Topical Treatents for Fungal Nails

During the summer, many people are more concerned about the appearance of their toenails, especially if they are thick, discolored, and irregular looking. Fungal toenails can cause these changes, and a biopsy may be needed to prove that there is fungus in the nail. Fungal toenails can be treated in several ways: oral or topical therapies, laser therapy, or permanent removal. The topic for today is topical treatment for fungal toenails. This therapy involves painting medicine on the nail, and the treatment works from the outside of the nail to fight the fungus. The success rate is lower than oral or laser treatments, often around a fifty percent success rate. There are typically no side effects with topical treatments, other than occasional skin irritation around the nail plate. If the skin does become irritated, discontinuing the treatment will allow the skin to heal. The primary disadvantages of topical treatments with topical antifungal nail treatments include the following: lower success rate, length of use (9-12 months of daily application), and inability to use toenail polish during the course of treatment. If you are interested in getting treatment for your fungal nails, call Dr. Bender today for an appointment! 708-763-0580 Oak Park and 773-776-3166 Chicago.

Itchy Feet!

Summer brings great warmer temperatures, but this can also mean warm, sweaty feet. Athlete's Foot or Tinea Pedis can develop with warm, sweaty feet, as it is caused by a fungus. The skin can become scaly, blistered, red, and itchy. The condition typically develops on the bottom or sides of the feet or between the toes. Athlete's Foot can be treated with creams and gels. Occasionally, oral medication is needed for severe cases. Additionally, it is necessary to keep the feet dry by changing the socks frequently and wearing shoes made of breathable materials. Using antifungal sprays or powders can also be a way to prevent future episodes of athlete's foot. If you feel that you have this condition, call Dr. Bender at Advanced Physical Medicine, 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166.

Open on Fridays!

The Advanced Physical Medicine Podiatry Clinic is now open on Fridays! Get your feet in good shape for the weekend by visiting Dr. Bender in Oak Park on Fridays! Appointments, 708-763-0580.

Walking is good for YOU! Lurie Children's Hospital Walk is this Weekend!

This Sunday, I will be participating in the Lurie Children's Hospital Move for the Kids Run/Walk. This is for an excellent cause, and our team (organized by my sister), is running and walking to honor a child who had his life end to early. Thus, this weekend, consider running and walking for the health of children in our community. Walking is a great form of exercise! It keeps us strong and healthy: keeping the muscles, tendons, and blood flow strong to our feet and legs. It helps us to maintain or lose weight. Cardiovascular activities such as walking, running, biking, swimming, and others, keep our heart strong and healthy! Plus, you can feel great by keeping yourself healthy and contributing to a great cause! Put on your supportive shoes, grab a bottle of water for hydration, and join us for some stretches before the event! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580 Team Josué Our team was created in honor of a wonderful young man and his family. Josué and his family faced his diagnosis and treatment with love, courage, strength and faith. They have all been an inspiration to many. While Josué's physical time here was short, his legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of the lives he touched. On May 19, 2013, our team will participate in Move for the Kids 5k Run/Walk in honor of Josué and his family. Help us reach our goal to raise $1,000 for the patients and families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The hospital relies on philanthropic support to help heal and save more kids' lives. I hope you will support our efforts by making a gift today. Any amount will make a difference! All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children's Foundation. With your help, more children can receive the best healthcare possible and the opportunity to reach their greatest potential. Thank you!

Mother's Day Event 2013

Advanced Physical Medicine is hosting an event this Saturday, May 11, 2013! Let's Celebrate MOMS! The event will take place from 1-4 pm at APM, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL. There will be free foot screenings, chair massages, nail polish painting, education on colon hydrotherapy, physical therapy, back pain, and other topics, and kids crafts and story time. Snacks will be served! All services are free and first come, first serve. Dr. Bender

April is Foot Health Awareness Month-What are Warts?

Verrucae plantaris or a plantar wart is a growth on the skin caused by a virus. The bottom of the foot is a great location for warts to develop, as feet are warm and sweaty in many people. Warts love warm, moist environments, like our feet, shoes, socks, gyms, locker rooms, showers, and pools. Warts tend to affect kids, teens, and the elderly more than other groups of people, but anyone can get a wart. What does a wart look like? A wart can appear raised (as a single area or multiple raised areas), calloused (thick skin over), whitish (resembling cauliflower), have dark dots (capillaries, or small blood vessels, with dried blood), and often are painful when pinched from side to side. Warts typically get larger and spread with time if untreated on the feet. How do you treat a wart? It is important to see a podiatrist to confirm that the area is actually a wart. There are other conditions that can look like warts. Treatment options include the following: topical treatents (acids), medications, laser therapy, and surgical excision. With the warm months ahead, warts will become a bigger foot issue for many people. If you have a wart, give Dr. Bender a call to schedule your appointment at 708-763-0580. Dr. Bender is a foot and ankle specialist in Oak Park and Chicago.

April is Foot Awareness Month-Summer Exercise

As summer approaches, many of us start thinking about our feet. We are getting more active, so happy and healthy feet are more important. If you are a fan of outdoor exercise, it is essential to wear a supportive athletic shoe that you cannot bend or twist. All athletic shoes vary, so it is important to find a shoe that has what you need: support, cushioning, a large toe box, and/or breathable material. All of us have different issues with our feet. Support and cushioning are essential for all of us. These lower the risk of tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. If you have hammer toes, bunions, or a previous forefoot injury, a large toe box will give your toes enough room to be comfortable. Additionally, breathable materials allow your feet to be exposed to air. This diminishes the risk of warts, athlete's foot, and blisters. Happy Walking! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580