Ingrown toenails can cause immense discomfort and frustration. Understanding the different types and underlying causes can help prevent and address this uncomfortable foot condition. The edge of a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin is referred to as a distal ingrown toenail and is considered to be the most common type. When the nail grows into either side of the skin, this is known as a lateral ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can include redness, swelling, and it may become infected. If the toenail is not trimmed properly, it may result in a portion of the nail penetrating the skin, which is known as a partial ingrown toenail. People who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, in addition to those with a foot injury, may find they have developed an ingrown toenail. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that may include minor surgery for partial removal. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can be painful. Despite the discomfort it can cause, it is generally not a serious injury. A broken toe can happen from stubbing it into a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. Bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk are common symptoms that can be experienced with a broken toe. A severely broken toe may have a protruding bone, and surgery may be required to align it properly. The buddy taping method is effective in treating toes that are mildly fractured. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This treatment method is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Mild relief may be found if the foot is frequently elevated, which may help to reduce some of the swelling. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

A calcium build-up on the underside of the heel may indicate a heel spur has developed. It can happen by increasing speed and distance too quickly while running or by wearing shoes with inadequate support. Additionally, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may cause a heel spur to develop. Regardless of the cause, a heel spur can be painful, and walking can become difficult. A diagnosis is often performed, which consists of having an X-ray taken. This is successful in ruling out a fractured heel bone. The symptoms associated with a heel spur can include sharp pain under the foot, which may become worse after a prolonged time of rest, and the affected foot may feel warm when touched. Treatment can begin with elevating the foot and temporarily stopping the activity that may have caused the heel spur. Performing specific stretches may help to alleviate some of the discomfort, as well as to maintain a healthy weight. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as soon as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A diabetic ulcer is an open sore on the skin of someone with diabetes. The wounds are partial or full losses of skin that often occur on the feet. Diabetics are at higher risk of foot abnormalities, including foot ulcers, because they often have peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage in the feet and constricted blood flow caused by peripheral arterial disease. It would seem as if these ulcers would be painful, however, those with diabetes often have decreased sensations in their feet, so they might not feel them. Among a variety of ways diabetics can prevent such ulcers include managing blood sugar levels, trying to exercise regularly, losing weight, stopping smoking if applicable, and practicing good routine foot care. The important thing is to detect such sores as soon as possible and have them treated to halt complications, such as infection, amputation, and worse. Recurrence of these sores is common. If you are a diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist among your healthcare providers to have regular foot exams and treatment of anything suspicious, such as 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.