Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, often requires professional treatment to fully resolve. Your podiatrist may suggest oral medications, topical treatments, or laser therapy, depending on the severity of the infection. Oral antifungal pills tend to be the most effective but can cause side effects like an upset stomach or liver concerns. Topical solutions avoid these risks but often take longer to show results and may not work for deep infections. Laser treatments offer a non-invasive option, although results can vary. Your podiatrist will consider your health history and the extent of the infection when recommending a treatment plan. Treatment success also depends on how carefully you follow instructions, as missing medication doses or stopping early can lead to failure. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist to discuss safe and effective treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Regular foot care is essential for seniors, as aging feet are more vulnerable to issues that can impact comfort and mobility. Conditions such as arthritis, bunions, thickened nails, or skin problems can cause pain and increase the risk of falls or infections. Left untreated, these disorders may reduce independence and limit daily activities. Consistent foot care helps maintain circulation, prevent complications, and promote overall well-being. A podiatrist plays a vital role by detecting early signs of problems, managing chronic conditions, and offering tailored treatments to keep feet healthy. If you are a senior, and you notice changes in your foot health, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, while preserving mobility and ensuring continued comfort and safety in everyday life.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A walking boot, also known as a medical boot, is often used to stabilize foot or ankle injuries that require protection during healing. Walking boots are designed to limit motion and reduce pressure on the injured area while still allowing limited mobility. Conditions like fractures, sprains, stress injuries, and post-surgical recovery often call for wearing a walking boot. Constructed from rigid materials and secured with adjustable straps, the boot immobilizes the foot and ankle, helping maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on bones, ligaments, and tendons. By distributing body weight more evenly, a walking boot can also prevent aggravation of the injury during movement. A podiatrist can assess whether a walking boot is appropriate and ensure that it is fitted correctly. They can also monitor healing progress and determine when to transition out of the boot. If you have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is a high-impact activity that can lead to a variety of foot-related issues, especially when shoes do not fit well or training is too intense. Pain in the heel is a common complaint, often caused by irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Small cracks in the bone, called stress fractures, may develop from repetitive motion, and are typically painful during activity. Tightness or discomfort at the back of the ankle may signal inflammation of the tendon that supports that area. Runners might also deal with skin problems like blisters or bruised toenails from friction. Discomfort in the forefoot or worsening of conditions like bunions can also occur with long runs or poor support. Paying attention to early signs of pain and choosing proper footwear can reduce the risk. If running leads to foot pain or changes that do not resolve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.