Items filtered by date: April 2022

If you notice that the skin around your toenail has become red, swollen and painful, especially when wearing shoes, you probably have an ingrown toenail. It could become infected if left untreated. The two main causes of ingrown toenails, which typically affect the big toe, are tight shoes and toenails that have been improperly cut. Other causes include stubbing your toe, picking or tearing your toenails or the skin around them, and having sweaty feet. Ingrown toenails are more common in older people, because the nails become thicker with age. The best way to avoid an ingrown toenail is to trim the nails straight across and not too short; wear shoes that fit well; and keep your feet clean and dry. If you have continual problems with ingrown toenails, or have developed an infection, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Ingrown toenails are more likely to develop in people who have diabetes and circulation problems. If you have either of these conditions, it is wise to visit a podiatrist regularly for treatment. 

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.

The medical term for the growth area where the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon connect to the heel is known as the calcaneal apophysis. It starts to develop in children approximately 7 or 8 years old, and permanently fuses to the heel bone in young teenagers. Children in this age group who frequently participate in sports activities may experience a condition that is known as Sever’s disease. Common symptoms of this ailment can include intense heel pain, which can become worse when wearing shoes that have limited cushioning or arch support. Sever's disease is an irritation of the heel, which occasionally causes swelling and bruising. Successful treatment options include temporarily stopping the activity that caused the injury and resting the affected foot as often as possible. Some patients perform specific stretches that may help to increase flexibility. If you have Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Staying healthy and fit as you age will help you avoid falling. This is particularly important for people with diabetes, whose balance can be compromised from complications such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), hypoglycemia, diabetic retinopathy (vision problems), as well as joint pain, and osteoporosis (bone damage). If you are experiencing balance issues or pain that is affecting your mobility, consult with a podiatrist who may be able to prescribe diabetic shoes and/or custom orthotics that will offer better support and alignment, to help you walk better. You can also discuss the possibility of improving your balance by strengthening your muscles and maintaining bone density with various gentle forms of exercise and physical therapy. Your podiatrist can also offer various forms of treatment to help relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 care needs.

While the exact cause of a bunion is not always apparent, their bony disfigurement is hard to miss. Genetics are believed to sometimes play a role in the development of a bunion. Many consider gout and rheumatoid arthritis as a possible link to certain bunions that have formed, as well as abnormal foot structures such as flat feet, flexible joints, loose ligaments, and more. Tight, pointy high heels and other types of ill-fitting footwear may worsen a structural abnormality and increase the likelihood of a bunion forming. Standing for prolonged periods of time can also worsen bunion symptoms. Podiatrists deal with bunions every day and have various techniques for correcting them, depending upon how far along the deformity has progressed. Don’t delay in making an appointment with a podiatrist to have your feet examined if you have redness, swelling, soreness, an existing bony bump, or a bump that’s beginning to form at the joint of your big toe.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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 care needs.