Items filtered by date: July 2024

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, instead of growing over it, causing pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling. This often occurs on the big toe. Preventing ingrown toenails involves cutting nails straight across and avoiding trimming them too short. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and socks can also reduce pressure on toes. Ingrown toenails can be very painful. If you suffer from persistent or infected ingrown toenails, it's suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist. They can safely trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and offer advice on preventing future occurrences. Prompt treatment from a podiatrist can prevent complications, such as infection or the need for more extensive procedures.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, can significantly affect the feet, leading to symptoms like swelling, soreness, and stiffness. Walking or standing for prolonged periods may become uncomfortable, and shoes might feel tight due to swelling. Common issues resulting from psoriatic arthritis can include swelling of the ankle and big toe, plantar fasciitis, and pain in the Achilles tendon. Symptoms can fluctuate, so it is important to monitor and address them early. This can help to prevent long-term problems, such as an elongated big toe and stiff toe joints. A podiatrist can play a key role in managing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis by providing a treatment plan, which may include specific exercises and stretches that protect and maintain joint flexibility. A podiatrist also can recommend proper footwear and prescribe custom shoe orthotics to relieve pressure and offer stability. If you are experiencing foot pain resulting from psoriatic arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes significant ankle pain, resulting from the compression of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. This narrow space on the inside of the ankle acts as a passageway for nerves, tendons, and blood vessels between the foot and the back of the leg. Compression of the tarsal tunnel can lead to burning or tingling sensations, numbness, and sharp, shooting pain along the path of the tibial nerve. Causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include trauma, systemic diseases, or other factors, though in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Diagnosis by a podiatrist typically involves a combination of patient history, clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and imaging techniques to accurately assess the extent and origin of the nerve entrapment. Conservative treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications and rest. In more severe cases, surgery may be suggested as a way to alleviate the symptoms. Early treatment can help to prevent the progression of tarsal tunnel syndrome and avoid permanent nerve damage. If you are experiencing pain on the inside of the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An infected foot can result from various causes, each presenting specific symptoms. Blisters, often caused by friction or wearing poorly fitting shoes, can become infected if they rupture and bacteria enter. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause itching, redness, and scaling. Diabetes is another significant factor, as it can impair circulation and immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, often marked by slow-healing sores and numbness. Post-surgical foot infections may arise from bacteria entering the surgical site, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Common symptoms of foot infections include increased warmth, swelling, redness, and pus or drainage. If you have an area on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Relieving plantar fasciitis pain can be achieved through simple exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot. One effective exercise is the calf stretch, where you lean against a wall with one leg extended back and the other bent forward, stretching the calf muscles and reducing tension on the plantar fascia. The toe stretch involves sitting down and pulling your toes back toward your shin, helping to loosen the fascia. Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under your foot can massage and alleviate pain. Performing foot flexes by sitting with your legs straight and using a towel to pull your toes toward you can also provide relief. Consistently practicing these exercises can reduce pain and inflammation, promoting healing and preventing future flare-ups. If you have plantar fasciitis and are seeking additional effective foot stretches for relief, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM  from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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