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August 2021

Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00

Is My Ingrown Toenail Infected?

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. While many cases of ingrown toenails can be resolved without complications, it is important to stay on the lookout for any signs of infection. These may include reddening or hardening of the skin surrounding the ingrown nail, swelling, pain, pressure under the nail, throbbing, bleeding, a foul odor, a buildup of fluid, and warmth around the nail. In more severe infections, pus-filled abscesses can form where the nail pokes into the skin. If your ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

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 Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Wednesday, 25 August 2021 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

Walking May Help With Symptoms of Arthritis

Research has suggested that walking may be one of the best methods to manage the symptoms of pain, stiffness, or inflammation that can coincide with arthritis. It is important to start off slowly by building a walking routine, and with some time and experience, it should become easier when performed every day. Walking can also be beneficial for losing weight which may help lessen the stress that the joints endure. Slowly increasing the frequency, intensity, and length of time that you walk is the preferred method and can help to alleviate the aches and pain from arthritis. Many patients find that counting how many steps they take every day can help track their daily progress for maximum benefits. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper management techniques.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Tuesday, 17 August 2021 00:00

Are You Experiencing Bunion Pain?

A bunion is a bony bump that can form at the base of the big toe joint. Many people believe that bunions are a strictly cosmetic issue, only affecting the way that the foot looks, but bunions can also be painful and lead to other foot problems that may interfere with your day-to-day life. A bunion can push your big toe towards the smaller ones, changing the shape of the foot and making the big toe joint sore, stiff, swollen, or inflamed. Blisters, corns, and calluses may form in between or on top of the toes as your shoe rubs against the bunion. All of these symptoms can lead to difficulty walking and going about your daily activities. Furthermore, bunions can increase your risk of other potentially painful foot problems, including hammertoes, bursitis, and metatarsalgia. Bunions tend to worsen over time, so if you notice a bunion forming on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 10 August 2021 00:00

Stress Fractures in the Front of the Foot

There are five long metatarsal bones in the front of the foot which connect the toes with the tarsal bones of the mid-and-hind-foot. These metatarsals bear a great deal of weight during walking, running and jumping, which makes them more susceptible to tiny cracks known as stress fractures. These stress fractures occur over time through repetitive activity which first weakens, and eventually cracks these metatarsals. Stress fractures in the metatarsals can be caused by osteoporosis or other activities that can weaken bones, irregular body mechanics (how the body moves), or a sudden change in physical activity. Symptoms of a stress fracture can include discomfort ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain which may wax and wane, along with bruising or swelling. If you are experiencing pain in the front of your foot, or any part of your foot, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat your condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00

Facts About Orthotics

Orthotics are inserts that you wear inside your shoes. They can be used to treat or manage a variety of foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and acquired flat foot. Orthotics are typically not used to prevent overuse injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis. There are two types of orthotics: over the counter and custom. Over the counter orthotics can be bought in most major drug, department, and shoe stores. Custom orthotics are made especially for your foot. The type of orthotic you should get depends on the specific foot problems that you are dealing with. Over the counter orthotics that are appropriately selected can be beneficial for treating a variety of common foot problems, while custom orthotics are especially useful for those who have foot deformities. To find out if orthotics are right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
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