Painful ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and sometimes becoming infected. This condition is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or genetic factors. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the side of the toenail. In severe cases, pus or drainage may be present, and walking or wearing shoes can become difficult. The affected area may look swollen and inflamed, with the skin appearing irritated or thickened. A podiatrist can diagnose ingrown toenails through a physical examination and assess the severity of any infection. Treatment options include proper nail trimming techniques, antibiotics if infection is present, and, in some cases, minor surgery to remove part of the nail. To relieve pain and prevent complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and advice.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps are sudden, tight muscle contractions that can cause sharp pain and make it hard to move the foot. They often happen in the arch or toes, and may last just a few seconds or linger for several minutes. These cramps can occur during exercise, at night, or even while resting. There are many possible reasons for foot cramps. Dehydration, low levels of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium, and poor circulation can all play a role. Wearing unsupportive shoes, overusing the feet, or standing for long periods of time may also increase the chance of cramps. While anyone can experience them, they are more common in older adults and athletes. Targeted stretching exercises, staying hydrated, and choosing supportive footwear can help reduce episodes. If foot cramps are frequent or especially painful, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist to identify the cause and find relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Wearing shoes that fit correctly may help prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and hammertoe may all occur from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Choosing the correct shoe size begins with measuring the feet. This can be done by using a Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Conversely, some people prefer to measure their feet at home. To measure your feet at home, stand barefoot on a piece of paper and trace the width and length of the feet. A conversion table is used to determine what the size is. It is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest, in addition to trying on the shoes and walking around in the store. If you are interested in learning more about how to buy shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

A heel spur is a small growth that develops underneath the heel bone. It can cause severe pain and discomfort and may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day may also cause heel spurs to develop. If the lining of the heel bones becomes torn, or foot muscles and ligaments are strained, it may gradually lead to a heel spur. Heel spur syndrome may occur in patients who have plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This band of tissue connects the heel to the toes, and a heel spur may also be present. If the heel spur is at the back of the heel, it may be indicative of a condition that is known as insertional Achilles tendonitis. This happens when the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Symptoms of this can include a reduced range of motion in the ankle, and it may be painful to climb stairs. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what caused it, and treat it accordingly. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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