Items filtered by date: April 2020

Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail are often aware of the discomfort this condition may cause. If you have an ingrown toenail, you will notice the nail grows into the side of the skin surrounding the toenail, and may become red and swollen. It is an ailment that is caused by possibly trimming the toenails incorrectly, or it may come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, there can be a discharge coming from the impacted nail, and it may become infected. Mild relief may be found when the nail is soaked in warm water, as this may soften the skin enough to insert a small piece of cotton between the skin and the nail. It is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters may form on your feet as your body’s defense against an injury that has occurred, such as excessive friction on the skin. Blisters normally appear as small, fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the skin. They can cause a great deal of discomfort when frequently touched or rubbed against by shoes that are worn. Blisters can develop due to ill-fitting footwear that are usually too tight. To help relieve the pain a blister can bring and reduce swelling, it’s suggested that the affected area is iced, rested, and elevated. Blisters typically drain on their own as the healing process occurs. For more information on how to best treat a blister, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High heels can have the ability to make the feet and legs look slender. This is often pleasing among many people, despite the foot pain that may be felt at the end of the day. It may be beneficial to alternate your favorite high heels with shoes that have a relatively lower heel, and this may be helpful in resting the feet. Additionally, many patients perform toe stretches at the end of the day, and this can alleviate any pain that comes from wearing high heels with limited room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, research has indicated that having regular foot massages may help to diminish existing tension in the feet. If you would like more information about how high heels can affect your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Hammertoe is a common foot condition among people worldwide, and it is considered to be a deformity. It occurs as a result of shortened tendons in the joints of the middle toe. These are tissues that link the bone to the muscle, and may cause the affected toe to bend at the joint, and resemble a hammer. There are several reasons why this condition may occur. These can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can consist of high arches, or certain types of arthritis which can precede the onset of hammertoe. It may help to change the type of shoes that are worn, and many patients choose to have surgery performed that can permanently straighten the toe. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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