6650 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19135
An ingrown toenail is when the corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This typically happens to the nail on the big toe from improper nail cutting and it can be painful. There may be redness, a hardening of the skin, and swelling around the nail. If an ingrown toenail is not tended to, it can bleed and foul-smelling pus may ooze from it. An infection can also develop, which can spread to underlying bones. Those who have reduced circulation to the feet, such as people who are diabetic or who have peripheral arterial disease, may be more prone to developing ingrown toenails. An infection from a bacteria or fungus can come from an ingrown toenail. Those with risky underlying conditions may find it harder to heal which may lead to severe complications. If you have an ingrown toenail and it is painful or looks like it is infected, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for immediate treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. 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
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 Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Orthotics are inserts that are put inside the shoes which can help to correct problematic foot structures. People who have flat feet, high arches, or foot conditions such as arthritis and plantar fasciitis may benefit from wearing orthotics. Soft, rigid, and semi-rigid are the different types of orthotics to choose from, and each kind is designed to provide the desired results for the specific foot condition. Soft orthotics may provide cushioning that can help to absorb shock, in addition to reducing pressure while walking. Plastic or graphite materials are used to make rigid orthotics, which and may help to improve alignment and movement. The most common types of orthotics are semi-rigid and are constructed with flexible materials that lie over a firm bottom layer. People who have diabetes may wear orthotics as a method of preventing sores or blisters from developing. If you would like to have more knowledge about orthotics, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you have pain in the bottom of your feet, you may be wondering why that is. You might be feeling sharp pains or throbbing soreness. Given how complex the feet are and the many bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments they have, there are many reasons this can happen. One possibility is that you are experiencing symptoms of flat feet. This is the foot condition when the entire sole touches the ground. The types of flat feet are flexible and rigid flat feet. Flexible flat foot is the most common and occurs when the foot is only flat when weight is put on it. Rigid flat foot is flat whether weight is put on the foot or not. This latter type of flat feet may be from the tarsal coalition, which is an ailment where bones have grown together. Additionally, congenital conditions or arthritis may lead to having flat feet. The correct treatment depends on the type of flat foot you have. Relief may be found by stretching the foot, strengthening the arch, or wearing orthotics. Surgery may also be a possibility for permanent relief. If you have flat feet and they are causing you pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a proper treatment plan.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Certain foot conditions primarily affect young children as opposed to adults. Sever’s disease is one such foot condition. Sever’s disease is a foot affliction that triggers heel pain during growth spurts in young children. Many new parents of children often ask podiatrists what is the true prevalence of Sever’s disease across the population. Interestingly, the answer is that the condition is more frequent in young boys than young girls. Additionally, Sever’s disease is more prevalent in kids that are engaged in sports than those who are not engaged in sports. Sever’s disease can ultimately be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. If you are worried about Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor 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 Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
