Items filtered by date: February 2021

An ingrown toenail is the result of a curved toenail that grows down into the skin on the sides of the nail. As the toenail digs deep into the skin and the skin continues to grow around it; pain, redness, and swelling can occur. In severe cases, this can lead to an infection that is often indicated by a pus or drainage and usually coincides with a bad odor. Ingrown toenails can have different causes that include trauma to the toe, improperly trimmed nails that are cut too short or on a curve instead of straight across, and footwear that is too tight. The tendency for ingrown toenails may also be inherited or caused by other nail conditions, such as fungal nails. Patients who experience an infection, or those who have recurring ingrown toenails should visit a podiatrist for treatment. A podiatrist can determine what course of treatment is correct for you, as well as administer the proper medication to cease an infection and any corresponding pain.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle 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

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 Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle become stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are divided into 3 categories. A Grade 1 sprain occurs when the ligament is mildly stretched. Once a ligament is slightly torn, a Grade 2 sprain occurs. A Grade 3 ankle sprain is the complete tear of one of the ligaments in the ankle. Sprains are usually indicated by pain, tenderness, bruising, stiffness, and an inability to put weight on the affected ankle. Upon experiencing a possible ankle sprain, it is important to visit with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will take X-rays to make sure there isn’t a fracture, and they will also determine the severity of the sprain. After the injury is assessed, your podiatrist will suggest the proper treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is a common condition that occurs when the feet are pressed flat while standing. Flat feet are not usually serious, and they shouldn’t stop you from your physical activity. However, there are some scenarios in which visiting a podiatrist is suggested for flat feet. If your flat feet are painful, stiff or weak, if you frequently get foot or ankle injuries, have a balance problem, or only one foot is affected, you should see a podiatrist. In severe cases, surgery may be required, however in most cases a podiatrist will be able to suggest proper footwear and orthotics as well as exercises and foot stretches to help your condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A wart that develops on the bottom of the foot is referred to as a plantar wart. It grows inward as a result of the constant pressure the sole of the foot endures from walking and standing for the majority of the day. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This virus is contagious, and is found in environments that can include public pools, shower rooms floors, and surrounding areas. These types of warts may dissolve and disappear naturally, and many patients may choose this over aggressive treatment. Other people who are afflicted with plantar warts may choose to have salicylic acid applied to the affected area. This can be beneficial in accelerating the healing process. If you have plantar warts, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment options for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle 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 one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.