The first sign of an ingrown toenail is pain that continues to get worse. This will be followed by swelling and redness as the nail continues to become embedded into the skin surrounding it. The chief cause of an ingrown toenail is the improper cutting of a toenail, most often on the big toe. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can become infected, especially if the skin around the toenail is cut. This can occur during a pedicure where the skin is accidentally pierced. Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box can make the formation of an ingrown toenail worse and cause more pain. Other common causes of ingrown toenails are improperly fitting shoes, long nails that are rounded, an injury, and genetics. People with diabetes, and those who have fungal infections, are overweight or have toe deformities are further at risk of an ingrown toenail. If an ingrown toenail is causing increased pain or showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for safe and antiseptic treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire 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 Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Itchy feet can come from a variety of causes. It can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive to one’s life, especially if it is chronic. Itchiness, or pruritis, can be cutaneous, systemic, neuropathic, psychogenic, or a combination of these factors. Cutaneous itchiness means the itch results from a problem on the surface of the skin. Systemic itchiness comes from something going on throughout the body. Neuropathic itching is related to the nerves or nervous system. And psychogenic itchiness arises from a psychological issue. One possible reason for itchy feet is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes involves insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels, which can have serious health consequences. Neuropathy, often associated with diabetes, can cause tingling, itchiness, and numbness in the feet. Poor circulation from diabetes can also cause itchiness. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your medical team for regular foot examinations and diagnosis of anything abnormal going on with your feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wearing high heels can impact your feet negatively. While sometimes, no other style will fit with an outfit, the risks of wearing such shoes should be known and their use should be limited. High heels can cause pain and blisters, but they can also injure the ankles or cause stress fractures, as well as make existing foot problems worse. Wearing high heels can also cause pain in the body beyond the feet. One might practice walking in high heels before they are worn, perform stretching and strengthening foot exercises, and soak the feet to try and ward off foot problems. If you have additional questions or concerns about wearing high heels, or if you have foot pain from wearing them, it is suggested that you talk to a podiatrist and obtain an examination of your feet.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A small bunion that forms on the side of the pinky toe is called a bunionette. Many people refer to this as a tailor’s bunion, and it occurs when the bottom bone on the pinky toe shifts or becomes larger. This name originated hundreds of years ago when tailors would work with their legs crossed, causing the pinky toes to touch the ground. This would cause a small bump to form on the base of the little toe. It often rubs against the shoe, causing pain and discomfort. A common reason for a tailor’s bunion to develop is from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, loose ligaments, tight calf muscles, or a foot that leans to the outside may be causes for a tailor’s bunion to form. Temporary relief may come from choosing shoes with adequate room in the toe area and wearing a protective pad over the bunion. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with permanent relief, which may include minor surgery for removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
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