Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, can cause nails to become thick, brittle, and discolored. Treating this condition often requires a combination of professional care and topical or oral antifungal medications. One helpful option is urea, which can soften thickened nails and allow antifungal treatments to penetrate more effectively. When used in higher concentrations, it may also help remove damaged nail tissue, creating a cleaner surface for healing. Additional treatments may include debridement or prescription medications, depending on the severity of the infection. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping nails trimmed, and wearing breathable shoes can help prevent recurrence. Because nail fungus can worsen over time or spread to other nails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is a condition that quietly affects the nerves, often starting in the feet. Many people describe it as tingling, burning, or a sensation of walking on pebbles. It can make simple movements feel uncertain and lead to balance issues, over time. The causes vary, including diabetes, circulatory problems, and certain medications, but the impact is always personal. When nerve signals misfire, daily comfort and safety can be compromised. Early diagnosis is important because timely treatment can slow progression and ease discomfort. A podiatrist can perform specialized testing to evaluate nerve function and develop a personalized plan to protect your feet and improve circulation. Healthy nerves are essential for confident steps and overall well-being. If you notice numbness, burning, or unexplained pain in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and appropriate care.

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 Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. When it affects the feet and ankles, it can damage the joints, tendons, and ligaments, making walking and standing painful. Common symptoms include swelling, warmth, redness, joint deformities, and difficulty in moving the toes or ankles. Over time, this condition can cause significant changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can provide treatments to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility through custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and joint protection strategies. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes that supports the arch of the foot. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain and often results from repetitive strain or overstretching. Causes include excessive walking or standing, wearing unsupportive shoes, obesity, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, and overuse from physical activity. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments like orthotics, stretching exercises, and pain management. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause of heel pain, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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