Ingrown toenails are very common but do have the ability to cause extreme discomfort. If the corners of a toenail begin to grow downward and inward while digging into the skin, then an ingrown toenail is forming. Ingrown toenails cause redness, discomfort, and swelling. Footwear is one of the root causes of ingrown toenails. Tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes can cause the big toe to become compacted, which can easily result in an ingrown toenail. Sports that put repetitive force on the toe can lead to the nail growing incorrectly, therefore proper footwear when participating in sports is essential to minimizing the risk of ingrown toenails. While certain footwear can result in ingrown toenails, the best way to avoid this affliction is to regularly clip your toenails. Toenails should be clipped directly across, so that the edges are less likely to dig into the skin. It is suggested to speak with a podiatrist if you feel that you may have an ingrown toenail and need treatment.

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 Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein 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 Saint Petersburg, FL.. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Everyone relies on their feet to get them through the day, but active people tend to rely on them a little more. Paying attention to the condition of your feet is important for overall foot health and care. Active people are more likely to face symptoms of athlete’s foot, because they sweat more than the average person; these symptoms include foot odor and fungus growth. Feet are loaded with sweat glands, which can produce up to a half-pint of moisture a day. Keeping feet dry and clean is the first step in preventing odor; ways to do this include washing your feet daily, regularly changing socks, and alternating footwear. The inside of shoes provides the perfect breeding ground for fungus. The damp and dark environment attracts organisms that cause athlete’s foot. The methods used for preventing foot odor also protect against festering organisms that lead to fungus. If you begin to notice distinct foot odor or fungus growth, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist so you can properly treat this condition and prevent the fungus from spreading further.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

The importance of maintaining good circulation throughout the body is critical in the removal of waste and toxins that may be present in the blood, in addition to the necessary distribution of oxygen to the cells. The disadvantages of having the condition known as poor circulation may include the formation of blocked arteries, memory loss, or tinnitus. There are several symptoms that may be associated with this condition, including numbing or tingling sensations, cold feet, a possible lack of energy, or headaches. Research has shown there may be specific foods that can be ingested, which may increase blood flow throughout the body. These may include spicy foods, oranges, fish and garlic. Additionally, it may be helpful to become involved in a gentle exercise program daily such as swimming, walking, or starting a yoga practice. If you are experiencing any symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and suggest correct treatment options.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

If you have pain that is located on the inside of the ankle and foot, you may be experiencing an uncomfortable foot condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the nerves in this area of the foot become damaged and will typically cause severe inflammation. It may develop as a result of walking, running or standing for extended periods of time, or possibly from a serious injury that the foot endures. There may be effective treatment options that may provide partial relief, including performing gentle stretching exercises, resting and elevating the foot, or minimizing any foot pressure that is present. This may often include wearing shoes that are fit looser, which may aid in reducing any tightness around the foot. It is strongly suggested to speak with a podiatrist if you are experiencing this type of foot pain who can aid in properly treating this painful foot condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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