Items filtered by date: September 2024

Proper toenail care is key for preventing painful conditions like ingrown toenails. Trimming your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges or cutting them too short, helps prevent the nail from growing into the surrounding skin. This simple step is effective in avoiding ingrown toenails, which can be worsened by wearing shoes that are too narrow or short, causing your big toe to rub against the shoe. Initially, an ingrown toenail might not cause any symptoms, but over time, it can become painful, red, and swollen, and may even become infected with pus forming under the nail. To avoid these complications and ensure effective treatment, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. Early intervention can simplify the treatment process and alleviate discomfort more efficiently. If you are experiencing signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for professional 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 and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone, often resulting from long-term strain on the foot’s ligaments and tendons. They can be quite painful, typically resulting in a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Symptoms also include tenderness and swelling around the heel area. Treatment options for heel spurs include wearing supportive shoes with cushioned insoles, performing stretching exercises to alleviate tension in the foot, and using orthotic devices to correct alignment issues. In some cases, pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications may help manage discomfort. If you think you have heel spurs, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a personalized treatment plan and address underlying issues.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Plantar warts are benign growths that appear on the soles of the feet due to a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts often develop on weight-bearing areas, such as the heels or balls of the feet, that make walking uncomfortable. Symptoms typically include small, rough, and grainy lesions that may have tiny black dots within them. They can also cause pain or discomfort when standing or walking. Plantar warts spread through direct contact with the virus, which thrives in warm, moist environments, like swimming pools or communal showers. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Maintaining good foot hygiene and avoiding walking barefoot in public places can help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading plantar warts. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. 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 our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Volleyball players are prone to ankle injuries due to the dynamic nature of the game. To reduce the risk, proper warm-up routines are essential, focusing on flexibility and strength exercises specifically for the lower legs. Wearing supportive footwear designed for volleyball can also help to stabilize the ankle and absorb shock. Additionally, practicing correct techniques for jumping and landing minimizes strain on the ankles. It is also important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle through targeted strength training exercises. Incorporating balance and agility drills into regular training can improve coordination and reduce the likelihood of injury. Ankle injuries are typically painful, and can force a volleyball player to refrain from playing. If you have sustained an ankle injury while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe, a condition known as podagra. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood form sharp crystals that accumulate in joints. Symptoms often include intense joint pain that typically occurs at night, lingering discomfort, inflammation, and limited range of motion. Causes of gout include a diet high in purines, found in red meat and seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and kidney disease. Men, postmenopausal women, and people with a family history of gout are at higher risk. Gout attacks, or flare-ups, can recur if underlying causes are not addressed. Prevention strategies involve maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and managing body weight. If you suspect you have gout in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment, and a long-term management plan to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.