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 think I broke or sprained my foot
The injury that your foot may have sustained is called a possible a "contusion injury or fracture. The is sometimes results in the bruising of the soft tissue and bone in the affected area(s) where the injury has occurred. You probably should get the affected foot X-rayed to rule out a possible stress or complete fracture of the affected foot. You can continue to apply an ice pack not directly onto the skin but at the affected area(s) for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Pain management: Tylenol 325mg over the counter medication may help in the treatment of pain and inflammation. The injured areas may take some time to heal. Seek the professional care of a foot specialist or podiatrist or even your primary care provider can order some X-rays of the affected foot if you are still experiencing some pain and discomfort. READ MORE
Burning sensation in sole of both feet?
Idiopathic Neuropathy symptoms may presents with either burning, tingling, numbness, pin & needles, pressure. Were any test like an EMG or NVC tests ordered? Next, an epidermal nerve fiber density biopsy may need to be performed to rule out the possibility of a condition of " Small fiber Density Neuropathy of either and/or the Delta A fibers myelinated and C fibers unmyelinated have decreased in size, and quantity, and/or morphology of the these nerves in the skin. A punch biopsy is beneficial in help to make the diagnosis. There are several cause of neuropathic pain such as but not limited to Discussed the possible etiological factors/origins of the Peripheral Neuropathy possibly secondary to: arthritic joint, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, abnormal gait, Diabetes, Alcohol abuse, Vitamin B deficiencies, Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, in which the immune system attacks your own tissues, or Kidney, liver or thyroid disorders. Discussed the various conservative treatment options: taping, massage, supportive shoe, therapeutic steroid injections, orthotics, physical therapy, limit activities, avoid barefoot ambulation, NSAID, pain meds, Anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax), pregabalin (Lyrica), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Antidepressants medications such as Tricyclic antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Food Supplements: 1. Benfotiamine 150mg) + 2. Vitamin B Complex . Take one tablet once daily. 3. Acetyl L Carnitine 400mg . Take one tablet once daily with meals. 4. Alpha Lipoic acid 200 mg. Take one tablet once daily with meals. Recommend an Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Biopsy to be scheduled if the patient symptoms worsen. Recommend Neurologist Consultation with NCV and EMG studies if the patient symptoms worsen. . Discussed the benefits of food supplements and vitamins in the treatment of neuropathy affecting the lower extremity: 1. The patient may benefit from taking the following Dietary Food Supplements: Recommend continue Diabetic Nerve Rejuvenator . Disp: #90. Sig: Take 1 PO twice daily for treatment of neuropathy affecting the feet, and lower extremity, bilateral. 2. Discussed the major components Benfotiamine which is the folic acid portion helps in improving oxygen saturation of the red blood cell there by decrease the ischemic affect of the nerve and soft tissue, whereas the B6 and B12 components may help to repair the damage nerve(s) of the lower extremity. Alpha Lipoic Acid may help to reduce symptoms of numbness, burning, pins & needles, tingling, and prickling pain in the feet and legs. Acetyl L –Carnitine may help in decreasing pain, nerve regeneration, and improve vibratory perception in patients with chronic neuropathy, and/or diabetic neuropathy. The information I have provided in attempting to answer your question can be discussed by a foot specialist -podiatrist who is comfortable in treating this condition. Also, if you have diabetic induced neuropathy then there are several medications that your primary care provider can prescribed for the treatment of neuropathy pain (Lyrica, Gabapentin, Cymbalta) . I hope that my information help you but without talking to you to gather more health information I just decided to talk about idiopathic neuropathy. Seek the professional care of a foot specialist whom is comfortable in treating neuropathy of the feet and lower extremity. READ MORE
Can chiropractors work on bunions?
I am not sure. However, some manipulation of mild bunion deformity may provide some relief at the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint , and wearing orthotics to prevent worsening of the foot condition,. The orthotics may help to control and/or decrease the abnormal or over pronation motion (the rolling inward direction of the heel after initial heel contacts the supporting surface) at the subtalar and mid-tarsal joints on closed kinetic ambulation. These two joint a important in how the foot function properly during the gait cycle while walking. READ MORE
How to treat my mom's bad foot pain?
First, has your mother been evaluated and treated for the swelling of her feet and legs by her primary care provider or cardiologist? A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the cardiovascular system (circulation problems affecting the lower limbs). READ MORE
Ingrown toenail?
Please make an appointment with a foot care specialist or podiatrist to provide you with the proper information on treating your current foot issue. READ MORE
I have a tiny puncture in my foot?
You can purchase Band-Aid Blister Gel Guard for the Heels over the counter brand adhesive bandages by Johnson & Johnson.. These gel bandages will provide some cushion and prevent blisters from developing on the back of the heel. If your current foot issue worsen then seek the care of foot specialist or podiatrist. READ MORE
Why do I have a bruise for 6 months on my foot?
Please make an appointment with a foot care specialist or podiatrist for evaluation and treatment of your current pedal issue(s). Your shoes may not be appropriate for your foot type or structure. After all, it has been several months and your current foot issue has not resolved, then it is time to seek professional care and help in possibly resolving this problem. READ MORE
How do you get rid of ankle pain after surgery?
If your ankle is hurting secondary to development of some possible arthritis, then consider trying some of the over-the-counter topical Hemp pain medications. You may benefit from wearing a pair of biomechanical orthotics to provide protection, stability, and support of the affected foot. READ MORE
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