An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or genetic factors. It may throb or feel tender, and can appear inflamed or filled with pus, if infected. The condition, which most frequently affects the big toe, may worsen without proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination and medical history. Depending on severity, treatment may include soaking instructions, lifting the nail edge, partial nail removal, or, in chronic cases, removing part of the nail root. Antibiotics might be prescribed if an infection is present. A podiatrist may also advise on proper foot hygiene and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to avoid complications, ensuring proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. 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 our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Road running shoes are specifically designed footwear created to support the feet during running on hard, flat surfaces. Over time, they have evolved to provide advanced technology that enhances comfort and performance. Key features include cushioning for shock absorption, support for proper alignment, and breathability for airflow, in addition to durability for long-distance use, a lightweight design for efficiency, and flexibility to allow natural movement. These qualities make them preferred by runners who seek comfort and injury prevention. A podiatrist can help by recommending the right shoe based on your foot type and running style to avoid strain or injury. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward choosing the right shoes for your running style, while offering effective relief and treatment tips.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet can result from a variety of causes. One common reason is pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, as the body produces extra blood and fluid retention occurs. This can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles, particularly when standing for long periods of time, or in hot weather. Another cause of swollen feet is injury, such as a sprained ankle. Damage to the injured ligaments can lead to fluid accumulation in the affected area as the body works to heal. Venous insufficiency is another contributor to swollen feet. Damaged veins cause blood to pool in the feet and ankles, resulting in swelling. In some cases, swelling can indicate more serious health issues, including heart, kidney,  liver disease, or even blood clots. If you have unexplained swelling in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot wounds can develop when nerve damage causes people to miss signs of pressure, cuts, or irritation on their feet. Poor circulation makes it harder for these wounds to heal, which increases the risk of infection. Wounds often appear on the toes, soles, or heels, especially in spots where shoes rub or pressure builds up from calluses or foot deformities. Because many people with diabetes do not feel pain in their feet, these wounds may go unnoticed and become worse, over time. A podiatrist can examine the wound, check blood flow, test for nerve damage, and provide care to prevent further injury. They can also help reduce pressure on the wound by recommending special footwear or in some cases, surgery. Without proper care, diabetic foot wounds can lead to serious infections and tissue or limb loss. If you notice foot or lower leg wounds that are not healing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and effective wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.