Items filtered by date: August 2024

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain and discomfort. This condition typically affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area, with the potential for infection if left untreated. The primary causes include improper nail trimming, where nails are cut too short or rounded, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that press on the toes, and having naturally curved toenails. Other contributing factors can include trauma to the toe or genetic predisposition. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to trim nails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes that provide ample space for the toes. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment that is best for you, which may include minor surgery for removal.

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 Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS of Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. 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 Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right footwear is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing foot-related problems. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to issues such as calluses, corns, blisters and even more serious conditions like bunions and posture-related pain. If you spend a lot of time standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as concrete, opt for shoes with softer soles and supportive insoles to distribute pressure evenly. Lace-up boots can help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce soreness. However, ensure they fit well around the ankle to prevent movement restriction. High heels can cause excessive stress on your feet and alter your posture, leading to long-term discomfort. Sports enthusiasts should choose shoes that offer adequate cushioning and support to absorb shock and prevent injuries. Custom shoe inserts prescribed by a podiatrist can provide personalized support and improve foot posture, while helping to decrease pain. Alternating between different pairs of shoes can help prolong their lifespan and promote foot health. If you have foot pain that may be related to your choice of footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Using a treadmill can lead to various foot injuries due to repetitive stress and improper use. One common injury is plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain from inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Another frequent issue is metatarsalgia, characterized by pain in the ball of the foot, often caused by excessive impact or poor foot alignment. Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon at the back of the ankle, can also occur from overuse or wearing improper footwear. Ankle sprains may result from sudden changes in direction or loss of balance. To prevent these injuries, ensure proper treadmill use with a suitable speed and incline, wear supportive and well-fitted shoes, and incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. If you have sustained a foot injury from running on the treadmill, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat your foot condition and educate you on specific running injury prevention methods.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS of Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Maintaining foot health is important for overall well-being, and incorporating stretches into your routine can help. One effective exercise is the toe stretch, where you sit comfortably and gently pull your toes apart, holding the position for 15 to 30 seconds. This stretch improves flexibility and relieves tension in the toes. Another beneficial stretch is the calf stretch. Stand facing a wall, place your hands on it, and step one foot back, keeping the heel on the ground. Bend your front knee while keeping the back leg straight, feeling a stretch in the calf and Achilles tendon. Hold this position for 30 seconds before switching sides. This stretch alleviates tightness and enhances overall foot function. Additionally, rolling a golf or tennis ball under your foot can be extremely effective. Sit down, place the ball under your foot, and roll it back and forth for a few minutes. This helps massage the plantar fascia and relieve tension. If you have persistent foot pain or concerns, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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