Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or public showers. It often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and can spread deeper, causing the nail to thicken, discolor, become brittle, and sometimes emit a foul odor. The nail may appear distorted in shape and can separate from the nail bed, leading to discomfort or pain while walking or wearing shoes. People with diabetes, circulation problems, or a history of athlete’s foot are more prone to infection. A podiatrist can diagnose toenail fungus through a clinical exam and lab testing of nail clippings. Treatment options include topical antifungal medications or oral prescriptions depending on the severity of the infection. Early treatment helps prevent permanent nail damage and spread to other nails. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you notice changes in the appearance or texture of your toenails.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Healthy feet are essential for a child’s growth, balance, and overall development. Because children’s bones and muscles are still forming, even minor issues can affect posture, gait, and coordination, over time. Flat feet, in-toeing, or toe-walking are common concerns that often improve as a child grows, but persistent problems may signal the need for evaluation. Wearing supportive, properly fitted shoes plays an important role in protecting developing feet, allowing natural movement while offering stability. Regular foot checks help parents notice any changes in shape, alignment, or walking patterns early on. Encouraging barefoot play on safe surfaces also strengthens muscles and improves balance. A podiatrist can identify structural or developmental concerns and recommend age-appropriate treatment, if needed. It is suggested that you invest in your child’s foot health by scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treating any foot and ankle problems that may arise.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Skin splitting under the toes is a common problem that can cause discomfort and make walking difficult. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot are frequent culprits, leading to peeling, itching, and painful cracks. Excessive dryness can also weaken the skin, especially in dry environments or in those who do not moisturize regularly. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that create friction and pressure may further contribute to skin breakdown. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, prescribe anti-fungal medications if needed, and recommend skin care strategies and proper footwear. If you are experiencing painful splitting of the skin under your toes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to receive effective treatment and restore comfort to your feet.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New England 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, most often between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. Symptoms may include itching, redness, peeling, or cracking skin, sometimes with a burning sensation. In more persistent cases, the infection can spread to the toenails or other areas of the body. Preventive steps include keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks, and avoiding walking barefoot in public places. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays often provide relief, but stubborn infections may require prescription treatment. Because untreated athlete’s foot can return or spread, consistent care is important. If you are dealing with ongoing irritation or suspect athlete’s foot that is not improving, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and management.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.