Medications

When it comes to foot problems, several types of medication are used, depending on the condition. If you have arthritis, diabetes or gout, you will be treated with medications for those conditions. If you have any of these conditions or a condition that affects your nerves, do NOT try to self treat. Have your doctor evaluate you and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.

Achilles tendonitis can be treated with ice, rest, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.

Morton's neuroma treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, changing footwear, shoe inserts (orthotics) and cortisone injections, but surgical removal of the growth is sometimes necessary.

Plantar fasciitis may take six months or longer to heal completely. In the meantime, night splints, custom orthotic devices and physical therapy are initial treatments. Other treatment includes ultrasound and cortisone shots. Surgery is rarely recommended.

Plantar warts are difficult to treat, but often improve with repeated applications of salicylic acid, which is available over the counter. Other treatment includes injecting the wart with medication or freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.

Nail fungal infections. Fungal infections take a long time to heal. Treatment can consist of filing the nail plate down with a surgical burr along with the use of oral or topical medications. You may need to take oral medication anywhere from six weeks to six months. Topical treatments usually will not cure the infection without the combined use of oral medication. Oral medications are more effective than topical antifungals because they act from within the cells at the base of the nail where fungi concentrate.

Athlete's foot may need a prescription or over-the-counter antifungal lotions or sprays. Prescription medications may also help. For severe infection or if treatment using topical medicines fails, you may need an oral medication as well. Talk to your doctor about the best form of treatment.

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