Dr. Martha F Thornton D.P.M.
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
409 NW 9th Ave. 100 Aledo IL, 61231About
Dr. Martha Thornton is a podiatrist practicing in Aledo, IL. Dr. Thornton is a podiatrist that specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Thornton diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care, and pediatrics.
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Dr. Martha F Thornton D.P.M.'s Expert Contributions
I have had repeated sprains in my ankle. Will it keep happening? What can I do?
Recurrent ankle sprains may be the result of weakness or previously injury ligaments of the ankle (e.g Deltoid Complex -inner ligaments and/or injury to the Lateral ligamentous tissue such as the Anterior-Talofibular, anterior calcaneofibular, and posterior calcaneofibular: syndesmosis tear). Recommend podiatrist or orthopedic consult. Also, if you have an high arch deformity foot type, then a pair custom made orthotics may help to prevent recurrent ankle sprains vs surgical intervention for repair of possible ligaments in the affected ankle-foot. READ MORE
Is dipping feet in hot water with Epsom salt supposed to help my heel spurs?
Sometimes Epson Salt and warm water foot soaks can help to relieve tendonitis, or muscle pain in the feet. However, I don't think if will help your heel spurs. If you have heel spurs then you must have plantar fasciitis (arch and heel pain). The best treatment is orthotic therapy. The plantar fasciitis, heel pain syndrome, and heel spurs are due to possible abnormal subtalar and mid-tarsal joint pronation on closed kinetic chain ambulation and weight bearing. Treatment of choice: "Power Step Orthotics", avoid barefooted ambulation and weight bearing; icing the affected area of the arch and heel in the evenings for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Also, a night splint may help to sleep in to help stretch the tight plantar fascia. Tylenol may help to relieve the pain and inflammation. Do not take more that 8 tablets per day or take any other medications containing acetaminophen. If you don't noticed any improvement make an appointment with a podiatrist to be evaluated and treatment of you foot condition READ MORE
I have pus-filled white bumps around my ankle. What could this be?
Get a dermatologist consult or make an appointment with a dermatologist. READ MORE
Are there any side effects of wearing acupuncture slippers for a long time?
Sorry, that I am unable to provide you with answer regarding wearing of acupuncture slippers. However, I have prescribed electronic acupuncture therapy in the treatment of painful conditions affecting the feet (plantar fasciitis, heel pain syndrome, metatarsalgia, etc.) READ MORE
Why do I have flat feet?
Pes Planus (AKA flat feet) are the results of weakening of the plantar fascia; heredity. However, abnormal pronation at the subtalar and mid-tarsal joint pronation can result weakening of the plantar fascia--> painful plantar fasciitis (pain in inner arch and heel) on prolong ambulation, and weight bearing. Other associated foot issues can develop in individuals with flat feet-falling arches such as pain in the ball of the feet (AKA metatarsalgia or capsulitis), hammer toe deformities, bunion deformity at the big toe joint, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, neuroma pain; knee pain (pes anserine tendonitis), hip, and lower back pain. Whereas, high arch (Pes Cavus) is a poor shock absorption, foot type that can cause instability in the ankle and/or result in recurrent-chronic ankle sprains. READ MORE
How can I control the bad smell from my feet?
I have recommended that my patients suffering from Bromhidrosis(foul odor) or Hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet) condition do the following: 1. Pour 30 ml of Apple Cider Vinegar + 1/2 gallon of warm water in a pan and soak the feet for approximately 10-15 minutes. 2. Pat dry. 3. Next, apply, either Secret Clinical or Degree or Dove strength antiperspirant to the bottom of the feet and between the toes daily until the pores sweat less and/or the odor has resolved. Drysol Antiperspirant may cause skin irritation or a rash in individuals who may be allergic to aluminum salts. 4. Another excellent product Certain Dri Roll On Antiperspirant can be applied daily for the treatment of sweaty feet. 5. Make sure to wear cotton or microfiber socks, wear shoes made of leather and avoid wearing plastic and non-man made shoes. 6. Inspect the feet daily for redness, drainage, open sores, change in color, change in temperature, swelling or any other signs of inflammation. READ MORE
Why do I keep getting an ingrown toenail?
Most individuals tend to develop recurrent ingrown toenail issues because the nail plate margins grow too far down into the inner and outer nail fold-groove areas of the affected toe (the nail plate side may appear "c" or square shape) on the side, increasing the risk of developing an ingrown toenail condition. I recommend that you find a podiatrist to perform a partial matrixectomy on the ingrown margins. Thereby, possibly resulting in rending the effect to complete resolution of this onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail condition). READ MORE
Why does my foot feel heavy?
This heaviness, or fatigue sensation that you are experiencing in your feet may be due to a condition called "intermittent claudication" which is is sometimes caused by arterial circulation problems affecting the lower limb. If the heaviness or fatigue sensation starts after walking approximately 1/2 block and the sensation is relieved on rest or elevation of the feet above the level of the hip or heart, then this can be consistent with intermittent claudication. However, if you are experiencing restless movement or like something crawling on your feet or legs: cramping or spasms in your feet and/or legs that is relieved on dangling your feet over the side of the bed or getting out of bed and walking around the room until the cramps or spasms have resolved-stopped, then this issue or condition may be consistent with "Rest Pain" or Restless leg Syndrome that is due to decreased circulation in the lower extremity. Low potassium and/or magnesium may cause cramping or spasms in the the feet and legs in the evenings. READ MORE
Why do my feet hurt every time I run?
You may be experiencing symptoms that are usually associated with abnormal subtalar and midtarsal joint pronation on closed kinetic chain ambulation or while running. I would recommend that you purchase a pair of "Powerstep full length Orthotics" and try wearing them in your shoe to help control and/or decrease in the abnormal pronation. You can purchase Power Step Orthotics online at Amazon. They are sized to regular shoe size (e.g. if you wear a size 9 medium in a male, then look at the size chart for your particular shoe size). I prescribe Power Step Orthotics which are pre-fabricated devices that tend to work well and are reasonably priced. Since most individuals can afford to buy custom made orthotics that can cost between $200.00 - 450.00 and most insurance plans don't cover orthotics. READ MORE
A glass piece has gone inside my foot and the area has become red. Will a podiatrist be able to help me?
Yes, a podiatrist who performs surgery on the foot will be able to help you. The podiatrist might order some X-rays or MRI to see if they can find the location of the piece of glass and size of it. Most likely, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the glass from your foot. READ MORE
Ingrown toenail surgery now have thick ridged nails
I have been prescribing the following "Kerasal or FungiNail topical antifungal medications to my patients with a very successful outcome and resolution of the fungal nail condition. The topical antifungal medication must be applied twice daily and it may take some considerable time to eradicate the fungal toe nail condition. Also, if you have an Athletes Fungal infection on the bottom of the feet and between your web spaces, then theses issue must be treated to prevent recurrent fungal nail condition. All the topical antifungal medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. READ MORE
Is hammertoe genetic?
1. Make sure to wear shoes with a deep, round or square toe box style shoe gear to accommodate for your hammer toe deformity. Also, a tennis shoe. 2. There is a simple toe sling type of pad that you can apply in the morning and remove in the evenings. Please do not use any medicated corn pad onto the 3rd toe, if you have started to develop a corn on the top of the middle joint of the hammer toe deformity. However, you may require surgical intervention in the future to correct your hammer toe deformity (e.g. arthroplasty-remodeling of the affected joint or arthrodesis fusion of the deformity). These procedures are performed as the gold standard depending on the severity of one's hammertoe deformity. www.Pedifix.com "Toe Straightener" for a single toe. READ MORE
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