subject: Prepare Your Feet For Summer Weather [print this page] Are your feet summer ready, or are you still hiding them with shoes and socks? Summer is right around the corner. As the weather gets warmer, it is time for you to break out those toes. However, after cold months you may feel too self-conscious about your feet - nowhere near sandal-ready. By visiting your podiatrist in Madison, CT, you can bring your feet back to looking their best. Eliminate ingrown toenails, toenail fungus and bunions for feet that are more than ready to be shown off during the upcoming warm months.
Eliminate Ingrown Toenails
The most common nail impairment is ingrown toenails, which involves a nail's corners or sides to dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail groves, leading to irritation, redness, swelling, and even infection. Toenails typically grow straight out, but sometimes one or both corners tend to curve and grow into your skin. Your big toe tends to usually be the victim of ingrown toenails, but other toenails may be affected as well.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by:*Improperly trimmed nails*Heredity*Shoe pressure*Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activitiesIf you suspect you have an infection contact your Scottsdale podiatrist for further consultation and diagnosis. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnosis your infection and provide proper treatment options for your toes, restoring your feet back to proper health.Treat Your Toenail FungusMany people may not realize that they have a fungal nail problem, which prevents them from seeking proper treatment for their ailment. Fungal toenail infections are common foot health problems that can persist for years without ever causing any pain. Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are often characterized by a change in a toenail's color, which is often considered nothing more than a blemish. If left untreated, it can present serious problems with your feet.To prevent fungal toenail infections follow these simple guidelines:*Maintain proper hygiene and inspect your feet and toes regularly*Clean and dry feet resist disease and infection*Wash your feet with soap and water (remember to dry thoroughly)*Shower shoes should be worn in public areas*Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily*Toenails should be clipped straight across *Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe*Disinfect instruments used to cut nails*Don't apply polish to nails suspected of an infectionBeware the Bunion BumpA bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue of this joint is misaligned. As a result, the toe is forced to crowd the other toes, causing pain and discomfort. Left untreated, walking and other day-to-day activities can be extremely painful. In addition to causing pain, a bunion changes the shape of your foot, making it difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Luckily, with the help of your podiatrist and simple conservative measures, bunion pain may be managed without surgery. Hiding your feet during winter months often allows you to ignore unattractive foot and toe problems, but with proper care and prevention you can bring your toes out of hiding. And as always, if you are experiencing any type of foot pain or unusual symptoms, contact your East Haven, CT podiatrist as soon as possible. by: Gen Wright
