Items filtered by date: June 2020

Monday, 29 June 2020 00:00

Does My Child Have an Ingrown Toenail?

Common symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness and tenderness surrounding the edges of the nail. If your child complains of toenail pain, it may be indicative of an ingrown toenail. Additionally, there may be a discharge oozing if the nail has become infected, and it may cause severe pain and discomfort. This condition can be the result of trimming the toenails improperly, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It may feel better when your child soaks the affected toe in warm water, as this may help to soften the skin. If you or your child has an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 24 June 2020 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

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Running is a very popular activity. However, one can seriously damage the feet if they do not practice following simple safety procedures. For runners who are just beginning, it is important to start slow and steady, being sure not to strain the ligaments of the lower extremities. Overuse is a common reason why many runners end up damaging their feet and developing conditions such as Achilles tendonitis. The body needs time to adapt to this new physical activity, which is why stretching before and after each run can help prepare the legs and feet, as well as cool them down after a run is completed. Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that is common among runners, specifically affecting the heel region. To help prevent injury, it is also important to ensure you’re choosing the proper shoe for your style of running, and that you’re getting the support necessary for your level of activity. For more information on how to avoid obtaining a running injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional advice.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

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Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves of the foot, often causing pain in the ball of foot. This condition can develop due to increased pressure, injury, or from ill-fitting footwear such as high heels. Patients affected with this condition often describe the feeling as if there is a pebble stuck inside of their shoe. Morton’s neuroma may cause a stinging, burning, or numbing sensation in the ball of the foot or toes. Some patients have found relief by wearing custom orthotics, shoe inserts, and by performing certain foot exercises. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Monday, 08 June 2020 00:00

Common Symptoms of Foot Ulcers

Ulcers occur when deep tissues of the feet become exposed, often due to injuries and cuts on the outer layers of the skin. They can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, spending too much time in bed, or by an injury that pierces the skin. Some symptoms of ulcers include odor, red or inflamed tissue, as well as drainage. There may be some pain present as well, however, pain isn't always felt with a foot ulcer. Developing an ulcer may be more common for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, and vascular disease. To remove the unhealthy tissues and begin wound care, it is recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist. He or she will be able to prescribe the necessary antibiotics if an infection is present. If you are experiencing foot ulcers, please consult with your local podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Monday, 01 June 2020 00:00

Heel Spur Symptoms

Patients who experience heel pain may be aware that this can be indicative of a heel spur. This is defined as a small piece of bone that grows on the inside of the heel and is often confused with plantar fasciitis. It can develop from a strained plantar fascia, which may be a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that often accompany heel spurs include pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding areas, and it is often difficult to perform daily activities. Patients may find comfort in practicing specific foot stretches that can help to relax the tissues near the heel, and relief may be found when the affected foot is rested and elevated. It is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause of existing heel pain, and offer correct treatment options for heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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