Ganglions

Ganglions

Ganglions are cysts that form on top of your ligament, joint, or tendon. A ganglion cyst usually has fluid in it. They are not cancerous and normally go away with time. If you don't experience any symptoms like pain with them, you normally would just have to have them monitored for any changes. If you do experience symptoms, then it’s time to come in and see our Cicero, IL podiatrist, Dr. Luis E. Mendoza, DPM, to discuss treatment options.

Symptoms of Ganglions

You might experience one or more of these ganglion cyst symptoms:

• Burning or tingling which happens why the ganglion touches a nerve
• A lump that you can clearly see
• Aching or dull pain (this normally happens when it's pressing on your joint or tendon)
• Hard to wear shoes due to irritation

Treatment of a Ganglion Cyst

Treatment options that Dr. Mendoza suggests range from:

• Icing
• Placing pads around your ganglions to reduce pressure
• Removing the fluid
• Surgery

In extreme cases, Dr. Mendoza performs ganglion resection which is an outpatient procedure. After spending time in the recovery room for observation, you are allowed to go home.

He gives you a local or general anesthetic depending on which you prefer and what he feels is best. With a local anesthetic, you are still awake while he performs the surgery. You don't experience any pain, but you might feel pressure. With a general anesthetic, you are put to sleep during the procedure.

If you think you have ganglions, you should make an appointment with us to see Dr. Mendoza for an initial consultation and exam. We have five different locations here in Illinois: Chicago, Cicero, Franklin Park, Aurora, Oak Brook. Give us a call at 708-780-8661 to get that appointment set up today.

www.drluismendoza.com

Fungal Toenails

Fungal Toenails

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) disease has been estimated to affect up to 12 percent (32 million) people in the US. As such, a fungal toenail condition is quite common for many people. It typically begins as a yellow or white spot under your toenail or fingernail at the tip. As the infection goes deeper, it causes your nail to thicken, discolor and crumble at the edge. Although it rarely affects all your nails, it can affect more than one.

Here in either of our five offices, our podiatrist, Dr. Luis E. Mendoza, DPM, specializes in treating onychomycosis to get your nails back to normal. We have locations in Chicago, Cicero, Oak Brook, Aurora, and Franklin Park.

Onychomycosis Risk Factors

Several risk factors can make you more susceptible to this condition. Some include:

• Advancing age
• Family history
• Trauma
• Poor health
• Communal Showering (like fitness clubs)
• Wearing shoes habitually that doesn’t provide enough airflow

Fungal Toenail Treatments

Dr. Mendoza examines your nails on your first appointment. He generally scrapes away any debris he finds under your nail and has it examined at a lab to see what the cause of the infection is.

It is not usually recommended that you treat your fungal nail infection with over-the-counter products since they are not a reliable source of treatment. Dr. Mendoza can prescribe you any of the prescription medications below:

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Griseofulvin (Gris-Peg)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)

In some cases, surgery might be required. A couple of surgical procedures include Light-based and laser therapy or nail removal.

If you suspect you have onychomycosis, give us a call at any of our five offices at 708-780-8661 to set up your initial exam with Dr. Mendoza to get rid of your fungal toenail infection.

www.drluismendoza.com