August 2020

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it. While they generally occur on the big toe, they can affect any toe. One common cause of ingrown toenails is the shape of the nail. This can be hereditary. Nails that become more broad at the top of the toes or nails that are naturally curly have a tendency to push into the skin. Trauma to the toenail or wearing shoes that are too tight can also lead to ingrown toenails. Signs of an ingrown toenail include redness around the side of the toe near the nail, swelling of the toe, and liquid seeping from the side of the nail. Because ingrown toenails are prone to infection, it is important to visit a podiatrist especially if an ingrown toenail persists.   

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Heel pain is usually an overuse injury. One common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Another source of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, and this is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Heel spurs, which are a bony growth at the bottom of the heel, are also common sources of heel pain. Other factors that can lead to heel pain include stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, wear and tear of the heel pad, and heel bursitis. If you are suffering from any type of heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A Tailor’s bunion is similar to a regular bunion. However, a Tailor’s bunion forms on the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint (or the “pinky toe”) as opposed to the big toe. A Tailor’s bunion can have a few different causes that include a biomechanical abnormality, heredity, or ill fitting shoes. A biomechanical abnormality can occur when there is too much motion in one part of the foot when stability is needed. Poor fitting shoes that have a limited and pointed toe box can cause a Tailor’s bunion to develop. Some common treatments include orthotics, padding over the painful area, and switching to shoes that are wider, but in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you think you might be experiencing a Tailor’s bunion, make sure to consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

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 our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and a web of 126 muscles, ligaments and nerves. This complexity of the foot allows it to support weight, absorb shock and maintain the body’s balance. Because of all that the foot does, any discomfort in the foot should be monitored. Causes of foot pain in the toes include ingrown toenails, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and hammertoe. Pain in the back of the foot can be caused by issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Issues such as a stress fracture or sesamoiditis can be felt in the forefoot. Overall, there are a variety of issues that can cause pain in the foot, and it is important to consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment of the issue.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A toenail fungus is not only unsightly, but it may be painful as well. There are many potential risk factors that increase the chances of developing a toenail fungus. Being aware of these risks may help to limit your exposure. If you have a family history of toenail fungus, it is important to monitor your toenails frequently. Other risk factors are shoes, particularly boots, that do not provide proper ventilation, which creates a warm and humid environment for fungi to thrive in. Heavy nail polish prevents light from reaching the toes and increases the risk as well. Additionally, one of the most common places for catching a toenail fungus is a locker room due to the humidity. If you believe that you may have developed a fungal nail infection, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.