September 2022

An ingrown toenail is generally a painful foot condition. It has noticeable symptoms, and occurs as a result of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin instead of over it. The affected skin is often swollen and will appear to be red. In severe cases, an infection may set in, possibly causing bleeding. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can contribute significantly to developing an ingrown toenail, or it may come from genetic reasons. Many patients notice that the toe feels better when it is soaked in warm water, which can help to soften the skin. This may bring mild temporary relief, but you may ultimately need to visit a podiatrist for permanent relief. To achieve this, surgery may be necessary, and this involves removing the nail border. The purpose of this is to prevent potential damage to the soft tissues. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options, in addition to possibly performing surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can be disabling. When it hurts to walk, one’s quality of life can be greatly compromised. Foot pain can have many sources, including injury to bones, ligaments, nerves, or even skin. A few causes of foot pain are bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma. Bunions are ugly bulges on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe that occur when this joint slips out of place. With this condition, the big toe gradually moves toward the other toes and can cause the bones to become deformed as they grow. Bunions can be painful, red, swollen, and numb. Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When it becomes inflamed, patients can experience significant pain in the heel or midfoot. This pain is often worse upon rising and decreases throughout the day. Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding the nerve between the third and fourth toes thickens. This can cause mild to severe discomfort in the ball of the foot. Those with this condition often describe the sensation as standing on a marble or pebble. If you have pain in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment so you can be more comfortable.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various professions that require standing for the majority of the day. These include retail workers, medical field personnel, and restaurant employees. Research has indicated that many people who endure standing have chronic foot pain. The feet carry the weight of the body, and it is not surprising that foot pain exists. A common foot condition that can be caused by standing all day is plantar fasciitis. This affects the heel and the arch of the foot, and it can cause difficulty in walking. This condition often requires attention sooner than later, relief may be relieved by wearing custom-made orthotics. The feet distribute the weight of the body unequally, as most people alternate their weight between their feet. This can cause overall muscle fatigue, and general discomfort. Additionally, this can negatively affect an employee's performance, as the days are spent in pain. It is beneficial to stand on a stress mat that may help to balance the body’s weight, in addition to wearing comfortable shoes. If you have questions about how to protect your feet while standing all day, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Despite the fact that flip-flops are perhaps one of the most widespread and popular forms of footwear during the summer months, flip-flops can also negatively impact your feet. For example, wearing flip-flops for too long and during prolonged periods of physical activity might contribute to foot pain. Since an individual must tighten and scrunch up their toes to prevent their flip-flops from falling off, this prolonged tension can contribute significantly to foot pain. Also, flip-flops offer a substantially low level of foot support. As the shoe is essentially a mere piece of foam, the wearer does not benefit from any cushioning or padding found in other forms of footwear. This lack of padding can aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which can cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue running through the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed and strained. Like all things, flip-flops are perhaps best worn in moderation. For instance, if you are taking a walk up the block to go to the beach, wearing flip-flops might be an appropriate choice. However, if you are about to embark on a long walk or hike, selecting a more supportive shoe might be the better option. If you wear flip-flops and experience some kind of foot pain, consider reaching out to a podiatrist who can help you.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.