Items filtered by date: November 2025

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to the human papillomavirus entering the skin through tiny cuts or weak spots. They often appear as rough, grainy, or fleshy lesions and may have small black pinpoint dots within them. Symptoms can include tenderness while walking, a feeling similar to standing on a pebble, and discomfort that increases with pressure. Some warts grow inward beneath a thickened layer of skin, making them difficult to identify without professional guidance. A podiatrist can provide a clear diagnosis through careful examination and can recommend treatments such as topical medications or debridement depending on the severity and location of the wart. Professional care helps prevent spreading, reduces pain, and supports faster recovery. If you notice persistent foot pain or a suspicious growth on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, occurs when fungi invade the nail bed, nail plate, or surrounding tissue. The infection can develop from dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds and often begins at the edge of the nail before spreading deeper. As the fungal infection progresses, the toenail can become thick, brittle, and discolored, turning yellow, brown, or white. In some cases, the nail separates from the nail bed, causing discomfort or pain while walking or wearing shoes. Affected nails can also produce a foul odor and crumble at the edges. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet enclosed in tight shoes or damp socks more vulnerable. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of fungal infection through visual examination and laboratory testing, helping determine the most effective course of treatment to restore healthy nail growth. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right shoes plays an important role in easing bunion pain. A bunion develops when the top of the big toe shifts toward the lesser toes, as the base of the toe shifts out of alignment. This results in a bony bump that can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Shoes that are narrow or have pointed toes squeeze the forefoot and press against the bunion, which increases pain and can force the smaller toes to bend. To reduce pressure, shoes should have a wide toe box that gives the toes space, and low heels under two inches that help distribute weight evenly across the foot. Materials like soft leather or flexible fabric can reduce rubbing against the deformity. Added shoe depth allows room for calluses, corns, or inserts that support proper alignment. A podiatrist can guide you in finding appropriate shoes and orthotics to manage the condition. In more severe cases, surgery may be an option if conservative measures do not provide relief. If you have painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

A broken toe can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the break, along with difficulty in moving the toe or bearing weight. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or out of alignment. The most common causes of a broken toe are direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports-related injuries. High-impact activities and wearing improper footwear can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment typically involves buddy taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe for support. In more severe cases, a splint or surgery may be needed to realign the bones and ensure proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.