Items filtered by date: October 2022

Recognizing an ingrown toenail can be tricky. One symptom many people ignore is the redness surrounding the big toe, which is often the first indication that an ingrown toenail has developed. Severe pain often follows, and the ingrown toenail can become infected. At this point, a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition should be consulted. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It may result from improperly trimming the toenails, sustaining a toe injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. For mild cases, the foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This may temporarily provide relief, but it may become worse if medical attention is not sought. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition.

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 our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It may seem improbable, but riding a bicycle can cause immense foot pain. The main reason for this pain is that all the force expended during a ride goes through the soles of the feet. For that reason, especially if you ride often and for a long duration, heel and arch pain can develop. Cycling footwear and cleat position are often involved, along with other causes, such as plantar fasciitis. If plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, is ignored, it also may result in calcium deposits. Biomechanical issues, such as ankle pronation, flat feet, or high arches can lead to Achilles tendonitis. Certain exercises before and after each ride can help to reduce arch soreness, and orthotics can go a long way toward prevention of biomechanical issues. In addition, wearing cycling shoes that fit properly can lower the risk of foot pain. For more information about custom orthotics and foot pain from cycling, please consult a podiatrist. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. 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 office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis are often first noticed in the feet. It is considered to be a type of inflammatory arthritis and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Common symptoms associated with this condition include swelling, and the foot may feel warm and sore when touched. The foot also may gradually change shape, and this may lead to joint instability. Most people who are afflicted with this ailment notice that the smaller joints of the toes are affected. It is often challenging to walk, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. In severe cases, the joints can rub together excessively, possibly affecting bursae. These are defined as sacs that are filled with fluid and may become inflamed, which is known as bursitis. If you notice the beginning signs of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly evaluate and treat this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

The medical term for a foot doctor is a podiatrist. This is a doctor who specializes in various conditions involving the feet and ankles. People who are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry will need to earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Residency training begins after medical school and occurs in a hospital or clinic. There are different areas of foot medicine that podiatrists can choose to specialize in. These include wound care, surgery, diabetes, sports medicine, and more. Additionally, there are common everyday foot conditions like ingrown toenails, blisters, bunions, and fungal nails that podiatrists also treat. A podiatrist can prescribe medication to help with any foot or ankle ailment. If you are considering this type of career path, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the correct choice for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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