June 2023

There are various reasons an ingrown toenail can develop. This painful foot condition is defined as the toenail growing into the skin instead of over it. Common reasons for an ingrown toenail to develop are trimming the toenails incorrectly, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may happen from having an abnormal foot structure, genetic reasons, or if a toe injury has occurred. Temporary relief may come from soaking the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to separate the nail from the skin. It can also help to wear wider shoes that can accommodate the affected toe, and the pain may be eased by taking over-the-counter medication. Permanent relief can be found when a podiatrist is contacted, who can perform minor surgery to correct this condition. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can offer you treatment options that are best for you.

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.

If you notice that your feet smell bad, it is likely caused by having sweaty feet. When the skin stays damp it invites bacteria, which thrive in moist, warm environments. When the bacteria grow, they break down the sweat and produce chemicals with a foul odor. The main cause of the odor is sweating in your socks and shoes and not allowing your feet to dry out. Common causes of sweaty feet include standing on the feet for long periods of time, wearing tight shoes that do not breathe, and wearing shoes that have not completely dried out. Other causes can include not changing your socks or washing your feet daily, certain hormonal changes, and a condition called hyperhidrosis. This condition causes the sweat glands to overproduce moisture. If you have both sweaty and malodorous feet, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist who is trained to deal with such ailments.  

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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.

Having a wound on the foot often requires immediate care. Many diabetic patients are concerned with this, and methods may be implemented that may help to avoid foot wounds. People who are diabetic may have neuropathy, which is the inability to feel existing cuts and wounds on the feet. For this reason, an unattended wound on the foot can lead to serious complications. Proper foot wound care begins with cleaning the wound, applying an antiseptic, and placing an appropriate covering over it, which is known as a dressing. If the wound is severe, it may be necessary to avoid putting weight on the affected foot. Many patients choose to use crutches or wear a protective boot for mobility. If you have developed a wound on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

If you are a senior, then you may already be familiar with the risk of falling or tripping that many older Americans experience. Doing the best to prevent falling can be an essential part of a senior’s foot care plan, as falling can lead to foot conditions such as fractures. One area in which a senior may be extra careful to prevent falling is on parking lots and sidewalks. By keeping these areas in good repair around one’s house, a senior can potentially prevent a fall. Also, addressing the accumulation of any snow or ice around these areas is also critical to preventing falls. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist about falls prevention.

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 the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.