COMMON FOOT CONDITIONS
BOOK FOR TREATMENT AGAINST
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail without infection is simply a painful toenail edge and with infection it is essentially a foreign body. An ingrown toenail can arise on its own, from cutting the edges improperly, tight fitting shoes or from trauma and fungal infections.
Ingrown toenail pain ranges from dull to sharp depending upon the level of irritation and compression of the nail edge(s). Learn more about our guaranteed permanent removal of ingrown toenails.
Heel Pain
A heel spur is a growth on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). A heel spur often accompanies plantar fasciitis – a ligament in the archway of the foot. Injury to or consistent pulling of this ligament at its attachment to the calcaneus will cause spur formation over time. The pain is characterized as sharp with the first few steps in the morning and in the evening after increased activities with minor relief as it is “warmed up” during light walking and massage.
Foot Joint Pain
Foot fractures can occur in any of the 26 bones of the foot depending on the positioning and type of injury. They vary in severity from a “crack” (stress fracture) in the bone to complete separation or in multiple pieces. All foot injuries especially ones where a fracture is suspected need to be evaluated by a physician with standard x-rays taken or other advanced testing.
The Diabetic Foot
Diabetes is a complex progressive condition. Normally your pancreas produces insulin after food to help digest and absorb nutrients. When you have diabetes this process doesn’t happen normally leaving various organs not functioning properly. The longer the problem is undiagnosed or has been poorly controlled the greater the chance of complications. The feet are one of the most severely affected as they are furthest from your heart and are affected by poor circulation. The long nerves are also at their most vulnerable in the feet.
The combination of poor circulation; therefore poor healing, and being vulnerable to damage means feet are one the most likely parts of the body to get wounds and infections, this is sometimes called diabetic foot condition.
It is advised to have an assessment of your feet after being diagnosed to ascertain your foot health status. Annual checks can then help to monitor progress and guide you in your self care.
Toenail Surgery
The ingrown toenail edge is removed to relieve the pressure and a chemical can be applied (depending on the infection status) to stop the ingrown edge from returning permanently. The procedure is performed in the office with local anesthetic or occasionally at an out-patient facility undersedation (e.g. young children, anxiety, bone infection). Full weightbearing is allowed immediately without restrictions.