Help for Foot Infections
Athlete’s foot, plantar warts and other foot infections need prompt attention. Learn how to avoid and treat these common problems.
Make Your Pedicure Safe
Don’t let an at-home or salon pedicure lead to ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Practice preventive measures for healthy toes.
Care for Foot Bunions
An inflamed bunion can cause pain and instability. Learn how to prevent and treat bunions before they get worse.
Featured Articles
Help for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Explore daily self-care measures and other treatments for heel pain.
Why You May Need Orthotics
When foot pain and discomfort persists, consider customized shoe inserts.
Care for Foot Bunions
Learn how to prevent and treat bunions before they get worse.
Ask an Expert
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
Assuming that your toenails have a fungal infection, you have several options:Topical treatmentOral medication treatmentLaser treatmentCombination of the above treatmentsEach has its pros and cons. Topical medi... continue reading about I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Pain from neuropathy can be quite problematic. It is often described as a burning or a "pins and needles" sensation. This pain is often more noticeable at bedtime and can therefore disrupt sleep. The first step... continue reading about I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
I am so sorry to hear that you have experienced multiple ankle fractures. Even one is more than enough! Proper rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the ankle after a sprain can help recovery and decrease ... continue reading about I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Achilles tendon issues are quite common and can vary in severity from annoying to debilitating. Mild tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, can ... continue reading about What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
Perhaps not if you choose to pursue both in moderation. However, if you spend long hours in high heels, then you may continue to find long distance running difficult. Are you willing to drop down to two-inch he... continue reading about The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot and what is the best way to get rid of it?
Symptoms of athlete's foot can consist of itching of the foot and between the toes, and redness and peeling between the toes and/or around the foot in a mocassin distribution. Frequently people with athlete's f... continue reading about What are the symptoms of athlete's foot and what is the best way to get rid of it?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
I am sorry to hear about your foot pain. If you have an irritated nerve in your foot (neuroma), then it was excellent advice to change out of your high heels and take an anti-inflammatory, as it is important to... continue reading about My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What can I use for toe nail fungus without a prescription?
A toe nail infected with fungus is not only a cosmetic concern. Many people with fungal nail infections also have a fungal skin infection (commonly known as athlete's foot). This can often be the original sourc... continue reading about What can I use for toe nail fungus without a prescription?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I am 40 and I get cramps so severe in my toes that they stiffen up in different directions. What could be the cause of this and should I be concerned?
I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering from this painful, but common, condition. There are many possible causes of foot cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if exercising, as dehydration c... continue reading about I am 40 and I get cramps so severe in my toes that they stiffen up in different directions. What could be the cause of this and should I be concerned?
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