Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and potential infection. There are different types of ingrown toenails, including those caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or genetic predisposition. Additionally, trauma to the toe or fungal infections can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. The most common type involves the toenail growing into the skin at the sides of the nail bed, often resulting from cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Alternatively, a pincer nail may develop, where the sides of the nail curve inward, putting pressure on the skin. Ingrown toenails can also result from wearing shoes that crowd the toes or participating in activities that put repetitive pressure on the feet. Understanding the causes and types of ingrown toenails is essential for prevention and prompt treatment. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner rather than later. This type of doctor can successfully treat this condition and offer you effective prevention tips.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the nails. This condition is typically characterized by discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nails. While toenail fungus is not considered extremely contagious, it can spread from person to person under certain circumstances. Direct contact with infected nails or contaminated surfaces such as shower floors, swimming pools, and communal areas can facilitate transmission. Additionally, sharing shoes, socks, or nail clippers with an infected individual increases the risk of contracting the fungus. Individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation are more susceptible to toenail fungus and may experience more severe infections. Maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, avoiding sharing personal items, and keeping nails trimmed and dry can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus transmission. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, in addition to discussing contamination risks.

For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wheat Ridge, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus
Tuesday, 27 February 2024 00:00

Feet, often overlooked, hold valuable clues about our overall health and well-being. Various signs and symptoms manifesting in the feet can serve as indicators of underlying health conditions. For instance, changes in skin color or texture may signify circulatory issues or skin disorders, while brittle or discolored toenails can hint at fungal infections or nutritional deficiencies. Swelling in the feet and ankles may be from fluid retention, heart problems, or kidney issues. Furthermore, nerve damage in the feet can be an early sign of conditions like diabetes or neuropathy. Additionally, foot pain and discomfort can result from musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, or wearing improper footwear. Regularly inspecting and caring for our feet can help detect potential health concerns early and facilitate timely intervention. By paying attention to the signals our feet convey, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our well-being and maintain optimal health. If you are experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you with relief and treatment solutions.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Friday, 23 February 2024 00:00

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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