Items filtered by date: March 2023

An ingrown toenail is a condition of the foot that occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed. As a result, there can be inflammation at the site of the side of the toenail. Some cases of ingrown toenails are so severe that surgery is needed to correct the condition. Many patients want to know what they should be doing after undergoing a surgical procedure. You should always listen to the advice and instructions of your medical professional, such as a podiatrist. They might tell you to rest the foot in the days following surgery. The instructions that your medical professional gives you might also include ways in which you can reduce the risk of developing an infection of some kind. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, then it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can result from the severe dehydration of skin on the back of the heels. If the condition is severe, the cracks can deepen and create fissures. Unfortunately, cracked heels can have an unsightly appearance. Sometimes the weather or season can affect the state of the cracked heels. For example, if it is during the summer time, the weather can be especially dry. As a result, the dry weather can exacerbate the dryness on the feet. This can worsen the state of the cracked heels. Hot summers can certainly make cracked heels worse due to the dry weather, however there are steps that you can consider taking to mitigate cracked heels. If you are someone that struggles with cracked heels, you can consider contacting a podiatrist today. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Heel pain is a common symptom with Sever’s disease. It is a condition that affects children and young teenagers who engage in running and jumping activities, and it can be quite painful. Additionally, wearing shoes with studs may increase the chances of developing Sever’s disease. A growth spurt can cause the bones to grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, and the Achilles tendon is often affected. This tendon connects the heel to the calf muscles and can become sore with existing heel pain. This condition can be properly diagnosed when symptoms and performance levels are noticed, and treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain. This is typically followed by performing stretches that can strengthen the affected heel. Mild relief may be found when cushioned heel pads are worn and the leg is frequently elevated, possibly helping to reduce existing swelling. Limping and standing on tip toes may indicate your active child has Sever’s disease, and if applicable, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment techniques.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Limb salvage refers to a type of surgery to save a limb that is at risk for amputation. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that may lead to the need for limb salvage, usually of a lower extremity. The goal of this type of surgery is to restore stability and the ability to walk. Diabetics can be at high risk for neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by high levels of blood sugar. This type of damage interferes with being able to feel sensation in the limbs and generally starts in the feet. The inability to feel sensitivity can lead to unnoticed injuries, possibly causing skin ulcers or infections. If the infection progresses, limb salvage may be necessary. If you are a diabetic patient, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist among your team of medical professionals for regular examinations of your feet that may prevent problems, possibly avoiding the need for more invasive surgical intervention.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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