Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and redness. This condition typically affects the big toe and can result from various factors, such as improper trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms include tenderness along the nail border, inflammation, and sometimes infection, which may result in pus or drainage. People with curved or thickened nails, athletes, individuals with poor foot hygiene, or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes are more susceptible to ingrown toenails. Treatment from a podiatrist often involves gently lifting the ingrown edge, trimming the nail properly, and providing guidance on proper nail care techniques. In some cases, a portion of the nail may need to be removed to prevent recurrence. For severe or recurrent ingrown toenails, surgical procedures like partial nail avulsion may be recommended by a podiatrist to alleviate pain and prevent complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that is best for your condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. 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

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 office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball, a fast-paced and exhilarating sport, can occasionally lead to foot and ankle injuries that require attention and proper care. One common injury is ankle sprains, resulting from sudden changes in direction or awkward landings while maneuvering around the court. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot, may develop due to repetitive jumping and running movements. Additionally, stress fractures can occur in the bones of the foot or ankle, typically from overuse or excessive impact during gameplay. Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, can also arise from repetitive movements like lunging and pivoting. Proper warm-up routines, supportive footwear, and paying attention to technique can help reduce the risk of these injuries. If injury occurs, prompt medical evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential for recovery and returning to the pickleball court safely. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you a treatment plan that is right for you.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor 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 office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet bear the weight of your bodiy and facilitate movement with every step. To ensure their health and well-being, it is important to establish a consistent foot care routine. Start by cleaning your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. Regularly trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails and infections. Moisturizing your feet with a hydrating lotion or cream keeps the skin soft and supple, preventing dryness and cracks. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of foot problems, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis. Finally, incorporating gentle stretches and exercises into your routine promotes flexibility and strength in the muscles and ligaments of the feet. If you are experiencing any foot problems, or are seeking additional information about effective foot care routine strategies, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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