Dr. Martha F Thornton D.P.M.?

Dr. Martha F Thornton D.P.M.

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

409 NW 9th Ave. 100 Aledo IL, 61231 Show map

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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.

Dr. Martha F Thornton D.P.M.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

I have a bone growth under my heel and it hurts. What should I do?
You may have plantar fasciitis with an associated heel spur on the heel at the result of over pronation (too much inward rolling inward of the heel and flattening of the inner arch of the foot. Recommendations: 1. avoid all bare footed ambulation, 2. Wearing a night splint in the evenings may help to stretch the plantar fascia ligament like structural in the bottom of the arch and it attaches to the heel bone. 3. Taping of the feet as a prime before start wearing some orthotics (e.g. Power Step Orthotics purchased online at Amazon). Taking some Tylenol or Aleve, 4. Physical therapy modalities like ultra sound, iotonphoresis, cold laser, etc. 5. Make an appointment with a Podiatrist for evaluation and treatment of your foot issues. X-rays are helpful is assessment of the bones in the feet and to rule out a possible fracture. READ MORE
How do you repair an ingrown toenail?
Vinegar Foot soak (30 ml White Vinegar + 1/2 gallon of warm water) soak the affected foot for 8-10 minutes. Dress the toe with a topical antibiotic medication. However, if you have a recurrent issue of painful ingrown toe problem then you should consider making an appointment with a Podiatrist-Foot Specialist for evaluation and surgical intervention to possibly removal of the ingrown nail margins, matrix-root section, then chemical cauterization of the area at the proximal nail fold of the affected toe. If you have an infection at the site of the ingrown nail margin, then you will need an oral antibiotic prescribed for you to take for the treatment of you infection. READ MORE
My foot looks like it has a wart on the bottom of it. How can I get rid of it?
I usually have the patient return to the clinic every 2-3 weeks for follow up treatment of the plantar warts on the foot. The patient is given a protocol to follow in the treatment of the wart. These are the classical sign and symptom of the present of warts on the foot. 1. little black, white cluster of dots at the wart site (called pin point bleeding) 2. positive lateral pressure test (squeezing the warts lesion site from site making you almost jumping out of your skin with pain 3. positive of circumscribed callus tissue that the warts hides under or are embedded in the callus tissue on the bottom of the foot (this why they are called Plantar Warts). Maybe you can have you primary care provider -physician write a prescription for 5FU antiviral cream that can be used in the treatment of plantar warts. I sometime use a laser to treat warts that are resistant to conservative care with cryotherapy,, pulsed dye laser, surgical excision with combo laser and/or chemical cauterization using a Salicylic acid . Warts are caused by viruses are very difficult to treat and take a long time to get rid of them. I would suggest that you follow up with a Podiatrist or Dermatologist to have a punch or excisional biopsy performed at the lesion site-warts to make sure there is skin cancer present at the site that you think is a wart especially if the lesion sites if dark black or brown, bleeds easily if touch, a hair follicle is present and grown, there are furrows and the lesion is ugly. READ MORE
Does a podiatrist take care of foot deformities?
Yes, podiatrist are foot specialist that provide the medical and surgical treatment of many common foot diseases and disorders. However, some podiatrist only practice general podiatry. I treat many foot conditions with both conservative and surgical intervention. READ MORE
How do you get rid of a ganglion cyst on your foot?
Surgical intervention with removal of the entire ganglionic sac. Aspiration of the fluid at the ganglion is a temporarily and conservative treatment of this particular dermal lesion. READ MORE
Leg and foot pain?
Shin splint are treated with biomedical orthotics therapy. Your magnesium, and potassium in the blood may be low. Your primary care provider can order some labs (CPM, Vit D, CBC with diff, Sed rate, C-reactive protein). You can try drinking 30ml of tonic water of your choice mixed with 30ml of water at least 30 to 50 before going to bed in the evenings READ MORE
Could foot odor be a sign of an infection?
Place 1/3 cup of Baking Soda + 1/2 gallon of warm water in a pan, then soak your feet for approximately 8-10 minutes, Pat Dry. Next, apply daily either "Certain Dri Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant Roll-On, the strongest anti-perspirant you can get without a prescription" or Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant of your choice to your feet daily. Allow the solution to air dry before putting on your socks and shoes. Once you notice the odor and/or sweating has resolveof the feet then, you can apply the clinical strength anti-perspirant every other day, or twice weekly to help keep this issue under control. READ MORE
I have white spots on the bottom of my feet. What could these be?
This could possibly be a Tinea pedis (athletes foot infection). I recommend that you wear leather or mesh-made tennis shoes and cotton socks, because they will allow the feet to stay dry and breathe better. Plastic or manmade materials used in shoes and/or nylons will worsen the condition. There are over-the-counter medications like Lotrimin or Clotrimazole creams that are indicated for the treatment of fungal infections of the feet and inter-digital spaces of the feet. I recommend changing socks daily and rotating the wearing of your shoes if you have sweaty feet. Rotation of the shoes will allow them - the shoes - to dry out. READ MORE
My legs and feet become very heavy during my periods. What is the connection and how can I manage the pain better?
This heavy sensation that you are describing may be related to water retention. Consumption of salty foods or salt could cause the body to retain intra-cellular water. Renin, "a chemical an enzyme secreted by and stored in the kidneys that promotes the production of the protein angiotensin." Renin-->Aldosterone = "an enzyme secreted by and stored in the kidneys that promotes the production of the protein angiotensin." Angiotensin, which causes vasoconstriction of arterial blood vessels in the body, resulting in hypertension, AKA high blood pressure, and Angiotensin II salt retention, which result in swelling in the extremities. Next, the heavy sensation that you are feeling in your legs may be associated with intermittent claudication ca be spasms or cramping pain (or heaviness, or fullness sensations felt in the feet and legs on walking or exercises that is relieved on rest, and elevation of the feet above the level of the hips or heart). The online definition of intermittent claudication = "a condition in which cramping pain in the leg is induced by exercise, typically caused by obstruction of the arteries." I don't know of any exercises that you could do to help the pain in your legs during your periods. However, wearing some over-the-counter support hoses or compression socks below the knees ("below the knee" means at the patella bone of the legs is where the hoses or socks come up to) may help with the swelling in the feet and legs. But these compression hoses or socks are not recommended for any person who has congestive heart failure, or who has an ankle-arm index value below 0.50. Therefore, the congestive heart failure and the ankle-arm index can be diagnosed by the your primary care physician or provider. Online definition congestive heart failure: "Congestive heart failure symptoms is a heart condition that causes symptoms of shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet. There are four stages of the disease. Treatments options include diet, medication, exercise, and weight loss." In closing, please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or physician to make sure that your heart and kidneys are working properly. READ MORE
Why do I keep getting blisters even after switching shoes?
If the blister is localized on the outer side-back of the heel, there may be an underlying bone spur on the heel that is rubbing on the back inside of the counter (back of your shoe). The friction, pressure, or shearing forces exerted on the skin on the back of the heel can result in micro trauma-injury at the affected area, thereby causing a blister(s), inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain to develop. Treatment: protect the affected area(s)-tissue, reduce pressure. Band-Aid by Johnson & Johnson manufacture (ex. Band Aid Heel Blister Bandage or Band Aid Blister Ampoules); wearing open back sanders, wearing a soft back counter shoe; over the counter orthotics may help to control the function of the foot on ambulation. Topical antibiotic medication covered with a regular flexible cloth band aid applied to the affected area until the area has healed. Seek medical care from a foot specialist if symptoms don't improve with conservative care. READ MORE
Foot pain in the morning
If the pain is localized in the arch and heel of the affected foot, you may have plantar fasciitis and heel pain syndrome. Treatment of choice: 1. Avoid bare footed ambulation; 2. Wearing a night splint while sleeping will help to stretch the tight plantar fascia; 3. Icing the affected area of the heel and arch in the evenings for approximately 5-8 minutes for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Make sure not leave ice in one place too long. Icing in a circular pattern the affected area in the evenings; 4. May take tylenol for the treatment of pain and inflammation; 5. Orthotic therapy "Power Step Orthotics" may purchase at sporting good store or online at Amazon. The are fitted according to your shoes size. The orthotics work best in tennis shoe. However, take out the shoe insole that came with the shoes, then place the prefabricated orthotics in your shoes. Start out trying to wear the device for about 60 minutes the first day then gradually increasing your wear-time in 15 minutes intervals (e.g. 60 minutes, then 1hr and 15 minutes, then 1hr and 30 minutes). This particular break-in -period is the most effective in some individuals. However, some individuals can start out wearing the orthotics all day without any problems like calf pain or increase pain in the feet because the body has to adjust to walking correctly with the orthotics in the person's shoe. Some individuals experience pain in their feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back while doing the wearing break in-period of the orthotics this is normal. READ MORE
What is the best way of recovering from a sprain?
R.I.C.E immediate treatment of an an ankle sprain. R = rest; I = ice the affected area for the treatment of pain and inflammation; C = compression therapy with application of ACE wrap or compression ankle brace; E = elevation of the affected ankle-foot above the level of the hips or heart for approximately 1-2 hrs per day (this elevation can be performed in 15-20 intervals). You may want to follow up with a foot care podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. READ MORE
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