An ingrown toenail is easy to notice. The nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and it may appear red. Ingrown toenails may also become infected and bleed if prompt medical attention is not sought. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight or from improperly trimming the toenails. People who are born with naturally curved toenails may be prone to ingrown toenails. Temporary relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water and a small piece of cotton is used to gently pull the skin away from the nail. A more permanent solution is provided by a podiatrist in partially or fully removing the affected nail. This is a relatively fast procedure, but it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist to learn more. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, call your local podiatrist today. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people refer to orthotics as shoe inserts or foot pads. They are defined as a method to relieve foot pain, in addition to providing heel and arch support. The majority of people take thousands of steps per day, which may result in foot pain. This can make completing daily tasks difficult to accomplish, and relief is often sought. Once the source of the foot pain is identified, one of three types of orthotics may be prescribed. Pressure may be reduced while walking when soft orthotics are worn. These are designed with flexible materials, such as gel or foam. If stability is mostly needed, the choice may be rigid orthotics. They may also aid in having easier mobility. The most common type of orthotics is referred to as semi-rigid, which provides adequate cushioning and shock absorption. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and prescribe the type of orthotics that are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An injury that occurs to the big toe can wreak havoc on people who enjoy running. Toe pain can be a common injury that may cause difficulty maintaining leverage while running. There are several joints in the big toe, and they work together to create balance. Older people may experience toe injuries more frequently than younger runners due to degenerative joint changes that occur with aging. There are various reasons for big toe pain, including a form of arthritis known as hallux rigidus. A bunion can also cause big toe pain as the toe may gradually shift toward the smaller toes. Additionally, the condition known as turf toe can be more common among athletes and may cause damage to the ligaments. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat your ailment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is a well-documented fact about pregnancy that the pregnant woman’s feet may be negatively impacted in some way. For example, a pregnant woman’s feet may commonly swell or become achy. If you are a pregnant woman experiencing these issues with your feet, seeing a podiatrist can help you treat these problems. Specifically, a podiatrist may recommend to you several different things for swelling or achy feet. First, the podiatrist might recommend that you reduce swelling in the feet and lower legs by elevating the feet. Second, the podiatrist might recommend that you wear more comfortable shoes that fit better. Third, the podiatrist might recommend that you use some kind of cooling cream made for the feet during pregnancy. Some of these creams are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients and promote anti-swelling. Some of them also create cooling sensations in the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.