April 2023

Ingrown toenails are certainly no fun. When the side of a toenail grows into the skin, and the skin essentially grows over the nail, irritation can ensue. Ingrown toenails are also associated with redness of the skin. If you are someone that is living with an ingrown toenail, you may consider visiting a podiatrist to get the toenail cut. It is important to note that removing the ingrown toenail is typically a remedy that is saved for more severe cases. If a medical professional cuts the nail, they normally use the correct method of cutting the nail straight across using nail clippers. They also may use tweezers or other tools to get the nail to grow in the proper direction. However, the nature of trimming the toenails will vary from case to case, as each ingrown toenail is unique. If you are living with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the best way to cut your toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip flops are popular shoes to wear in the spring and summer months. They are easy to slip on and off and are available in various colors. Despite the simplicity of wearing these types of shoes, research has shown they may not be ideal for overall foot health. The feet work differently in shoes that do not have a back, forcing the toes to grip the front of the shoe. They can have a negative impact on the arch, and heel pain may develop. There may be tension in the front of the ankle and the toes, and performing specific stretches may help to reduce it. A calf stretch is effective in properly stretching the heel and Achilles tendon. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. There are other alternatives to wearing flip flops, and if you are interested in learning about what type of shoes these are, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct information.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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 and ankle needs.

Research has indicated there may not be an exact cause for the foot condition that is known as plantar fibromatosis. Despite this potential conclusion, there may be existing conditions which significantly contribute to developing plantar fibromatosis. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. An injury may cause this band of tissue to become inflamed, and small nodules may form on the plantar fascia. These are considered to be benign, but may be painful while walking or standing. Additionally, genetic factors may lead to having this condition, in addition to taking specific types of medications and supplements. Patients who have a liver disorder or diabetes may be prone to developing a plantar fibroma, possibly from the medicine that is used to treat these conditions. If you have heel or arch pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately tell you if you have plantar fibromatosis, and offer you correct treatment options.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

The condition known as flat feet is a particular kind of affliction of the foot where the arches are not present. In other words, the entire bottom of the foot rests flush against the floor. When a patient has a case of flat feet, many often wonder whether or not they will still be able to engage in a particular kind of ballet dance known as pointe. Pointe involves standing on the tips of the toes, using special footwear. Individuals living with flat feet could potentially still engage in pointe work depending on the particulars of their specific case. For example, if an individual has anatomically flat feet, they may still be able to dance in pointe, especially if the patient’s ligaments are stiff enough to make the foot stable. If you are someone that is living with flat feet and want to engage in ballet dancing, it is highly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help treat you and give you advice. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.