Toenail Fungus Archives - Podiatrists in Oakland, Sunnyvale, San Francisco

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 user_admin|2025-08-07T10:34:58-07:00September 5th, 2025|Ankle Sprain, Bunion, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

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 user_admin|2025-08-07T10:22:35-07:00August 7th, 2025|Bunion, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

Summer Foot Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Summer’s Most Common Foot Problems: What Podiatrists See the Most When summer arrives, foot clinics see a noticeable increase in patients. Why? Heat, humidity, and lifestyle changes—like more time in sandals or going barefoot—create the perfect conditions for various foot-related issues. Here are the most common summer foot problems and how to manage or prevent them. 1. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)Warm, moist environments—like sweaty shoes or public pool areas—encourage fungal growth. Athlete’s foot presents as itchy, peeling skin, often between the toes.Tip: Keep feet dry, change socks often, and wear flip-flops in communal showers.2. Fungal Toenail InfectionsNails that appear thickened, yellow, or crumbly may be infected with fungus. These infections often begin after untreated athlete’s foot spreads to the nail.Tip: Don’t ignore discolored nails—early treatment is easier and more effective.3. Heel Cracks (Fissured Heels)Open-backed shoes expose heels to dry air [...]

By user_admin|2025-04-13T11:35:25-07:00July 5th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ankle Sprain, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

Why Your Knees Hurt and How to Fix It

Knee Pain When Sitting or Climbing Stairs? You Might Have Chondromalacia Patella Have you ever felt pain in the front of your knee when climbing stairs, sitting too long, or squatting down? Do your knees crackle or feel sore after a walk? You might be dealing with a condition called Chondromalacia Patella, commonly known as Runner’s Knee. Though it often affects young athletes, it’s also common in middle-aged adults, especially women, and people who sit or kneel for extended periods. What Is Chondromalacia Patella? Chondromalacia Patella refers to the softening and deterioration of the cartilage underneath the kneecap (patella). Normally, this cartilage allows your knee joint to move smoothly. But when it's damaged, your kneecap may rub against the thigh bone (femur), leading to pain, inflammation, and a grinding sensation. Common Causes 🔹 Overuse or Repetitive StressEspecially from [...]

By user_admin|2025-04-13T11:20:41-07:00June 6th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ankle Sprain, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

Understanding and Managing Plantar Fasciitis

When Your Heels Hurt: Understanding and Managing Plantar Fasciitis“I stepped out of bed this morning and felt a terrible, stabbing pain in my heel.”“We sat on a bench chatting for a bit. But when I stood up again, the pain came rushing back, just like it did this morning.”If these scenarios sound familiar, you may be dealing with Plantar Fasciitis — one of the most common causes of heel pain. What Is Plantar Fasciitis?Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This ligament helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. When overstressed or repeatedly strained, it can develop small tears and become inflamed.The result? A sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel — [...]

By user_admin|2025-05-13T12:39:29-07:00May 5th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ankle Sprain, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

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 user_admin|2025-03-24T09:42:52-07:00April 8th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

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 user_admin|2025-03-24T09:37:47-07:00March 24th, 2025|Ankle Fracture, Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

Corns, Calluses, and Plantar Warts

Corns, Calluses, and Plantar Warts: Causes and Key Differences As a podiatrist, I often encounter patients presenting with localized thickened skin on their feet, commonly mistaking corns, calluses, and plantar warts for one another. While these conditions may appear similar, they have distinct causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches. A clear understanding of their differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. 1. Pathogenesis of Corns (Heloma) Corns develop as a result of chronic pressure and friction, typically over bony prominences such as the dorsal aspects of the toes or the plantar forefoot. The skin thickens in response to repeated mechanical stress, forming a localized, hyperkeratotic lesion with a central, dense core that can exert pressure on underlying soft tissues, leading to pain and discomfort. There are two primary classifications: Hard corns (Heloma durum): Typically found on [...]

By user_admin|2025-02-11T14:36:17-08:00February 11th, 2025|Hammertoes, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off

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

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 user_admin|2024-08-08T16:35:47-07:00August 8th, 2024|Ingrown Toenails, Toenail Fungus|Comments Off