Items filtered by date: June 2024

Ingrown toenails account for a significant portion of foot problems, accounting for approximately 20 percent of cases. This condition occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, and genetic predisposition. Relief techniques focus on reducing discomfort and preventing further issues. Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can soften the skin and nails, providing temporary relief. Wearing properly fitting shoes with ample toe room and trimming nails straight across, rather than in a curved shape, may help to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can successfully treat ingrown toenails, which may include minor surgery for removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. 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 one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. This common issue is caused by the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. Thickening often occurs from excessive pressure or irritation from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Activities that involve repetitive foot stress, like running or certain sports, can also advance the development of Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma can significantly impact your ability to walk comfortably. As the tissue around the nerve thickens, it causes sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, which can make each step excruciating. The pain often spreads into your toes, causing numbness or a tingling feeling. Over time, walking or even standing for a long time can become hard, making it tough to complete daily activities and move around normally. The discomfort can also cause you to alter your walking pattern to avoid putting pressure on the painful area. This might lead to additional problems in areas such as the knee, hip, or back due to the uneven balance of weight. If you are struggling with Morton’s neuroma, it is highly suggested you consult with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis, followed by treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can wreak havoc on foot health, causing intense pain, swelling, and stiffness. It often impacts the big toe first. It occurs when uric acid levels in the blood rise, leading to the formation of sharp urate crystals in the joints, often targeting the big toe joint. These crystals trigger sudden and severe bouts of pain, known as gout attacks, which can make walking and even wearing shoes unbearable. Managing gout involves dietary changes to help control uric acid levels. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, should be limited, as they can exacerbate gout symptoms. Conversely, incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products into the diet can help lower uric acid levels and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also vital for flushing out uric acid from the body. If you have pain in your big toe and surrounding areas, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose, treat, and offer additional nutritional tips to manage gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains and strains are injuries that can significantly impact your mobility and daily activities. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are the tough bands of tissue connecting bones at the ankle joint, are abnormally stretched or torn. Conversely, a strain involves similar damage but affects muscles or tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to ankle bones. These injuries can result from repetitive motions or a sudden incident, like a twist or fall. Diagnosis by a podiatrist typically involves a medical history review and physical examination, and may include imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. While most sprains and strains heal over time with rest, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications, more severe cases may require surgery for a full recovery. It is important to manage these injuries properly to prevent chronic pain or instability. If you experience an ankle sprain or strain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plan, and guidance on rehabilitation exercises. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Erie and Meadville, PA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.