Toenail fungus can be a very serious issue if not taken seriously, and, unfortunately, foot care is generally ignored or unprioritized. Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, realize this is a big problem. "Fungal infections are reported to cause 23% of foot diseases and 50% of nail conditions" according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

More About Toenail Fungus

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is when a fungus infects the areas between your toes. The fungus starts as a white or yellow spot under the toenail and starts infesting deeper layers of tissue causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of nails.

Symptoms generally consist of the description mentioned above in addition to a distorted nail shape and a foul smell. If you're unsure, it's always best to speak with your Chicago, IL, podiatrist.

What are risk factors to keep an eye out for?

• Age is an issue because of reduced blood flow as we grow older, as well as increased exposure to fungi and slower nail growth
• Heavy sweating and history of athlete's foot 
• Walking without slippers or flipflops in damp communal areas like gym shower rooms
• Skin or nail injury like psoriasis
• Diseases like diabetes that, like aging, affects circulation
• Compromised immune system

What are some complications?

Severe toenail infections may be painful, permanently damage nails, and spread to other parts of your feet. This becomes a huge problem if you have a disease like diabetes. Medications used by diabetics suppress the immune system making it easier for the fungus to wreak havoc.

What are some preventative measures?

• Wash your hands and feet regularly using lukewarm water and moisturize your nails.
• Trim nails straight across and disinfect nail clippers.
• Wear sweat-absorbing socks and choose well-fitted shoes.
• Use disinfectants or antifungal powders in older shoes to protect feet.
• Wear footwear in damp communal areas.

Do you need to speak with a podiatrist?

Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, can help diagnose and treat your foot problems. For more information about a toenail fungus, give them a call at (773) 202-8800.

Dealing with recurring toenail fungal infections? Laser treatment may be the answer.

Toenail fungus, also referred to as onychomycosis, is an unpleasant and unsightly condition that can be rather difficult to treat. While you may have turned to over-the-counter creams and other medications to help combat the problem, the unfortunate issue is that many OTC products aren’t effective enough. That’s where our Chicago podiatrists, Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey can help.

How does the PinPointe laser work?

Unlike ointments and creams, which cannot penetrate through the nail to target the fungus, our laser system is able to safely and painlessly penetrate the nail to heat up and destroy the fungus underneath without affecting the surrounding skin.

How long is the procedure?

Since this laser treatment is minimally invasive it doesn’t require anesthesia or any invasive techniques. Therefore, the procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes per nail. The procedure will take longer if several nails require treatment at a time.

Is there any downtime associated with laser treatment?

There is absolutely no downtime or recovery period associated with PinPointe laser treatment from our Chicago office. Once the procedure is over, you can go right back to your daily routine. There are also virtually no side effects associated with this treatment; however, it is important to note that toenails will not be immediately clear afterward. It will take months for the nail to grow out clear.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients only require one session in order to fully treat the infection; however, more severe or persistent cases may require one or two additional treatment sessions.

Who should consider receiving PinPointe laser treatment?

Anyone who is dealing with a toenail fungal infection that isn’t finding results through at-home care could benefit from visiting a podiatrist for laser treatment. If you are dealing with severe infections that are causing yellow, thick, and brittle nails, then laser therapy may give you the best results without dealing with side effects. This also provides patients who may not be able to take oral antifungal medications with another effective treatment option.

Affiliated Podiatrists has three locations in Chicago to serve you better. Whether you are dealing with persistent toenail fungal infection, ingrown toenails, or diabetic foot problems, our podiatrists can help you find the care you need. To learn more about PinPointe laser treatment, call us at (773) 202-8800 (N. Central Ave.), (773) 696-4700 (W. Addison St.), or (773) 558-4799 (N. Francisco Ave.).

Are your toenails yellow, thick and brittle? It is estimated that 10 percent of Americans have toenail fungus. Don't be embarrassed by this podiatric condition(onychomycosis): it's more easily treated than you may think. At Affiliated Podiatrists, in Chicago, IL, your board-certified podiatrists see scores of patients who want normal, healthy toenails. Learn about Pinpointe Laser treatments which effectively eliminate toenail fungus in the Near North area.

The details on toenail fungus

The symptoms of toenail fungus in the Near North, Chicago area are familiar: thickened, yellow nails, brittleness, changes in shape and texture, and sometimes a vague odor. Often accompanied by athlete's foot, onychomycosis spreads from one foot to the other and to members of the same household via shared pedicure tools, towels, and shower tiles.

People develop onychomycosis for several reasons:

1. Moist, dark environments such as sweaty shoes and sneakers
2. Exposure to the fungus poolside, in the gym locker room or in other public places where people walk barefoot
3. Having a compromised immune system (patients with diabetes and HIV as examples)
4. Poor foot hygiene

Treatment options

Your podiatrist will examine your toenails for signs of fungal infection. While many doctors prescribe topical treatments and/or oral medications for this condition, the doctors at Affiliated Podiatrists. offer a more effective solution--laser therapy with the amazing Pinepointe Laser.

Performed in the office in about 45 minutes, laser treatment of fungal toenails is very comfortable, requires no special preparation and has no downtime. Typically, the doctor delivers a focused beam of light across the entire surface of the toenail, eradicating the fungus completely. He normally repeats the process overall ten nails to ensure no re-infection.

Afterwards , nails grow out straight, clear, and without that yellow or brown color characteristic of fungal nails. You'll have completely new, beautiful nails within months. Antifungal powder for your shoes and some topical cream helps prevent reoccurrence.

Additionally, practice diligent foot hygiene:

• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly
• Wear clean socks every day
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas
• Do not share toenail clippers or towels
• Wear well-ventilated shoes in the hot weather

What's your treatment goal?

Of course, your goal is toenails that look as good as they feel. If you have signs of fungal problems, please contact Affiliated Podiatrists for a consultation with a member of our professional team in the Near North, Chicago, IL, area. Call (773) 202-8800.

Find out how we can help you treat these common foot problems.

No one wants to face foot problems, but millions of Americans will deal with common ailments like bunions or fungal toenail infections. Isn’t it better that you are armed with the knowledge to know how to properly treat these issues should you have to deal with them? Our Chicago, IL, podiatrists are here to share the best ways to manage these foot problems.

Bunions

There are various lifestyle changes you can make to prevent your bunion from progressing. Catching the bunion early on will certainly make treating your condition easier. Our Chicago, IL, foot doctors might recommend:

• New footwear
• Custom orthotics
• Bracing or splinting the foot
• Foot exercises

Most of the time these simple at-home measures are all that’s needed to eliminate symptoms and to prevent bunions from getting worse. Of course, those who have been dealing with severe bunion pain for over a year that haven’t found relief in more conservative measures may require surgery.

Fungal Toenail Infections

Fungus is all around us, and boy does it love to live in moist, dark environments! So if you don’t put on shower shoes the next time you enter the dorm shower or the locker rooms you may find yourself dealing with a nasty fungal infection.

Unfortunately, fungus that lies under the nail can be a bit more difficult to treat since topical treatments often can’t penetrate the nail to get to the fungus. While we can prescribe oral antifungal medications, those dealing with stubborn, chronic or recurring infections should consider PinPointe Foot Laser.

This laser treatment is able to penetrate the harder layers of the nail to heat up and kill the fungus that lies underneath. Plus, there is no recovery time and the procedure is completely safe. In most situations, one treatment may be all that’s needed although there will be follow-up visits after 4 months and 8 months to monitor your progress.

Your feet do a lot for you; isn’t it time you did something for them? If you are worried that you may have a bunion, fungal infection or other affliction then it’s time you turned to Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, for the care you need to get back on your feet again.

As the weather gets warmer, many people prefer to wear sandals in the sun rather than socks and sneakers. However, with your feet more exposed, you may notice a toenail that looks looks ugly, discolored or is thicker than the rest. Toenail fungus is a common and treatable condition. Find out more about protecting your feet from infection this summer with help from your Chicago, IL podiatrist.

How does toenail fungus form in the first place? 
Fungus thrives in dark, moist and warm areas. Your feet, when inside of shoes all day, are the perfect environment for fungi. The fungus usually enters the toe through tiny cuts or scrapes which may be invisible to the naked eye. Feet commonly have reduced circulation, making it more difficult for to fight an infection in the toes. Additionally, people who are often in damp public areas, like locker rooms or swimming pools, are also more at risk for nail fungus.

How does one know if he has toenail fungus? 
Nail fungus begins with a yellow or white spot on the nail. As the fungus grows, it may cause the nail to present other symptoms. They include:

• thickening of the nail
• discoloration of the nail
• crumbling of the nail at its edges
• changes to the nail’s shape
• separation of the nail from the nail bed, known medically as onycholysis

Most over-the-counter medications do not work. Your Chicago podiatrist may recommend stronger, prescription medication. In the most stubborn cases of nail fungus, Laser or surgery to remove the nail may be necessary.

How does one protect my feet from infection? 
One of the most effective ways to prevent nail fungus is to keep your feet dry and clean. Be sure to wear fresh socks daily and change into a clean pair if they become wet. Anti-fungal sprays and powders available over-the-counter may also help reduce the chance of nail fungus. Always wear shower shoes in public showers or pools and socks in locker rooms. Finally, wear moisture-wicking shoes and socks to keep your feet dry and cool.

For more information on protecting your feet, please contact your podiatrist at Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL. Call (773) 202-8800 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable associate about scheduling your appointment for a foot examination today!