Athlete's Foot

Do you get scaling, itchy, blistered areas on the bottoms of your feet or between your toes? You may have Athlete's Foot, also know as Tinea Pedis. This condition is called by a fungus. Fungus is common in the shoes and socks because they are warm and moist. Over the counter products can be helpful for this condition, but often you need a prescription to kill the fungus. Changing your socks frequently and spraying your shoes out with lysol have also been shown to be helpful. If you think you have this condition, please call 708-763-0580.

Achilles tendonitis

The pain usually occurs at the back of the heel or a little higher up on the back of the ankle. Activities, such as walking or running, aggravate the condition. Often this condition is caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon. For example, "weekend warriors" that start playing a sport without stretching and conditioning prior to playing are at high risk for irritating the Achilles tendon. Common treatments include icing, stretching, padding, immobilization, physical therapy, and medication. Please contact me at 708-763-0580 if you think you have this condition.

Fungal Toenails--Formula Three

Discolored, thick, crumbling toenails? I am happy to now be offering Formula 3 in the office for treatment of the toenails. This is sold only at doctor's offices. It is a topical medication that is painted on the toenail twice per day. The active ingredient is clotrimazole (which treats fungus), and the medication has an oil base that allows it to penetrate the hard toenail.

There are many options for treating fungal toenails. Please schedule an appointment to discuss your options.

Spring=Stretching and Pacing yourself with new workouts

March Madness and the arrival of Spring gets many of us excited about working out! It is important to stretch before and after you exercise. Additionally, make sure that you pace yourself with a new Spring work out program. Start slow with your new running or sports program. Each week add more time or intensity to your workout. Most of all, have fun! Please contact me if you notice any changes to your feet with your exercise routine! Happy Spring! Mary Ann Bender

Hammer Toes

A hammer toe occurs when one of the toes is contracted, rather than in a straight position. This can cause redness, pain, a corn, or even a sore over the knuckle. Certain shoes that are tight in the toe box can aggravate this condition. Padding and changing shoes can offer relief, but the only way to completely correct the condition is with surgery to straighten the toe. If you think you have this condition and are seeking treatment, please call for an appointment-708-763-0580. I will be happy to discuss your options with you!

Heel Pain when you get up in the morning?

If you have heel pain when you get up in the morning, you may have a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. This involves inflammation of the band on the bottom of the foot. It can be caused by increased weight, activity changes, flat feet, and lack of support in shoes. A variety of treatments are available for this condition, and it is important to schedule an appointment to see which treatments are best for you! Do not suffer with your heel pain any longer!

Mary Ann Bender, DPM
Advanced Physical Medicine
6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
708-763-0580

Fungal Toenails

Are you experiencing thick, brown, yellow, crumbling nails? Often, this condition is caused by fungus in the toenails. There are a variety of treatments, both oral (by mouth) and topical (creams and polishes) that can improve this condition. Please contact me at 708-763-0580 for treatment of your fungal toenails.