An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. It can begin with mild redness and tenderness but may quickly progress to swelling, warmth, and increasing pain along the nail border. The area may look puffy or inflamed and can become shiny or irritated. As pressure builds, walking or wearing shoes may feel sharp and uncomfortable. In more advanced cases, drainage, infection, or overgrown tissue can develop. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, and naturally curved nails. While early stages may respond to conservative care such as proper trimming techniques, protective padding, and footwear changes, persistent or recurrent ingrown toenails often require a minor surgical procedure. A podiatrist can safely numb the toe, remove the offending portion of the nail, and in some cases treat the nail root to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 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

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 office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. They care for a wide range of concerns. Included are foot injuries, chronic foot pain, diabetic foot disorders, and infections, in addition to structural foot abnormalities like bunions and hammertoes. Podiatrists are trained to evaluate gait, prescribe custom orthotics, and provide treatment. Some perform surgery when needed. Many focus on specific areas, including diabetic foot care, pediatric foot conditions, and geriatric foot health to address the unique needs of each stage of life. Early evaluation can prevent complications and improve mobility. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the pain source, and offer effective treatment solutions.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet and thrives in warm and moist environments. It often develops between the toes and can cause itching, redness, scaling, and burning discomfort. Swimmers are especially at risk because fungi spread easily in pools, locker rooms, indoor bathing areas, and public showers, where surfaces stay warm and humid. Prolonged exposure to moisture, tight footwear, and walking barefoot in shared spaces can increase the chance of infection. If left untreated, athlete’s foot can worsen and manifest into more severe skin disease that spreads to the soles, nails or other areas of the body. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the condition, provide effective treatment and offer prevention guidance. If foot itching or skin changes persist, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Non-injury foot pain refers to discomfort that develops without a clear cause and can appear suddenly during daily activities or even at rest. This type of foot pain may feel sharp, burning, aching, or electric in nature. Common causes include inflammation of soft tissues like the plantar fascia or foot tendons, irritation or compression of nerves, and small stress fractures from repetitive loading. Joint conditions like arthritis or gout, and nerve thickening between the toes, known as Morton’s neuroma, are other causes. Symptoms can involve heel or arch pain, pinpoint tenderness on the top or bottom of the foot, or swelling in one foot. Big toe pain, or tingling and numbness are other symptoms. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, biomechanics, gait patterns, and use imaging or lab testing to determine the exact source of pain. Accurate diagnosis allows for targeted medical care and long-term pain control. For help with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor 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 our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.