Items filtered by date: May 2023

There is no mistaking the pain from an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, causing the surrounding skin to be red and tender. If prompt medical attention is not received, the ingrown toenail may bleed, become swollen, and infected. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, or if a heavy object should drop on the nail. Additionally, trimming the toenails incorrectly may be a reason an ingrown toenail can develop. Patients may temporarily find mild relief when they soak the affected foot in warm water. This can help the skin to become soft, making it easier to gently pull the nail away from the skin. People who are afflicted with an ingrown toenail may choose to wear larger shoes, which can help reduce any discomfort. If the ingrown toenail is severe, surgery may be necessary in providing permanent relief. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Many joints in the body can sometimes crack, and this can be common in the back and neck. The toes are no exception. Sometimes, when the joints in the toes crack, it is generally harmless. However, other times, cracking in the toes may be a sign of something more serious. Cracking of the joints in the toes is referred to as crepitus. This may be indicative of a more serious condition, possibly arthritis, or a kind of foot fracture or toe injury. Conversely, when cracking in the toes is harmless, it may be explained by cavitation. Cavitation is defined as a vacuum that forms in the fluid surrounding a joint. If you are someone that experiences frequent toe cracking, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

The feet bear the weight of the body, and it is not surprising they can begin to hurt. Many people have flat feet and can have consistent aching. Wearing orthotics may help to provide an arch, in addition to performing balancing exercises. A common foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis can cause debilitating heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes and is found on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia can become torn for various reasons, and the condition might worsen until medical treatment is sought. Some people experience pain that surrounds the toes, and this is known as metatarsalgia. It can come from repetitive stress during specific exercises or may happen from excessive running. Pain that develops at the bottom of the big toe may be known as turf toe. It can happen from frequently kicking a soccer ball, or from participating in similar kinds of sports. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat various foot problems.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Blisters can be nothing short of an annoyance when formed on the feet. Blisters developed by friction can reduce mobility and sometimes even cause a patient pain. Therefore, taking certain steps to avoid the formation of a blister in the first place may be beneficial. For example, if you are looking to prevent the onset of a blister, you might consider wearing shoes that fit your feet properly. The reason for this is that ill-fitting shoes that are too tight can cause friction between your foot and the shoe, which causes blisters. Specifically, you might consider looking for shoes with a wide enough toe box. To prevent blisters from forming on the feet, you also might make an attempt to keep your feet moisturized, yet still dry, when wearing shoes. If you are someone that is currently struggling with foot blisters, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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