Fungal nails got you down?

At our practice, it should come as no surprise that we see a large number of young women.

Many of which ask us about nail discoloration and nail fungus. It is so common!

So many people have at least one or two nails affected and they are embarrassed by it.

Well, first, there is no reason to be embarrassed. It is not a hygiene issue...we all have fungus on our skin. It is completely normal- what is abnormal is when it works its way under the nails and overgrows. Fungus is opportunistic and it likes the dark, damp place under your nails.

Once there it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus. There are topicals, we prefer Formula 3 at our office. it is 80% effective, but what about the other 20%? Then you can turn to the orals, but they can have liver side effects so many people shy away from them. You can also remove the nail temporarily and begin treating the underlying nail bed with an anti fungal...this is VERY successful. Bad side is...you have to remove your nail.

There also are lasers that many people have asked us about. I don't have a laser, but I have heard success stories. What I don't like about it is the cost $1000 AND your nails don't look better for 6 months to a YEAR!

For most people the fungal infection is a cosmetic issue...you want it covered up! So we have a new Nail restoration system that is applied in the office in under 30 minutes. Best of all you leave the office with a beautiful 'nail' that you can polish or go bare with. The system takes approximately 5 applications 1 month apart and packages range from $500 to $750 but you can pay for a one time application that is around $150. While this is a cosmetic procedure and not FDA approved to cure fungus, we do see many nails clear of the fungus by the 5th application.

Interested? Call the office at 630-834-3668 say you read my blog and we will give you a 15 min free consultation to see if this is right for you!

You don't have to go to the pool hiding your toes! Dr Misty

www.elmhurstfootdoc.com

How I cured my plantar fasciitis with a trip to the hair stylist?

OK...I know what you are thinking...WHAT??? I am serious here! 4 weeks ago I went to a stylist who specializes in curly hair (Mallory and Salon Effigy in Elmhurst...Hi girl!) to save my curls from the Brazilian blowout damage..ok I am getting off track.

Any how, after a great cut, I asked Mallory how I could get my curls to look so nice everyday. She then gently recommended 3 products to use in my hair and in what sequence. Now the only reason I bought all 3 was because I was soooo excited to have my curls back! I was a bit skeptical and very tempted to buy only 1 or 2, but I am proud to report..she was right.

So then in dawned on me...the reason many patients don't heal their heel pain is because they won't buy all 3 products. What I mean by this is we tell our patients to ice and stretch, but many don't do it. We suggest night splints, Powersteps, and sometimes custom orthotics...but sometimes people don't end up getting them. There are many reasons this happens: cost, insurance, misconceptions, etc. The truth of the matter is here at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic we have a protocol that works to get rid of the heel pain...if you follow it.
I followed it and got rid of my plantar fasciitis while still training for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

So next time you go to the doctor for anything, listen carefully, take notes and go home and do ALL the suggested treatments. Don't be tempted to just pick and choose a few...we all lead busy and hectic lives, but your health deserves priority #1!!!