Items filtered by date: February 2023

Newcomers to the world of podiatry might wonder whether ingrown toenails are, in fact, different from a toenail fungus. Despite their similarities and the fact that both conditions impact the toenails of the feet, they are two distinct conditions of the foot. An ingrown toenail is a condition that develops when the side of the toenail essentially grows into the skin surrounding the nail, producing redness and inflammation. Toenail fungus, however, is a fungal infection where the texture and quality of the nail itself are impaired. Individuals with toenail fungus might notice that their nail has become brittle in texture or yellow in color. If you want to learn more about the differences between these two distinct foot conditions or are seeking treatment, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. 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 office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. The absence of the arch is easily noticed as the foot lies flat while standing on the floor. This can affect the foot structure, and as a result, many people have foot pain. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will develop in the teenage years. In some adults, the arch never forms, and they may experience pain which can interfere with completing daily activities. Having surgery on flat feet may be an option for relief. This type of reconstruction surgery consists of repairing the tendons, ligaments, and bone structure that can reshape the foot and ultimately support the arch. There are several pros and cons of having this type of surgery performed. If you have flat feet and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Heel pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel or behind it. While rarely indicative of anything serious, heel pain can severely impact normal functioning, especially walking and exercise. Heel pain can also become chronic if ignored. One of the most common causes of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition caused by overstretching or tearing of the plantar fascia or the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. With this affliction, pain, stiffness, and inflammation are typically worse in the morning, upon arising, and activity is resumed. Sometimes using an over-the-counter insole and stretching exercises will be enough to counteract heel pain. However, there are other things that could cause such pain and it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Toe pain can have many causes, including trauma, bunions, corns, fractures, and gout. Other causes of toe pain include ingrown toenails, hammertoe, arthritis, and improper footwear. Still other causes of toe pain are athlete’s foot, arthritis, and turf toe. Among the symptoms you may experience are a burning feeling or warmth in the joint, difficulty moving the toe, bruising or skin discoloration, and swelling. To find out the exact cause of the pain, a podiatrist can start by taking a history, such as the location of the pain, when it started, the severity of the pain, and the type of pain. Is it a dull, throbbing sensation or an acute, sharp pain? Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Next a visual examination is likely. If a toe is severely bruised, it may indicate that an X-ray or other imaging test is needed to determine the cause. In some cases, as with diabetic patients, runners, or athletes, a more in-depth history and examination may be necessary. Once the cause is determined, a podiatrist can suggest the proper treatment plan for you.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.