Items filtered by date: August 2020

Ingrown toenails can develop when an injury occurs, if toenails are not trimmed properly, or if ill-fitting footwear is frequently worn. If this condition develops, the affected toenail will grow into the surrounding skin, often causing a great deal of pain. Some methods that can be used to relieve this discomfort include soaking the affected toe, keeping it elevated, and maintaining proper foot hygiene. If left untreated, it’s possible that the ingrown toenail can become infected. If this occurs, you will most likely see pus drain from around the affected toenail. For more information on how to promptly treat an ingrown toenail, please speak with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. 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 Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a portion of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot that is known as the plantar fascia. It connects the heel to the toes, and a healthy plantar fascia is crucial in performing daily functions. There are certain activities that can cause the condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis can gradually develop as a result of standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or it may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people who enjoy running may experience this type of foot condition, and it may happen from consistent pressure that is put on the heels. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jon McCreary, DPM  from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

A growth on the sole of the foot may indicate a plantar wart. A plantar wart is described as a small, thick patch of skin that grows into the bottom of the foot. This happens as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure by walking, standing, and running. This type of wart is caused by a virus that is known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is considered to be contagious. Common symptoms that are often seen with plantar warts can include severe pain and discomfort while walking, and the wart may have small black dots in the center, which is dried blood. There are a variety of methods to treat plantar warts, consisting of applying salicylic acid directly on the wart, utilizing cryotherapy, or other forms of medicine. If you have developed this type of wart, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar warts. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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