Ingrown Toenail Causes and Prevention

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but adults get them more than children do. Like many people, when you trim your toenails, you may taper the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. But what you may not realize is that this technique encourages your toenail to grown into the skin of your toe, causing an ingrown toenail. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but the problem more often affects the big toe. If you are timid about trimming your toenails, give Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM a call so she can assist you.

When you first have an ingrown toenail, it may be hard, swollen, and tender. You can develop in an ingrown toenail by cutting your toenail too short, wearing shoes that are too tight, and stubbing/hitting the nail on a hard surface. The main symptom from an ingrown toenail is the pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. To relieve pain, you can soak your sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes two to three times each day to help it grow out naturally, but you should never by any means attempt to remove the nail on your own.

To help prevent an ingrown toenail:

• Trim your toenails straight across – if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet and can’t trim your nails, visit our office regularly so that we can trim them for you.
• Keep toenails at a moderate length – if you trim your toenails too short the pressure from your shoes may cause an ingrown toenail.
• Wear shoes that fit properly – shoots that place too much pressure on the toes can cause the nail to grow into surrounding tissue.
• Check your feet daily!

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.slcpodiatrist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM at one of her podiatry practices in the Sandy, UT, area, call 801-619-2170.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain can often be caused by stress fractures, a nerve irritation, cysts, tendonitis and most often plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that affects the flat tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone with the toes. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. When you have strained this part of the body, the plantar fascia can swell and become weak. There are treatments that can assist in relieving this condition. Contacting a qualified podiatrist like Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM at her locations in West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT can set you on your way to walking comfortably again.

Reasons and Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

There are several reasons that a person could experience plantar fasciitis including overuse of the foot. Individuals that stand for long periods of time, especially those that are overweight, could put too much pressure on the plantar fascia causing it to become weak and less supportive. The treatment for such a problem might include ice and medications to reduce the swelling and exercises and stretches to stretch the area. Patients will also need to make sure they are wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes. Orthotics may be beneficial for patients who need specific support. In some more severe cases, surgery may be an option for correcting the problem. Specifically-designed footwear can also be worn in an effort to make proper adjustments and reduce the pressure to the area.

Putting off treatment can result in more pain and a longer recovery time. If you are experiencing pain in your heel and the arch of your foot, it is important to have it evaluated. Call us today at 801-619-2170 for an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM. Dr. Auger has locations in West Jordan, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and Sandy, UT. 

http://www.slcpodiatrist.com/