Items filtered by date: January 2025

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain and swelling. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected. Symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include increased redness, warmth surrounding the affected area, and noticeable swelling. In more severe cases, pus or fluid may drain from the area, and the skin may become tender to the touch. The infection can cause throbbing pain, which may worsen with pressure from shoes or walking. Ingrown toenails are commonly caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. They can also be influenced by genetics or certain foot conditions. If an ingrown toenail becomes infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

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 Arcadia Foot and Ankle. 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 Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, often affects the feet, toes, and ankles, leading to nerve damage that can cause significant issues. Patients with diabetic neuropathy may experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their feet, which can mask injuries like blisters or sores. Without proper care, these unnoticed injuries may develop into infections or ulcers, which could lead to severe complications. Nerve damage can also weaken balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Loss of sensation in the feet makes daily foot care and regular monitoring essential. A podiatrist can help manage these complications by performing regular foot exams, addressing infections, and recommending protective footwear or orthotics to prevent further damage. This foot doctor can also provide guidance on proper foot care to help patients maintain their mobility and overall foot health. Routine podiatry visits are an essential part of preventing severe outcomes and ensuring early intervention. If you have foot problems caused by diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Choosing the right running shoes is important for protecting the health of your feet, toes, and ankles while reducing the risk of injury. When selecting running shoes, think about where you will run. Road-running shoes are ideal for pavement, offering a flatter sole for smooth surfaces, while trail-running shoes have rugged treads designed for uneven terrain. Cushioning is another key factor. Some people prefer maximum cushioning for added comfort, while others choose minimal cushioning to feel more connected to the ground. It is also essential to consider your gait mechanics. If your foot rolls excessively inward or outward while running, shoes with specific support features can help improve alignment. Fit is critical, and running shoes should feel comfortable from the start without a need for a break-in period. Regular runners should inspect their shoes for wear and replace them every 400 to 500 miles. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics and recommend the best running shoes to support your needs. If you have foot pain related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

A shoe bite refers to a painful irritation or blister that forms on the skin due to friction between the feet and ill-fitting shoes. These blisters typically appear on areas like the heels, toes, or sides of the feet. The primary cause of shoe bites is wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or made from stiff materials that rub against the skin. This constant friction leads to skin damage, causing redness, swelling, and eventually blisters. To prevent shoe bites, it is essential to choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Using blister pads or cushioned insoles can also help reduce friction. Additionally, breaking in new shoes gradually and wearing socks made from breathable materials can protect the skin from excessive rubbing. Untreated blisters may become infected and become quite painful. If you have developed a foot blister, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional prevention tips, and provide effective relief methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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