April 2026
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a frustrating problem that affects many people. It can be persistent and hard to get rid of. As many different types of fungi are present throughout the environment, it is very easy to contract toenail fungus.
The feet are especially susceptible to toenail fungus because shoes and socks create the ideal dark and moist environment that fungal infections thrive in. While fungal infections of the nail plate are quite common, if left untreated they can spread beyond the toenail and into the skin and other parts of the body.
Signs of toenail fungus include a thickened nail that has become yellow or brown in color, a foul smell, and debris beneath the nail. The toe may become painful due to the pressure of a thicker nail or the buildup of debris.
Treatment for toenail fungus is most effective during the early stages of an infection. If there is an accumulation of debris beneath the nail plate, an ingrown nail or a more serious infection can occur. While each treatment varies between patients, your podiatrist may prescribe you oral medications, topical liquids and creams, or laser therapy. To determine the best treatment process for you, be sure to visit your podiatrist at the first signs of toenail fungus.
When Toenails Become Thick and Discolored
A fungal infection of the toenails, termed onychomycosis, causes changes in color, thickness, and texture. The nail may appear yellow, brown, or white, and can become brittle, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed. Some patients notice a foul odor or debris collecting under the nail. This condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, often thriving in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes. Although it may begin as a cosmetic concern, untreated toenail fungus can lead to discomfort, pressure while wearing shoes, and the spread of infection to other nails or skin. A podiatrist will examine the nail and may take a sample to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment. Options include topical medication, oral antifungal therapy, or, in some cases, removal of the infected portion of the nail. If you have signs of a toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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 the podiatrists of Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused when the tinea fungus grows on the foot. It is possible to catch the fungus through direct contact with someone who has it or by touching a surface that is contaminated with it. This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as showers, locker room floors, and swimming pools. Your risk of getting it may also increase by wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, or by having sweaty feet.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging or burning sensations between the toes. You may also experience toenails that are discolored, thick, crumbly, or toenails that pull away from the nail bed.
Your podiatrist may diagnose athlete’s foot by detecting these symptoms or by doing a skin test to see if there is a fungal infection present. The most common exam used to detect Athlete’s foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. To use this method, your doctor will scrape off a small area of the infected skin and place it into potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide will destroy the normal cells and leave the fungal cells untouched so that they are visible under a microscope.
There are a variety of treatment options for athlete’s foot. Some medications are miconazole (Desenex), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). While these options may be able to treat your fungus, it is best that you consult with a podiatrist in order to see which treatment option may work best for you.
In some cases, Athlete’s foot may lead to complications. A severe complication would be a secondary bacterial infection which may cause your foot to become swollen, painful, and hot.
There are ways that you can prevent athlete’s foot. Washing your feet with soap and water each day and drying them thoroughly is an effective way to prevent infections. You also shouldn’t share socks, shoes, or towels with other people. It is crucial that you wear shower sandals in public showers, around swimming pools, and in other public places. Additionally, you should make sure you wear shoes that can breathe and change your socks when your feet become sweaty. If you suspect that you have Athlete’s foot, you should seek help from a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Types of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments. It often develops after walking barefoot in public areas or wearing damp shoes for extended periods of time. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, cracking skin, and sometimes blistering. The toe web type of infection affects the spaces between the toes, causing soggy, irritated skin, while the moccasin type appears as dry, scaly skin along the soles and sides of the feet. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing tight footwear, poor hygiene, and weakened immunity. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection, prescribe targeted antifungal treatment, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom Orthotics for High Heels
Custom Orthotics help you not have to choose between style and comfort. With Custom Orthotics designed for high heels, you can walk with confidence, knowing your feet are supported. Custom Orthotics help distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort. Whether it's a day at the office or a night on the town, make every step graceful and pain-free. Discover the magic of Custom Orthotics for high heels by calling our office today.
Foot Pain
The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.
Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.
Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle specialist to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.
Explaining Ganglion Foot Cysts
A ganglion cyst on the foot is a small, soft, fluid-filled sac that usually develops near a joint or along a tendon sheath, most often on the top of the foot. The lump may feel movable beneath the skin and can change in size over time. Many ganglion cysts cause no discomfort, while others produce aching, burning, or pressure pain when a shoe presses against the area or during activity. Although generally harmless, the mass may interfere with walking or shoe comfort. The exact cause is uncertain, but prior injury, repetitive stress, and joint irritation are commonly associated factors. A podiatrist can evaluate the lump, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other conditions with imaging when necessary. Treatment options include protective padding, pressure relief, fluid aspiration, or surgical removal. If you have an unexplained lump on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sole Marketing Foot Discomfort
Foot discomfort can affect every step, making daily routines and activities more difficult. Custom orthotics offer a personalized solution by addressing the underlying causes of pain rather than masking the symptoms. These medical-grade inserts are designed to match the unique shape and movement of your feet, providing support where it is needed most. By improving balance and alignment, custom orthotics help reduce strain on the heels, arches, and forefoot, promoting a more natural and comfortable stride.
Many people experience foot discomfort from standing long hours on hard surfaces, wearing unsupportive shoes, or dealing with structural issues such as fallen arches. When these problems are ignored, they can lead to discomfort in the ankles, knees, hips, or back. Custom orthotics help correct these imbalances by cushioning pressure points and guiding proper movement with every step.
Made using precise digital scans or molds, custom orthotics are crafted to fit your lifestyle, whether for work, sports, or everyday wear. They provide consistent relief and help prevent pain from returning. Over time, many patients notice improved comfort, posture, and mobility.
Down Syndrome and Orthotics
People with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone and loose joints, which can make the feet and ankles less stable. These differences can lead to flat feet, uneven walking patterns, and extra stress on muscles and joints in the feet and legs. Because of this, many children and adults with Down syndrome feel foot pain, tired legs, and discomfort when walking or standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms include frequent tripping, fatigue in the feet, and aches in the arches or heels. Orthotics can help by giving extra support to the arch and helping the foot stay in a better position during movement. By spreading pressure more evenly across the foot, orthotics can reduce strain on muscles and joints and help the body move with less pain. This type of treatment can improve balance, reduce discomfort, and support more comfortable walking. If you or your loved one has Down syndrome and you feel orthotic treatment may be beneficial, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance.
Custom orthotics can be an important solution for reducing foot pain by targeting its structural causes rather than just the symptoms. When the feet are misaligned, excess strain develops in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often resulting in discomfort in the arches, balls of the feet, or toes. Orthotics are designed to match each foot’s natural shape, supporting proper alignment and evenly distributing pressure to ease pain and improve movement.
Foot pain is commonly caused by overuse, wearing improper footwear, or biomechanical issues that place added stress on sensitive areas. By stabilizing the foot and restoring natural motion, custom orthotics help reduce strain, calm inflammation, and promote healing. Many patients experience lasting relief and greater comfort while walking, standing, or exercising.
Created from a detailed assessment using advanced imaging or casting, each pair of orthotics is tailored to your individual needs. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact our office for an evaluation and treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA .
Toe Pain
Toe pain can originate from corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions, as well as ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. Corns develop as the toe rubs against the inside of a shoe which causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. A corn is typically cone-shaped and has a small, hardened spot that points inward. When a corn is pressed into the skin, the toe becomes painful. Corns usually form on the top or side of the toe. A callus is also a thickened patch of skin that generally forms on the bottom of the foot. Calluses are the result of friction from the toe rubbing against the inside of a shoe. They may also occur by walking barefoot or having flat feet. A hammertoe is a bump on the knuckle of the second toe that is produced by wearing shoes that are too short for your feet. The bony protrusion rubs against the top of the shoe causing pain and irritation. A bunion is a malformation of the big toe. The base of the big toe pushes away from the smaller toes, forcing the top of the big toe to press toward the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary, or they can result from injury to the toe joint or from wearing high heels with a narrow toe box. The toe becomes inflamed, and a bump may develop at the end of the misplaced bone. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe and its surrounding skin. The nail will dig into the skin and become painful. Wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the big toe causes the nail to grow into the fleshy part of the toe. Cutting toenails incorrectly can also add to the development of an ingrown toenail. A toe sprain originates from a torn or stretched ligament. Strapping the injured toe to the toe next to it for stabilization is common. A broken or fractured toe usually occurs from trauma like dropping a heavy object on it or bumping into something extremely hard and rigid. Osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, can also bring about toe fractures.
Any of the conditions mentioned can lead to pain and irritation. While some are more serious than others, seeking an examination and diagnosis from a podiatrist is a good idea. A podiatrist can treat each ailment and get you back on your feet again without pain.
