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When To See a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenails

Monday, 29 March 2021

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition in which the toenails grow into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This often occurs on the big toes and can result in symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness around the affected toe. While ingrown toenails generally respond well to at home treatments, sometimes they can become infected or frequently recur. They can also be a cause for concern due to underlying health conditions, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. In these cases, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer the right treatments for you. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the podiatrist may gently lift the nail, prescribe antibiotics to treat infections, or partially or completely remove the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Sunday, 28 March 2021

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Shoes With Toe Springs May Affect Foot Biomechanics

Monday, 22 March 2021

Many popular athletic brands have running and walking shoes with an upward curvature in the toe area, known as a toe spring. Wearing shoes with toe springs requires less work from the muscles of the feet while walking, especially compared to walking in shoes with flatter soles. Because they can contribute to the weakening of foot muscles when they are worn habitually over long periods of time, shoes with toe springs may contribute to the onset of various foot problems. One common foot problem that may result from wearing these shoes is plantar fasciitis, in which the tissue running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and painful. When it comes to footwear, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to find out which type of shoes are right for you.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Lower Limbs

Monday, 15 March 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in any joint in the body. RA often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. In the front of the foot, the big toe joint is often affected. This can lead to difficulty walking, as the big toe joint bears the body’s weight. In the back of the foot, the three joints responsible for side to side movements of the foot can be affected and can make walking on any uneven surface very difficult. When the ankle is affected, the ability to climb stairs or ramps may be impaired. RA can also cause rheumatoid nodules to form on the feet, which can painfully rub against the shoes while walking. If you have RA in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How Plantar Warts Can Rub You the Wrong Way

Monday, 08 March 2021

Certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can produce individual or clustered plantar warts on the sole of the foot where there is friction or pressure. Although harmless, these small and flat lesions can be uncomfortable or even painful. Plantar warts are contagious and can spread from person to person in communal spaces like public showers. They are most common in 12-16 year olds, and people most at risk for plantar warts have weakened immune systems, or cuts or scrapes on their feet. These warts can eventually disappear, but it may take years for them to do so. Home remedies for pain relief or removal may be tempting, but they can be ineffective or even risky. For professional treatment, consult with a podiatrist who has many effective and safe ways to remove or resolve plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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