Hybrid Shoe Introduces Potential Problems
Recently, celebrities have been seen showing off the new trendy shoe known as “flatforms,” which is a combination flats and platforms. While this shoe provides appeal and adds height to its wearer, it does not come without its share of physical risks.
The reason this shoe is dangerous is because flatforms cause the ankles to move in ways they aren’t biomechanically designed to. This can lead to painful ligament damage if they are worn extensively, as one journalist for Vogue magazine reports. It remains to be seen if the potential foot risks that come with wearing flatforms will keep this shoe afloat.
Shoes should have proper foot support. For foot and ankle pain or injuries, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your foot and ankle needs.
The Importance of Proper Foot Support
Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.
Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.
The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.
When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Shoes to Consider:
- Good heel and arch support
- Have proper length and width for your feet
- Avoid tight/cramped shoes
For more information about Proper Foot Support, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Runners who exercise daily will often suffer from sore or painful feet. While a daily foot massage is ideal, it is also not always possible. After their daily run, runners should instead consider removing their sneakers and socks to perform foot stretches, which can help soothe the muscles in their feet. While kneeling on a yoga mat or carpet, tuck the toes toward the knees and slowly lower the pelvis to the heels. This position should be held for at least thirty seconds before slowly lifting the hips off the heels. The toes should then be pointed away from the knees before sitting back down on the heels to stretch the tops of the feet. This can be repeated two or three more times to optimally stretch the feet.
Stretching the feet is an important part of any runner’s exercise routine. To learn more, consult with Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Stretching Your Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Good ways to stretch your feet are:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Brandi Schlossberg believes that making use of orthotics can help address painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Foot orthotics work can treat plantar fasciitis since they can reduce the pressure being placed on the heel and spread any shock being absorbed by the foot.
Additionally, orthotics can improve the foot’s biomechanics of the feet. Having good or improved biomechanics can prevent or reduce the likelihood of plantar fasciitis. However, as with any treatment, Schlossberg advises consulting with a physician first before wearing foot orthotics.
Foot orthotics serve a wide range of usefulness when it comes to foot and ankle conditions. If you are undergoing discomfort in your feet, see Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your foot and ankle needs.
What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.
Why might you need orthotics?
Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.
Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.
For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Kelly Bradford found several lumps in her heels and first believed them to be corns due to their rough texture. The growths did not seem to be going away with the help of salicylic acid and were much more painful that corns usually are. When the growths became so painful that Bradford could not place her heels on the ground, she decided to contact her doctor.
Bradford’s physician concluded that she did not have corns and had contracted plantar warts. The pain she was more painful than anything she has experienced because the warts were pinching the nerves of her feet. With the help of some over-the-counter medication and cryotherapy, the warts in Bradford’s heels soon disappeared.
Plantar warts can be painful and can worsen if not treated properly. If you would like to be treated for plantar warts, consult with Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are found on the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into open wounds on the feet. You can recognize plantar warts by a hard bump on the foot. They are usually found on the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts are usually not a sign of anything dangerous but do not ignore them if they do cause pain or embarrassment.
If you do have a plantar wart, you may notice some pain when standing but since these warts are not cancerous or dangerous, a podiatrist only needs to be seen if there is excess pain. Although plantar warts don’t often call for treatment, there are options available. They can be frozen off, removed by an electric tool or burned off using laser treatment.
Home remedies are also available to help with plantar warts. An apple cider vinegar soak can help remove the wart. You can soak your feet in the vinegar for 20 minutes before using a pumice stone to remove any loose skin from the wart.
For more information about Plantar Warts, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
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Virgin Atlantic Employees Report Blisters from Designer Shoes
Written by PCC Admin
Virgin Atlantic is following the lead of its competitors and has brought in designer Vivienne Westwood to create their new flight attendant uniforms. In recent years, airline collaborations have included: Pierre Balmain for Singapore Airlines and Christian Lacroix for Air France. Unfortunately, a few of Virgin’s 7,500 crew members have claimed that the new shoes are causing blisters even though the global wearer trial of the uniform was successful. The shoes are an adaptation of Westwood’s signature hourglass heel. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson has stated that the company is working to ensure its employees are “happy and comfortable in their working environment” in response to the reports.
If you work in an environment that requires extensive standing and walking, you may develop blisters on the feet. To learn more about blister treatment and prevention speak to Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.
Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office, located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Diabetic Fearful of Complications Maintains Health
Written by PCC Admin
Although Roselle Hartsfield has lived with diabetes for over 30 years, she still fears the complications that come along with the condition. There have been many advances with diabetes recently, but patients should still pay close attention to what their body is telling them to avoid potential dialysis or amputation. Those are some of the East Orange, NJ resident’s greatest fears.
“I have glaucoma in my eyes and two years ago, two of my toes got so badly infected that I had to go into a hyperbaric chamber for 39 days to avoid amputation,” she said. The 84 year old is a mother to seven, grandmother to fifteen, and a great-grandmother to seven. Hartsfield is determined to take care of herself to avoid difficulties and remain a staple within her family.
Diabetes is a very serious condition that can result in amputation or worse if left untreated. If you are diabetic and have any concerns, visit Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your diabetic feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.
For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.
If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
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NFL Player Acknowledges Foot Injury After Trying to Push Through It
Written by PCC Admin
Unfortunately for Colin Kaepernick, a foot injury has landed him a place on the 49ers’ injury report. Although he has been injured since last year, Kaepernick would continue to play. Kaepernick said his injury was just a hangnail and nothing serious. Now Kaepernick says and knows otherwise—a chipped bone on his forefoot and a ruptured capsule in the ball of his foot confirmed.
The injuries, sustained during a Week Two game against the Seahawks, slowed him down for most of the rest of the season. “It was something that was always there,” Kaepernick said. “Never spoke about it, never said anything about it because you’re a football player; you play through pain … If it’s something you can play through, that’s what you do.”
Playing sports with foot or ankle injuries can sometimes be safe, but it shouldn’t be done without a doctor’s approval. If you are injured, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Playing Sports With Foot Injuries
Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it’s important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:
- Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
- Stress Fractures
- Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
- Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
- Strains
There are many types of treatments that are necessary to keep the injury from becoming more serious. Ice is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation while applying a compression bandage can help reduce pain and stress on the foot. For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Comfortable “Winged” High Heels Created by Ex-Surgeon and Architect
Written by PCC Admin Dr. Taryn Rose, an ex-orthopedic surgeon, has recently collaborated with architect Enrico Cuini, in an attempt to create a pair of heels that are actually comfortable and supportive. The creation has already established a $40 million dollar business and Dr. Rose has also started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the “wing” shoes. The shoes will be known as Enrico Cuini for DRESR and is said to cushion parts of the foot’s arch with the carbon fiber wings that are built in the insoles. “The wings ‘flutter’ as you walk to provide a pumping action, which helps blood flow back to your heart from your feet,” stated Dr. Rose. “This provides comfort and decreases swelling in your feet.”
High heels can negatively affect your feet if they do not offer enough support. If you would like to learn more, speak to Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Avoiding Athlete’s Foot Possible with Regular Personal Hygiene
Written by PCC AdminAthlete’s foot can affect nearly fifteen to twenty-five percent of people at any given moment. Fortunately, this condition can be avoided by changing your socks regularly. Since athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, many people try not to wear socks at all and choose to sandals year round. It can be difficult for those that live in cooler conditions to wear sandals year long, making sock changing even more important. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, regularly changing your socks can also prevent foot odor. Although seemingly trivial, the material of the socks is also a factor in conducting athlete’s foot. Cotton is less likely to allow fungus inducing bacterial to live on the foot and sock because of how breathable it is compared to more synthetic fabrics such as polyester.
Athlete’s foot can be easily prevented with personal hygiene habits. To learn more, speak to Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 87 percent of women contend with problems with their feet that are related to wearing high heels and other impractical and ill-fitting shoes. “I was having calluses, and just, all sorts of problems with my left foot. And there was finally a solution,” said Susan Deming, a woman who underwent surgery to shorten her second toe.
Other common procedures include getting bunions removed and getting collagen injected into the balls of the feet to add cushioning. Some women even go as far as to request that their pinky toe be totally amputated.
Bunions are very painful foot deformities that are especially common in people who wear high heeled shoes. For help dealing with a bunion, visit podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will assess your injury and administer the care you need.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is an enlargement of the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The enlargement is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth. This swelling is caused by a shifting of the bones in the big toe inward, impacting the other toes of the foot. The area around the base of the big toe may become inflamed, red, and/or painful.
Formation
Genetics – people who are susceptible to bunions are often genetically predisposed.
Stress on the feet – wearing improperly fitting shoes or running and walking with improper form may cause stress on the feet. Wearing high heeled shoes puts the weight from the body onto the toes, causing further stress and bone displacement.
Diagnosis
A podiatrist who specializes in foot structure and bio-mechanics will be able to diagnose bunions.
Blood Tests - testing the blood for gout or arthritic conditions can help identify the causes.
Radiological Exam – a podiatrist will request an exam to identify the bunion by taking a look at the bone structure. If the x-ray shows an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe, shifting toward the smaller toes, this usually indicates a bunion.
Treatment
Wearing a wider shoe can remove the pressure on the bunion and reduce pain.
For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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U.S. Army Researches Running Injuries in Soldiers
Written by PCC Admin
The Army of the United States needs to make sure their soldiers are healthy, including their feet. One of these methods to ensure this good health is to conduct the Born To Run story line and the forefoot/rearfoot debate. The study focused on past-year injury rates among 1027 soldiers, which included 232 women who sustained injuries.
“There are no large studies evaluating differences in injury profiles between heel strike and non-heel-strike runners,” one poster notes. “Due to high musculoskeletal injury rates in soldiers, a better understanding of the potential relationship between foot strike and injury could be beneficial to the military services.”
Running can be a great way to keep your body healthy, but it can also lead to injuries if you’re not careful. If you have a running injury, or are concerned about getting one, contact podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can instruct you on proper running techniques and help you keep your lower extremities safe.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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Relationship between Women’s Footwear and Neuromas
Written by PCC Admin
According to a presentation at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Food and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), Morton’s Neuroma’s may occur more in women due to their choice of footwear. Developing a neuroma is also possible due to genetics and exercise habits.
Surgeon Kris DiNucci presented at the conference and stated that flat and narrow shoes are the culprit in causing Morton’s Neuromas in women. The condition occurs when the nerves of the fourth and fifth toe become inflamed as well as swelling and a tingling sensation in the toes. Morton’s Neuromas are preventable with orthotics, footwear that is wider, has a slight heel as well as rest.
Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to contend with. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, talk to podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rothman can diagnose and treat your feet accordingly.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones. Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
For more information on the treatment of diabetes, visit our link below.
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Non-Surgical Treatments Recommended to Correct Hammertoe
Written by PCC Admin
While surgery is indeed a method when it comes to correcting hammertoe, insurance companies generally encourage patients to attempt non-surgical treatments before undergoing a procedure. For example, non-surgical treatments might include analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease pain and swelling. It could be noted that cortisone injections also work to this effect. Less invasive methods also include the use of a custom-made orthotic insert to help prevent the hammertoe from worsening and to ease discomfort. Splints or non-medicated pads may also be used.
Regardless of the treatment you choose, hammertoes require some form of medical attention if they are to be corrected. If you are seeking treatment for a hammertoe, consult with podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.
It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Children can develop ingrown toenails in their feet in a variety of ways and reasons. One of the main ways a child can develop an ingrown toenail is by cutting his or her nails too short. To prevent these ingrown toenails, cut their nails evenly and be sure not to trim them down too much. Ingrown nails may also occur if a child wears socks and shoes that do not adequately cover his or her feet.
Other cases of ingrown toenails can simply be caused by a genetic predisposition to curved nails. No matter how the ingrown toenail was caused, do not attempt to treat this condition at home. Removing an ingrown nail with a “bathroom surgery” can lead to a bacterial infection.
Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will confirm your diagnosis and do everything she can to treat your problem.
Ingrown Toenails Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.
Treatment
There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:
-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up
If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation. Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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