May 2023

There is no mistaking the pain from an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, causing the surrounding skin to be red and tender. If prompt medical attention is not received, the ingrown toenail may bleed, become swollen, and infected. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, or if a heavy object should drop on the nail. Additionally, trimming the toenails incorrectly may be a reason an ingrown toenail can develop. Patients may temporarily find mild relief when they soak the affected foot in warm water. This can help the skin to become soft, making it easier to gently pull the nail away from the skin. People who are afflicted with an ingrown toenail may choose to wear larger shoes, which can help reduce any discomfort. If the ingrown toenail is severe, surgery may be necessary in providing permanent relief. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Glen Robison of AZ Foot & Ankle. 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 Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sometimes when an individual endures a wound on their foot, they may require stitches of some kind. Stitches are essentially a way to close the two sides of a skin wound. If a patient has stitches in their foot, they may have to take specific steps to care for their stitches, ensuring they do not become infected. For example, a medical professional may recommend the patient keep the stitches dry and clean, particularly in the first day.  Additionally, an individual may consider refraining from engaging in physical activities that can tear the skin apart at the stitches. Lastly, a medical professional may advise against swimming, as this activity would submerge the stitches in water. If you are someone that has stitches or will need stitches on their feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

If a person is living with foot pain, there may be any number of potential causes. For example, a person might have a condition such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that is causing the pain. Additionally, foot pain has interesting connections and relationships to other parts of the body that may be affected. Specifically, foot pain can sometimes be linked with hip pain. The reason for this is that the interaction between the foot and the hip, as well as the knee, form a kinetic chain, responsible for facilitating motion. Also, since the feet are the very foundation of the body, a problem with the feet could also lead to a problem with hip pain. Importantly, the hips and the feet are interconnected and one ought to care for both of these important body parts. If you are someone currently living with hip or foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Practicing proper safety measures in the workplace is crucial in preventing accidents. This can begin with foot safety and wearing the right shoes during the workday can help to accomplish this. It is beneficial to ensure the shoes worn are slip-resistant, constructed of durable materials, and have adequate arch support. Some jobs require extra foot protection. This can consist of wearing safety boots that have a steel tip. It is helpful to take breaks as often as possible, as this can provide an opportunity to rest and stretch the feet. As the feet are stretched, blood flow may be improved, which can help to prevent injuries and fatigue. Maintaining proper foot hygiene may help to prevent infections, and it is advantageous to inspect the feet for signs of irritation. If you would like more information about how to protect your feet during the workday, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Certain foot conditions can cause the toes of the feet to essentially overlap with, or cross over, the other toes. This can be problematic for a number of reasons. Importantly, overlapping toes may decrease balance and stability. It is also generally an unsightly foot condition. If you have overlapping toes, your shoes may not fit as well, particularly in the toe area. Sometimes, the foot condition known as hammertoe may result in overlapping toes. Hammertoe develops when a particular toe juts upward at a joint and then sharply downward. Since someone living with hammertoe does not have toes that point straight forward, they become more susceptible to developing overlapping toes. If you are someone that thinks you have hammertoe or overlapping toes, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to address any foot problems you may have.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.