toenails. Many people live with thick, yellow, and brittle toenails for years without realizing they have a fungal infection. Toenail fungus is related to athlete's foot, but the nail bed is impacted rather than the skin between the toes. We offer treatments such as topical creams, oral medications, and even laser therapy to kill the fungus and allow a healthy toenail to return.
- Ingrown toenails. Talk about a thorn in a lion's paw! An ingrown toenail can bring down even the bravest adult. If the area around your big toenail is swollen, red, and causing you pain, you likely have an ingrown toenail. This problem generally does not go away on its own and can become infected if not treated early. We have a variety of solutions, from foot soaks to surgery, to resolve this problem for you once and for all.
Proactive Skin and Toenail Care and Treatment in the East Bay
A quick visit to our office is often all you need to clear up a problem before it grows into something more serious. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions. We serve the entire East Bay area, including Pleasanton, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Tracy, and Stockton. Call our Livermore Podiatrist at (925) 532-0099 or fill out the contact form on this page, and we will be in touch to discuss your options for fast, effective treatment.