Items filtered by date: May 2024

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition often arises from improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or sustaining foot injuries. To prevent ingrown toenails, proper foot care is essential. Trim toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges, and ensure they are not too short. Wear shoes that provide ample toe room and avoid tight or narrow footwear that can exert pressure on the toes. Additionally, maintaining good foot hygiene by keeping feet clean and dry can help reduce the risk of infection. It is beneficial for individuals with diabetes or circulation problems to take extra precautions. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infecting the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. They often appear as small, grainy lesions with black dots embedded within them, causing discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing. Those individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems should be particularly watchful of such growths. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or skin. Treatment options can include salicylic acid to prescription strength treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal. If you have a plantar wart that causes persistent pain, changes in appearance, or interferes with walking, it is suggested that you seek podiatric attention.

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.