Ingrown toenail surgery, also known as partial nail avulsion, is a common procedure performed to treat ingrown toenails. It is often used for more severe cases of ingrown toenails, which do not respond to other conservative healing methods. During the surgery, the podiatrist administers local anesthesia to numb the toe, ensuring the patient's comfort throughout the procedure. Next, the podiatrist carefully removes a portion of the affected toenail, including the ingrown edge or spike that is causing pain and inflammation. This process may involve using surgical instruments or specialized tools to precisely trim the nail. For recurrent or severe cases, the podiatrist may also apply a chemical solution or use a laser to destroy the nail matrix, the area the nail grows from, to prevent the ingrown portion of the nail from regrowing. Then the toe is thoroughly cleaned. A sterile dressing may be applied to promote healing. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and patients can usually resume normal activities shortly afterward. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Navigating shoe sizing can be a perplexing endeavor, compounded by variations in size between brands and styles. To ascertain the right shoe size, inspecting your existing footwear collection is beneficial, making note of sizes across different brands and styles. This knowledge proves invaluable in choosing the appropriate size for your desired comfort. When shopping for shoes, emphasize aligning the width, flex point, and instep with your foot to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, be mindful of how the choice of materials can affect stretching over time. Context plays a significant role; consider the intended use of the shoe and any foot-related health concerns. Comfort is most important for the perfect fit. Experimenting with at least three sizes is advisable to identify the most comfortable. Be aware that sizing discrepancies can even exist within the same brand. Above all, avoid forcing a fit that may result in discomfort and potential injury. Additionally, ensure that any orthotics you use fit seamlessly with your chosen shoe size for optimal foot support and comfort. If you are having trouble getting the right shoe size for your needs, including fitting orthotics into shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you in this quest.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition in the foot which causes heel pain, involves an examination from a podiatrist. A podiatrist may first discuss medical history and symptoms with the patient. Then, this foot doctor will perform a physical examination of the feet, checking for signs such as tenderness in the heel and arch areas. They also check for flat feet, high arches, foot swelling, and tight Achilles tendons. The doctor may also order X-rays or ultrasounds to rule out other potential causes of heel pain. Additionally, during the examination, the podiatrist may assess the range of motion and gait for a comprehensive understanding of the foot mechanics. This combination of methods helps the podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis and tailor an effective treatment plan to alleviate pain and promote healing. For an accurate diagnosis and successful management of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, develops when there is an excess buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints. The primary cause of gout lies in the body's inability to metabolize uric acid efficiently, resulting in its accumulation. Dietary factors, such as consuming purine-rich foods like organ meats and certain seafood contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Additionally, genetic predispositions and underlying health conditions, such as kidney dysfunction, may increase the risk of gout. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by podiatrists, considering symptoms like sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, and redness. Blood tests may be conducted to measure uric acid levels, and imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound can aid in visualizing joint damage. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to successfully manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Hammertoe, a common toe deformity, occurs when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments responsible for keeping the toe straight. This leads to a bending or curling of the toe, resembling a hammer. Identifying hammertoe involves a comprehensive understanding of its characteristic symptoms, which include abnormal bending at the joints, corns or calluses due to friction against footwear, and discomfort during movement. Diagnosing hammertoe typically begins with a physical examination by a podiatrist who assesses the toe's appearance and mobility. An X-ray may be employed to determine the severity and underlying causes, such as arthritis or joint inflammation. Timely recognition allows for tailored interventions, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to surgical options, ensuring effective management and relief from the challenges posed by hammertoe. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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