Toenail fungus is a common condition that often leads to thick, discolored, and brittle nails that can become difficult to trim and uncomfortable in shoes. It is usually caused by fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments such as communal showers or sweaty footwear. These infections may make the nail look yellow, chalky, or crumbly, and some nails may lift from the nail bed or develop an unpleasant odor. Thick toenails can feel tender, tight, or pressured, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can begin by evaluating the nail to confirm the presence of fungus and rule out other conditions such as psoriasis or trauma. Treatment may include debridement to reduce thickness, topical or oral antifungal medications, and guidance on prevention and hygiene. If you notice persistent changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

For more information about treatment, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe-walking occurs when a child walks on their toes without letting their heels touch the ground. While many children learn a normal heel-to-toe walking pattern as they grow, persistent toe-walking beyond five years old, called idiopathic toe walking, can negatively affect the feet and ankles. Toe-walking can lead to tightness in the calf muscles and limited ankle movement, making it difficult for the heels to contact the floor. Over time, this can place stress on the Achilles tendon and alter normal gait mechanics. A podiatrist can assess whether the cause is related to shortened tendons, muscle imbalance, or another structural issue. Treatment may involve a stretching program and supportive custom orthotics to improve flexibility and promote proper walking patterns. Early evaluation helps prevent stiffness, balance issues, and discomfort in your child’s lower legs. If you notice persistent toe-walking in your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Gout is a painful condition that frequently affects the feet, especially the big toe joint, where sharp uric acid crystals can form and irritate the joint. This buildup leads to sudden flares of intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth that make standing or walking very difficult. Flares can last for days or weeks and tend to return over time, sometimes spreading to the ankle or other joints in the foot. If untreated, repeated attacks can cause lasting damage and lead to the formation of tophi, which are hard lumps under the skin that restrict movement and deform the joint. Risk factors that raise the chance of developing gout include obesity, use of diuretics, diets high in red meat, shellfish, or sugary drinks, in addition to chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or poor kidney function. A podiatrist can diagnose gout in the feet and provide treatment to reduce pain and protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Cathy Coker, DPM from Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops on the skin of the feet, most often between the toes or on the soles. It may cause itching, redness, peeling, cracking, or small blisters, and, in some cases, the affected skin may become sore. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, if not properly addressed. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making sweaty shoes, damp socks, or walking barefoot in communal showers and locker rooms common risk factors. Sharing shoes or socks can also contribute to its spread. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system are more susceptible to complications, as broken skin can allow bacteria to enter, leading to further infection. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, determine the extent of the infection, and provide appropriate treatment to help restore skin health and prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of an Athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Cathy Coker, DPM from Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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