Items filtered by date: February 2019

If you notice skin growing on the side your big toe, you may have what is referred to as an ingrown toenail. There may be several noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include extreme tenderness, swelling, and possible drainage from the affected area. If the toenails are not properly trimmed, the result may be an ingrown toenail. Additional reasons why this condition can develop may come from an injury that may have happened to the nail, or if shoes and socks that are worn do not fit correctly. Mild relief may be obtained by soaking the foot in a salt solution. If medical conditions including diabetes or poor circulation exist, it is strongly recommended to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment and preventive techniques.

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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many patients have had their various foot conditions successfully treated, but for some, foot surgery may be necessary as a possible option for relief. There are several types of foot issues that can benefit from having foot surgery performed, and these may include bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis. The surgery that may help to correct bunions is referred to as a bunionectomy. The benefits of having this type of surgery performed may include wearing shoes that are closed, and performing daily activities with ease. Arthritis may be helped by having fusion surgery performed, and this may help to join the bones of the foot together which may eliminate painful rubbing. Hammertoe can be helped by removing bones, tendons, or joints which may help to straighten out the toe. If the plantar fascia is inflamed which may lead to plantar fasciitis, heel surgery may be a viable option to consider. If you would like additional information about foot surgery, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are generally a common ailment where many people seek the advice of a podiatrist. Pressure is typically the cause of most corns, and this may be a result of pressure the toe endures. If shoes or socks are worn that are too tight, the toes may rub against the material, and a corn may develop. Some patients have hammertoes, in which the toes are bent downward, and a corn may form on top of the toe in the area where the bend occurs. There are preventive measures that can be implemented which may be successful in preventing corns. These may include wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move about, and using foam pads which may protect the skin between the toes. If you are experiencing pain that may be caused by a corn, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you in maintaining and preventing corns.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.