Ingrown toenails can result in a painful and debilitating condition if not addressed promptly. Treatment options for an ingrown toenail vary. Nonsurgical methods, suitable for mild to moderate cases, include wearing appropriate footwear, managing fungal infections, and soaking the afflicted foot. A podiatrist may also suggest applying steroid creams and may use cotton or dental floss to lift the nail edge. Other specialized treatment includes applying tape to pull the nail fold away, employing gutter splints, or creating cotton nail casts. Surgical options become necessary for more severe cases. In these cases, a podiatrist may perform a partial nail avulsion, wedge excision or total nail avulsion. Each method aims to alleviate pressure on the nail fold, thus reducing trauma and preventing recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform the treatment method that is right for you.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher 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
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 one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Skating is a beloved activity for many, but foot and ankle injuries can hinder both enjoyment and performance. Improperly fitted skates often lead to corns, calluses, bunions, and bunionettes, causing discomfort and negatively affecting skating ability. Additionally, ankle pain and weakness are prevalent among skaters, making them susceptible to sprains and overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis. Skaters with biomechanical imbalances, such as flat feet or high arches, are at further risk of developing plantar fasciitis and heel pain. One way to avoid these issues involves wearing properly fitting footwear and attentive foot care. Investing in well-fitted skates and footwear tailored to individual foot needs is essential. Plus, seeking prompt treatment for persistent foot pain from a podiatrist ensures optimal skating performance and long-term foot health. By taking proactive measures to prevent injury, skaters can continue enjoying their favorite activity without discomfort or limitations. If you have skating-related foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. 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:
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 one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, may be noticed as they form through various early signs. These signs encompass redness, swelling, thickened skin, and tenderness surrounding the big toe joint, often accompanied by a bony lump or prominence. Additionally, calluses and corns may develop due to increased pressure on the affected area. Early stages of bunion formation can cause discomfort, especially during activities such as walking or wearing tight shoes, and may lead to limited movement and stiffness in the big toe joint. As the bunion progresses, stiffness and decreased mobility of the big toe joint may occur. This can affect your ability to move the toe freely and may lead to further complications if left untreated. Recognizing these signs allows for proactive measures to slow the progression. If left untreated, bunions may lead to chronic pain, difficulty in walking, and other complications such as hammer toe deformities or arthritis of the big toe. Consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher 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?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, occurs when uric acid accumulates in the joints, leading to the formation of needle-like crystals. This condition, often characterized by sudden, intense pain, typically targets the big toe but can affect any joint. The primary culprit is an excess of uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, causing inflammation and debilitating discomfort. Individuals grappling with gout frequently experience swelling, redness, and extreme tenderness in the affected joint, making movement excruciating. While the big toe is a common target, gout can also strike joints in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. The pain, often reaching its peak within hours, can be relentless and accompanied by lingering discomfort. Recognizing the definition and symptoms of gout is pivotal for prompt diagnosis and effective management. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose, treat, and manage gout or any other condition it might be.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
