Maintaining foot health is essential for everyone and particularly important for individuals with diabetes. Start by washing your feet daily with soap and water, and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections. Regularly moisturizing your feet helps keep the skin soft and prevents cracking. Choose well-fitted, supportive shoes that provide ample cushioning and arch support. Rotate your footwear to allow them to air out and retain their shape. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas to reduce the risk of infections and injuries. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Incorporate foot exercises and stretches into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and strength. Elevate your feet when resting to improve circulation and reduce swelling. For individuals with diabetes, daily foot inspections are imperative to detect cuts, blisters, or other issues early. If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or notice any abnormalities in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails affect people of all ages, particularly teenagers, young adults, and those who are overweight. This painful issue usually involves the big toe but can occur on any toe. Causes of ingrown toenails include improper toenail trimming, as cutting nails too short or into the corners can damage the skin barrier, allowing the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes, socks, or tights can increase pressure on the toes, contributing to the problem. Foot injuries, sweaty feet, fungal infections, and genetic factors also play a role, with toenails that are more curved or fan-shaped being more prone to becoming ingrown. Symptoms typically include redness and pain surrounding the affected nail, especially when wearing shoes. If an ingrown toenail becomes infected, swelling can increase, and you may notice blood or pus. Preventative measures include proper nail trimming and wearing well-fitted shoes and socks. Treatment includes minor surgical procedures to remove part or all of the nail, as well as antibiotics if an infection is present. For help with pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and treatment.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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

Toe infections can be an unwelcome disruption, especially for those who spend much of their time on their feet. These toe infections often start small but can quickly escalate, making it essential to recognize the symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment. Common signs of a toe infection include pain, redness, swelling, oozing, a bad smell, and a sensation of heat surrounding the affected area. Factors leading to toe infections can include injuries, underlying medical conditions like diabetes, and microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. Ingrown toenails, often caused by wearing tight footwear or improper nail trimming, can also become infected. A yeast and bacterial infection around the toenail results in redness, tenderness, and pus-filled blisters. Athlete’s foot thrives in moist environments and can spread from the toes to other parts of the feet. Preventing toe infections involves good hygiene, wearing properly fitting shoes, and regularly inspecting your feet, especially if you have diabetes. If you believe your toe has become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems.