Hello, this is Dr. Peter Lovato from Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists. Every day in my office, I see patients who are dealing with persistent and often painful foot conditions. While some issues can be managed at home, many common problems like plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or fungal nails require professional care to be resolved safely and effectively. Many patients feel a little apprehensive about coming in because they aren't sure what to expect from an in-office procedure, or might feel embarrassed by the appearance of their feet. My goal is to demystify these treatments and show you how simple, painless, and effective they can be.
Here at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, we believe that understanding your treatment is a key part of your recovery. That's why I want to take you 'behind-the-scenes' of some of the most common procedures I perform. From advanced laser treatments for stubborn nail fungus to gentle yet effective solutions for painful warts and ingrown toenails, we prioritize your comfort and a speedy, successful recovery.
This guide will walk you through what to expect when you visit us for these common foot and ankle issues.
Understanding and Treating Warts and Skin Cysts
Two of the most frequent skin conditions I treat are warts and superficial skin cysts. Patients often mistake one for the other, but the good news is that we can treat both very effectively right here in the office, with minimal discomfort and disruption to your life.
What’s the Difference?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often look like small, rough growths on the bottom of the foot. They can have tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Superficial skin cysts, on the other hand, are not caused by a virus. Patients often describe the sensation as having a pebble stuck in their shoe that they just can’t get out. These lesions can be just as painful as warts, if not more so.
Our Treatment Approach: Trichloroacetic Acid
While you may have heard of treatments like freezing (cryotherapy), we typically avoid this for the bottom of the foot. Freezing can be an effective option for other parts of the body, but on a weight-bearing surface like your foot, it comes with a high risk of blistering. A significant blister can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to walk and limiting your daily activities after the procedure.
Because of this, my preferred method for treating both warts and skin cysts is a topical application of trichloroacetic acid. Here’s why it’s a better choice for your feet:
It’s Painless: The application itself is almost always painless.
It’s Colorless: The acid is clear, so there's no staining on your skin.
Minimal Blistering: It has a much lower chance of causing the painful blisters associated with freezing treatments.
No Downtime: You can typically leave the office in less pain than when you arrived, without any restrictions on your activity.
The process is simple. For a skin cyst, we first carefully trim the lesion to remove the hard outer layer. Then, we apply the trichloroacetic acid, which works to slowly and gently destroy the lesion over time. For warts, the process is similar. In most cases, patients respond very well to this treatment without any change to their lifestyle.
Safely Treating Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It’s a very common issue, but trying to fix it yourself can often make it worse. We offer a simple, permanent solution in the office.
The procedure involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic. Once you’re completely comfortable, we remove the offending edge of the nail. To prevent it from growing back and causing problems again, we can apply a chemical to the nail matrix (the root of the nail). This ensures the ingrown portion of the nail does not return. It’s a quick procedure that provides immediate relief and a long-term solution.
Advanced Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is another stubborn condition that can be difficult to treat with topical creams alone. The fungus lives deep within the nail bed, making it hard for medications to penetrate effectively. This is where advanced laser technology comes in.
Laser treatment is a safe, painless, and highly effective option for eliminating nail fungus. The laser device emits pulses of energy that pass through the toenail to the fungus underneath. This energy heats and destroys the fungus without causing any damage to the nail or surrounding skin. There is no downtime, and you can resume your normal activities immediately after the session. Over the following months, as your nail grows out, you’ll see a clear, healthy nail emerge.
When Standard Treatments Aren't Enough
The human body is complex, and in rare cases, a lesion might be particularly stubborn. If a wart or cyst doesn't respond to the standard acid treatments, we have other options. We can perform a minor surgical excision to remove it, or, in some cases, use a method to burn it out in the office. These approaches are reserved for the most persistent cases, as the vast majority of our patients achieve excellent, painless results with our primary methods.
Take the First Step Toward Relief with NIFAS
You don't have to live with foot pain or feel embarrassed by the condition of your nails or skin. The treatments we offer at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists are designed to be as painless and effective as possible, allowing you to get back to your life without limitation. If any of these conditions sound familiar, don’t hesitate to seek professional care.
You likely won't need a referral from your primary care physician to be seen by one of our specialists. We're happy to work with you to determine your insurance coverage and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
I invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists to get a proper diagnosis and discuss the best treatment plan for you. We can take a look at the issue and get you on the path to recovery.
