An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail curves into the skin, causing tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Early treatment can ease discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts softens the nail and skin, making it easier to relieve pressure. Wearing roomy shoes or sandals also helps reduce irritation. One conservative method sometimes recommended is taping. By gently placing a strip of medical tape along the side of the toe and pulling the skin slightly away from the nail, the pressure can be reduced, giving the nail room to grow properly. However, this technique should be done carefully by a podiatrist to avoid cutting off circulation. If your symptoms do not improve or the toe becomes infected, it is suggested you see a podiatrist who may use additional treatments, including lifting the nail, using a splint, or removing part of the nail.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. 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 Memphis, TN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Foot arches play a vital role in balance, movement, and shock absorption. There are three main types, which are high arches, or pes cavus, flat feet, also called pes planus, and normal arches. Each type affects how the foot functions and bears weight. Weak or imbalanced arches can lead to discomfort or injury. Arch strengthening exercises such as arch lifts, heel raises, and towel pickups can help improve stability and support. A podiatrist can assess your arch type, recommend custom orthotics, and guide you through exercises tailored to your needs. If you experience foot fatigue, imbalance, or pain, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist who can guide you on a custom plan to strengthen your arches and promote long-term foot health and comfort.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Memphis, TN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Pain in the top of your foot after running is often caused by inflammation of the tendons that are responsible for lifting and straightening your toes. This condition is known as extensor tendonitis. When these extensor tendons become inflamed, they can cause pain, particularly during activities like running. Factors that contribute to top of the foot pain include overuse, tight calf muscles, or having flat feet, which can place additional strain on the tendons. Wearing shoes that are too tight or poorly fitted may also increase the risk. Pain from extensor tendonitis is typically felt along the top of the foot, often near the shoelaces, and can be accompanied by swelling and a bump on the tendon. If you experience top of the foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Memphis, TN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
