Items filtered by date: December 2022

There is no mistaking when an ingrown toenail develops. It is often noticed when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. If prompt medical attention is not received, it may ooze a discharge, and become infected. An ingrown toenail can happen for various reasons. Trimming the toenails incorrectly is a common reason, in addition to wearing shoes that are too tight. Older people may frequently get ingrown toenails, possibly as a result of having poor eyesight, or not being able to reach their toes. Some people find mild relief when they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. This is a temporary solution, and the skin will often return to the way it was before the feet were soaked. A bandage may have to be worn over the tender skin for protection until professional medical attention is sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can effectively treat an ingrown toenail. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone should know that protecting your feet is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One way that individuals might go about protecting the health of their feet is by monitoring certain levels of nutrients and minerals in the body. Electrolytes, for instance, have an important effect on the health of the feet. Electrolytes are a type of mineral in the blood of the body, and they play an important role in managing the level of water that is in your body at any given time. When electrolytes are at a low level, the feet may experience certain changes. For instance, low electrolytes might translate into increased muscle cramps. There are many ways that an individual can go about preventing this. People with low electrolyte levels can increase their level of electrolytes by eating foods such as bananas, spinach, or kidney beans. It is very important to be mindful of one’s electrolyte levels at all times to monitor the connection that it has with the health of the feet. Please contact a podiatrist for more information about this important topic.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who wants to care for their feet properly ought to know how the foot functions. Being familiar with the biomechanics of the feet can be greatly informative and beneficial. One important thing to know about the human foot is that it contains different kinds of muscles. There are two different primary kinds of muscles in the foot, the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. Extrinsic muscles are responsible for movements such as the eversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion of the foot. By contrast, the intrinsic muscles are found on the inside of the foot. This particular kind of foot muscle is responsible for what we call fine motor movements, such as the movement of individual digits, or toes. The muscles of the feet each serve important roles in supporting the feet and protecting them. For more information, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

As an individual gets older they can become more susceptible to suffering from a detrimental fall. This might be caused by weakened foot muscles or neglect of caring for the feet. While senior citizens may experience falls in their homes or out shopping, seniors can also suffer falls at nursing care facilities too. It is estimated that approximately half of all elderly individuals in a long-term care environment fall each year. This is particularly helpful to be aware of because if you have a loved one in a long-term care facility, you might consider helping them take steps to care for and strengthen their feet so that they do not suffer a similar fate. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about preventing falls among seniors. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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