Learn about corns on your feet

👣 Corns on Feet: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Podiatrist Ace Foot and Ankle Podiatrists – San Francisco Bay Area Understanding Corns – Why They Form and How to Treat Them Do you have a small, painful bump on your toe that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with a corn. Corns are one of the most common reasons patients visit our podiatry clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. While they’re not dangerous, they can be very uncomfortable — especially when walking or wearing shoes. What Are Corns? A corn is a thickened area of skin that forms due to constant friction or pressure, usually from tight shoes or toe deformities. They’re your body’s natural way of protecting the skin, but over time they can become painful and inflamed. Hard Corns: Typically found on the tops of toes [...]

By |2025-10-06T11:59:04-07:00October 6th, 2025|Arch Pain/Heel Pain, Ingrown Toenails|Comments Off on Learn about corns on your feet

Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications

Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications By Dr. JaeHyun Kim, DPM – Ace Foot and Ankle Podiatrists, San Francisco Bay Area Diabetes affects millions of Americans, and its impact on foot health can be devastating if not properly managed. As a podiatrist treating patients across the San Francisco Bay Area, I often see individuals suffering from diabetic foot complications—a preventable yet dangerous set of conditions that require early detection and expert care. What Causes Diabetic Foot Complications? Diabetes often leads to two major foot-related issues: Peripheral NeuropathyLoss of sensation in the feet makes it difficult to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure sores. Minor injuries go unnoticed and untreated. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease)Diabetes impairs blood flow, which reduces the ability to heal even the smallest of wounds. This greatly increases the risk of infection and amputation. Foot Deformities & Skin [...]

By |2025-08-07T10:34:58-07:00September 5th, 2025|Ankle Sprain, Bunion, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications

Top 5 Most Common Foot Conditions in California Podiatry Clinics

Top 5 Foot Conditions Seen in California Podiatry Clinics As a podiatrist in California, I often treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. However, there are five foot problems that appear most frequently in patients visiting our clinic. Here are the top conditions, along with their causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies. 1. Plantar Fasciitis Cause: Inflammation of the plantar fascia due to overuse, flat feet, poor footwear, or prolonged standing.Treatment: Rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, corticosteroid injections.Prevention: Supportive shoes, daily stretching, weight management, and avoiding prolonged standing. 2. Bunions (Hallux Valgus) Cause: Genetic predisposition, tight or narrow shoes, arthritis.Treatment: Shoe modification, bunion pads, toe spacers, custom orthotics, or surgery for severe deformities.Prevention: Avoid tight or high-heeled shoes, wear wide-toe shoes, use orthotics early on. 3. Ingrown Toenails [...]

By |2025-08-07T10:22:35-07:00August 7th, 2025|Bunion, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Top 5 Most Common Foot Conditions in California Podiatry Clinics

Why Does Athlete’s Foot Keep Coming Back?

Why Does Athlete’s Foot Keep Coming Back? Causes & Treatment Toenail Fungus Isn’t Just Cosmetic – Here’s Why You Should Treat It 1. Causes of Frequent and Severe Athlete’s Foot ① Weakened Immune System People with diabetes, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy are more prone to fungal infections. Chronic stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system, making it easier for fungi to thrive. ② Warm and Humid Environments Excessive sweating, wearing tight or non-breathable shoes, or prolonged use of waterproof boots can create an ideal environment for fungi. Public places like gyms, swimming pools, and locker rooms increase the risk of infection. ③ Poor Foot Hygiene Not drying feet properly after washing, reusing socks or shoes without cleaning, and cutting nails too short can all contribute to fungal [...]

By |2025-03-24T09:42:52-07:00April 8th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Why Does Athlete’s Foot Keep Coming Back?

What Happens If You Leave Toenail Fungus Untreated?

Thickened, Discolored Toenails? It Could Be a Fungal Infection! Toenail Fungus Isn’t Just Cosmetic – Here’s Why You Should Treat It 1. It Starts Small But Gets Worse Over Time Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) may seem like a minor issue at first. You may notice slight yellowing or thickening of the nail, but it doesn’t cause significant discomfort. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread deeper, causing the nail to become brittle, distorted, and even separate from the nail bed over time. 2. It Can Lead to Pain and Discomfort Initially, toenail fungus may not be painful, but as the infection worsens, the thickened and misshapen nails can press against your shoes, causing pain while walking. In severe cases, simple activities like running or prolonged standing can become uncomfortable. 3. It Spreads to Other Nails and Skin [...]

By |2025-03-24T09:37:47-07:00March 24th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on What Happens If You Leave Toenail Fungus Untreated?

Fungal nail treatment

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. To prevent and treat fungal nail infections, here are some detailed steps and tips: Fungal Nail Prevention: Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, ensuring you dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Proper Footwear: Wear breathable shoes made of natural materials like leather. Change your socks daily, and opt for moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry. Avoid Walking Barefoot: Don't go barefoot in public places like pools, locker rooms, and communal showers. Wear flip-flops or sandals instead. Choose Breathable Footwear: Opt for shoes that allow air circulation to reduce moisture buildup. Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Don't share nail clippers, files, or other personal foot care items. Manage Sweat: If you have [...]

By |2025-01-17T10:44:43-08:00November 22nd, 2024|Ankle Fracture, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Fungal nail treatment

Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot

Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot Eczema is a non-infectious inflammatory skin condition often triggered by environmental factors or allergens, while athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that thrive in moist environments. Eczema: Non-infectious, inflammatory, allergens, irritants, chronic, itching, red patches. Athlete's Foot: Infectious, fungal, dermatophytes, moist environments, contagious, scaling, itching, cracking. 1. Causes Eczema: Eczema is a non-infectious inflammatory skin condition. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental irritants, allergens, stress, and immune system dysfunction. Common types of eczema that may affect the feet include atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. It can result from exposure to irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, or allergens such as certain fabrics or footwear materials. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, [...]

By |2024-08-08T16:35:47-07:00August 8th, 2024|Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Eczema vs Athlete’s Foot

What is a Corn? Common treatment method for corns.

Common treatment method for corns What is a Corn? A corn is a condition where the skin on areas like the hands and feet thickens and forms a cone-shaped protrusion due to continuous mechanical pressure. It is characterized by tenderness when pressed from above, and you can see a central core when it's trimmed. What Causes Corns? The primary cause of corns is mechanical pressure or friction on the skin, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive walking, or professions that involve frequent hand movements. These pressures can lead to the development of corns. Difference Between Corns and Calluses Calluses typically form in areas that receive consistent pressure, such as the palms, soles, or bony protrusions. They are relatively larger compared to corns, often painless, and lack a central core. You can diagnose them by their thickened and hardened appearance in the pressured skin [...]

By |2023-10-23T13:09:50-07:00October 23rd, 2023|Ingrown Toenails, Neuromas|Comments Off on What is a Corn? Common treatment method for corns.

The treatment for toenail fungal infection

Toenail fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, can be caused by different types of fungi. The most common types of fungi responsible for toenail fungal infections are: Dermatophytes: These are the most common culprits behind toenail fungal infections. The most prevalent dermatophyte species causing onychomycosis are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Candida: This type of fungus, particularly Candida albicans, can also cause toenail fungal infections, though it is less common compared to dermatophytes. Non-dermatophyte molds: Certain molds, such as Aspergillus species or Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, may also be responsible for toenail fungal infections in some cases. It's essential to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. A healthcare professional can conduct tests, such as microscopic examination or fungal cultures, to identify the causative fungus and recommend the appropriate treatment. Over-the-counter antifungal medications: Topical [...]

By |2023-07-28T12:27:02-07:00July 28th, 2023|Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on The treatment for toenail fungal infection

Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated…

Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can lead to various complications and discomfort. Here are some potential consequences of neglecting an ingrown toenail: Increased Pain: Ingrown toenails can cause significant pain, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area. As the nail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to inflammation and tenderness. Infection: One of the most concerning risks of an ingrown toenail is infection. When the nail pierces the skin, bacteria can enter the wound, leading to an infected area. Symptoms of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and the presence of pus. Abscess Formation: In severe cases of infection, an abscess (a collection of pus) can form in the surrounding tissue, causing more pain and discomfort. Nail Deformation: If an ingrown toenail is left untreated over an extended period, the continuous pressure and inflammation can cause the [...]

By |2023-07-28T12:12:38-07:00July 15th, 2023|Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off on Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated…
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