Footwear and Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are common and seem to randomly appear, but there are triggers that cause this uncomfortable condition. Wearing the wrong shoes is one of the triggers that may cause ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight around the toe area put pressure on the front of your foot and push your toes inward. High heels are a prime example of narrow-toed shoes that can cause foot complications. Running or similar physical activities also put you at a higher risk for ingrown toenails, because there is repetitive pressure being applied to the toenail. Wearing the right shoes while participating in these activities will lessen the likelihood of an ingrown nail. Shoes with a wide toe box paired with socks that don’t constrict the foot are the best option for physical activities. If you have an ingrown toenail and are concerned about it, then it is recommended you speak with a podiatrist to properly treat it.

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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Should You Pop Your Blister?

Blisters usually form on the back of the ankle and are a result of friction between your skin and your shoe. Depending on what caused the blister, blisters can be filled with a couple different fluids. These fluids include, plasma, blood, serum, and pus. These fluids are working to protect the skin and assist the body in the healing process. This is why you should never pop or break a blister, doing so will only stall the healing process. Also, opening up the blister and creating a wound puts you at a higher risk for infection. There are some instances when the blister should be drained, but this should be done by a medical professional. A doctor can use a sterile needle to drain the fluid and this is a much safer method. If you have a blister and think that it should be drained, then it is suggested you speak to a podiatrist in order to properly take care of it.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Many people may experience poor circulation, and noticeable symptoms may be present in the feet. This condition may be a result of inadequate levels of oxygen and nutrients in the blood, which is normally pumped through blood vessels in the feet. There are many symptoms that are associated with poor circulation, and these may include a numbing sensation in the feet, coldness, and the skin color may appear to look pale blue or red. Patients may be aware of sores that have developed, and may have difficulty in healing properly, which may be a result of insufficient blood supply in the feet. Additionally, the toenails may grow slower than they usually do, and any hair that is present on the toes may not grow at all. If you are experiencing any symptoms relating to poor circulation in your feet, it is strongly advised to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly treat this condition.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Different Types of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain may originate from several sources, which may include sprains, fractures, or arthritis. The pain may be acute or develop gradually, and this may depend on what the cause is. Burning, aching or throbbing may accompany different types of ankle pain, and a proper diagnosis needs to be performed, which may aid in determining the reason for the pain and discomfort. This may include having an X-ray and a physical examination completed, and additional imaging procedures may be necessary if the ankle pain is severe. Ankle sprains are common injuries and may occur from unexpectedly stepping off a curb or engaging in an activity in which the ankle rolls inward. The tendons in the ankle attach to the bone, and if these should become inflamed, a condition known as ankle tendonitis may occur. If you have any form of ankle pain, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist who can guide you to begin the correct treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Is Obesity Connected to Plantar Fasciitis?

Research has shown there are several uncomfortable foot conditions that may develop as a result of being overweight. The excess weight may put additional pressure on the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that connects the heel to the toes. If this tissue should become torn or inflamed, the condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may develop. It is known to cause severe pain and discomfort and the ability to perform daily activities may be compromised. The pain is typically felt in the heel and surrounding areas and wearing custom-made orthotics may provide a moderate level of relief. Patients who are obese may have trouble in practicing a routine exercise regime, and this may be a result of the inability to move freely, often caused by uncomfortable heel pain. If you have any form of heel pain, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you to correct treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet

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