Corns and calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated friction or pressure. Corns typically form on the top or side of the toes, while calluses are more common on the soles of the feet. Both can cause discomfort, pain, or sensitivity, especially when pressure is applied. Corns often have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin, while calluses appear as thick, rough patches. The main causes of corns and calluses include wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot structure, or frequent walking or standing. They can also develop from activities that put pressure on certain areas of the feet, like running or wearing high heels. A podiatrist can help by carefully removing the corns or calluses, recommending proper footwear, and suggesting ways to reduce friction. They can also address any underlying foot problems that contribute to the condition. If you have painful corns or calluses, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet are a common concern during pregnancy, often caused by increased fluid retention and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. Hormonal changes can also contribute to swelling by affecting circulation. To reduce discomfort, elevating the feet whenever possible helps improve blood flow and decrease fluid buildup. Gentle exercises such as walking or ankle rotations encourage circulation and prevent stiffness. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes reduces strain on the feet, while compression socks can help minimize swelling. Additionally, staying hydrated and reducing salt intake can prevent excess fluid retention. Soaking the feet in cool water provides relief and soothes discomfort. Swelling is usually harmless, but sudden or severe swelling should be discussed with a podiatrist to rule out any underlying concerns related to pregnancy. If you have developed problematic foot conditions during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief remedies.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the toenails. The infected nail may appear yellow, white, or brown and may develop a foul odor. The condition is often painful, especially if the fungus spreads under the nail, leading to discomfort or a feeling of pressure. The main causes of onychomycosis include fungal exposure in warm, damp environments like public showers, gym locker rooms, or pool areas, as well as poor foot hygiene. Other factors like diabetes, a weakened immune system, or wearing tight-fitting shoes can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose toenail fungus through a physical exam or by sending a sample for lab testing. Treatment options include antifungal medication, either topical or oral, laser therapy, or in severe cases, removal of the infected nail. This type of doctor can also provide guidance on proper foot care and preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Community Foot 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 our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail problems can indicate underlying health issues, with several distinct conditions affecting the nails. Beau's lines are horizontal indentations that can occur when growth is temporarily disrupted by illness, injury, or stress. Clubbing refers to a rounding of the toenails and fingertips, often associated with lung or heart disease. Green nail syndrome is a bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas bacteria, leading to a green discoloration of the nail. Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, causes nails to become thin and concave, potentially linked to iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, median nail dystrophy is a condition where the nails develop vertical grooves or splits, which may be a result of trauma or skin conditions. These toenail problems should not be ignored, as they may be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, infections, or systemic health conditions that require attention. If you have any of these toenail conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. 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 Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.