Items filtered by date: 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 one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . 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 one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Complications from foot wounds can be serious in patients who have diabetes. When blood sugar levels are too high, the blood vessels can narrow and arteries can stiffen. This blocks blood flow, oxygen, and important nutrients needed to help heal wounds. Wounds can become infected and the compromised immune system in diabetics may not be able to fight it. This type of infection can spread to soft tissue, bone, and blood, which could lead to sepsis. Neuropathy is common among diabetics which is a condition that damages the nerves in the legs and feet. Neuropathy may lead to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel foot problems arising. Neuropathy can also make it difficult to walk and increased pressure can be put on certain parts of the feet to help diabetics sense the floor. This pressure can cause skin to break down and ulcers to form. Closely monitoring blood sugar levels and wearing protective and well-fitting shoes may help diabetic patients in preventing abrasions from developing on their feet. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team. This medical professional can routinely examine your feet and help you keep on top of any issues that might emerge.

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 Parkwood Podiatry. 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anyone who has encountered a blister on their foot is aware of the discomfort and inconvenience it can cause. A blister is defined as a small area of fluid that forms over skin that has become damaged for various reasons. A blister is the body’s natural response to healing raw skin, and it is successful in protecting the affected area until new skin has formed. A blister on the foot can be caused by excess friction, which may happen from the shoes and socks that are worn. They may be too tight and not fit well, causing the skin to endure unwanted pressure. A blister will gradually drain when the new skin has grown, and it is beneficial to refrain from popping it. If this happens, an infection may occur, and the condition may worsen. Many people choose to wear a bandage over the blister that can protect it while completing daily activities. If you develop blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you effective preventive techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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