June 2025

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by fungi that feeds on keratin which is the protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenails. This often leads to thickened, discolored, brittle, or distorted nails. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, excessive moisture, wearing tight shoes, or having conditions like diabetes or weakened immunity. Diagnosis is made through a clinical exam and sometimes a lab test to confirm the fungal source. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care 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 feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including gout, bunions, and hammertoes. Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling due to a buildup of uric acid crystals. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe as the top of the toe shifts inward. This results in pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Hammertoes, which occur when the toes become bent and curled, can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to pressure from footwear. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your toe pain through a physical exam, and may use X-rays or blood tests for conditions like gout. Treatment may include medication for gout, custom orthotics, or footwear recommendations for bunions, and exercises or surgical options for hammertoes. If you have ongoing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves in the lower extremities, leading to symptoms such as burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the feet. It can be caused by diabetes, alcohol abuse, infections, trauma, or exposure to certain toxins. Risk factors include poor blood sugar control, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease or autoimmune disorders. The symptoms often begin gradually and may affect balance or increase the risk of falls and injury. A podiatrist plays an essential role in diagnosing the condition through physical exams and nerve testing. If you have symptoms of foot neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor  offers treatment plans that may include medication, lifestyle guidance, footwear recommendations, and regular monitoring to help reduce symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Heel spurs are small calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone over time. They form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel, and they are often the result of repeated strain rather than a single injury. This pulling force is why heel spurs are called traction spurs. The constant tension from walking, running, or standing for long periods of time creates stress at the connection point. In response, the body lays down extra bone to protect the area. This extra growth is not always painful, but when it is, it can feel like a sharp stab with each step. Supportive shoes, rest, stretching, and custom orthotics can help reduce discomfort and prevent further damage. If you think a heel spur is causing your pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.