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 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 one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that a common cause of foot pain is inflammation. This may be a result of arthritis, and could happen from an immune disorder. Gout is a painful foot condition, and is considered to be a form of arthritis. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid levels in the blood, and may be caused by eating foods that have high purine levels. Psoriasis is a skin condition which may cause psoriatic arthritis, and the joints, tendons, and ligaments are often impacted. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, it is necessary to receive prompt and effective treatment. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to properly diagnose this ailment, and to help you find relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

The medical condition that is known as onychomycosis is commonly referred to as toenail fungus. It typically begins in the outer layers of the nail, and in some cases, may expand to include the nail plate. It is caused by a fungus which lives in moist environments. These can include inside shoes and socks, or in public swimming pools and surrounding areas. A possible remedy of toenail fungus is known as laser treatment. This is accomplished by administering a light into the affected nail, and this may be effective in warming the nail sufficiently to possibly diminish toenail fungus. Research has indicated this procedure may be expensive to use, and it may not be successful for all types of fungus. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, and would like additional information about laser treatment, please consult with a podiatrist.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Patients who have the medical condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome can experience several symptoms. These may include a numbing sensation on the inside of the ankle, pain and discomfort after walking for long periods of time, and the toes may feel weak. Having flat feet may play a significant role in developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, and it can gradually develop from conditions such as arthritis and varicose veins. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it is beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible, in addition to strengthening the muscles and tendons by performing specific stretches. These can include circling your ankles from left to right for several seconds, followed by changing direction. It may feel good to raise and lower your toes throughout the day, and stretching the plantar fascia may help the foot to generally feel better. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about possible treatment techniques for tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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