Thick toenails often develop due to underlying conditions that affect nail growth and structure. The most common cause is toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, which leads to discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails. Other conditions include onychauxis, characterized by abnormal nail thickening without infection, and onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed and may appear white or discolored. Symptoms can include crumbling edges, foul odor, and discomfort while wearing shoes. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, damp environments, aging, and compromised circulation. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, providing targeted treatments, and guiding proper foot care. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that involves thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve, most often between the third and fourth toes. This can lead to burning pain, tingling, or the feeling that something is stuck under the ball of the foot. Symptoms may worsen with walking, standing, or wearing tight or narrow shoes that place pressure on the forefoot. Over time, the irritation can become more persistent if the source of pressure is not addressed. Care typically begins with reducing stress on the area through footwear changes, padding, or custom orthotics to improve weight distribution. Anti-inflammatory measures or targeted treatments may also help calm the irritated nerve. In cases where symptoms do not improve, additional procedures may be considered to relieve pressure or address the affected tissue. If you have ongoing forefoot pain or unusual sensations, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur in children when the arch of the foot does not fully develop, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. Some children may feel pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, while others may have tired feet after standing or walking for long periods of time. Common causes include genetics, loose ligaments, or delayed arch development. Risk factors include excess weight or certain structural differences in the feet. While many children do not have symptoms, discomfort can affect daily activities and play. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, monitor development, and recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics. Early care helps prevent future problems. If your child has pain from having flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions and help you to monitor your child’s foot health.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lumps on the toes can develop for several reasons and may vary in size, texture, and level of discomfort. Some lumps grow slowly over time while others appear suddenly after irritation or injury. A common cause is a bunion or bunionette, which forms when the toes shift and creates a bony bump. Ganglion cysts may also appear near the joints or tendons and feel like soft, fluid-filled swellings under the skin. Corns and callouses can sometimes look like small lumps because the skin thickens in response to pressure from shoes. In some cases, a lump may develop from arthritis in the toe joint, which can create bony enlargements that feel firm and tender. Other possibilities include gout deposits, small benign growths, or inflammation of the surrounding tissues. A podiatrist can examine the toe and may use imaging to determine the exact cause of the lump. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include footwear changes, padding, medication, or other corrective care. If you notice a lump on your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.