June 2024

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. The main causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, and trauma to the toe. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is essential to trim nails correctly. Cut toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges to avoid them growing into the skin. Additionally, keeping nails at a moderate length helps prevent pressure from shoes. The pain from ingrown toenails is due to the nail cutting into the sensitive skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection. This pressure and irritation trigger significant discomfort, making even simple activities like walking painful. Proper nail care and wearing well-fitting shoes can reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails and alleviate the associated pain. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

For ballet dancers, strong and flexible feet are essential for mastering intricate movements with precision and grace. Various foot stretches and exercises can help strengthen the muscles and improve the articulation of the feet. Using a hair elastic around the toes to create resistance while pointing and flexing helps develop intrinsic foot muscles. Thera bands provide resistance for exercises such as ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, enhancing ankle stability and strength. Towel scrunches, where dancers use their toes to gather a hand towel, target the muscles of the feet and toes. Practicing tennis ball massages can alleviate tension and promote flexibility in the arches. Exercises like doming, toe teasers, and piano toes engage different foot muscles, enhancing overall strength and control. If you have injured your foot due to ballet moves, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment and guide you toward additional stretching techniques.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Pain in the top of the foot can be a troubling and uncomfortable experience that affects mobility and impedes daily activities. This type of pain can result injuries, overuse, inflammatory conditions, or structural abnormalities. One common cause is extensor tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons on the top of the foot become inflamed due to repetitive movements or excessive strain. Additionally, stress fractures in the metatarsal bones, often caused by overtraining or sudden increases in activity level, can lead to sharp, localized pain in the top of the foot. Other causes include conditions like arthritis, nerve compression, or wearing tight footwear that puts pressure on the top of the foot. Identifying the underlying cause of pain in the top of the foot is essential for determining appropriate treatment methods, which may include rest, supportive footwear, or medical intervention. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can identify the cause and offer effective treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 office located in Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common sports injuries that affect the ankle and foot include sprains, strains, swollen muscles, and fractures. Acute injuries, such as sprains, occur suddenly due to a specific incident like twisting the ankle. These injuries result in pain, swelling, and instability, often requiring immediate attention. Chronic overuse injuries, like plantar fasciitis, develop over time from repetitive stress and can cause persistent pain and stiffness. Ankle sprains happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, typically from a sudden twist or impact. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. It causes sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged activity. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain from sports participation, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional guidance. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment plan, and preventive strategies to help you recover and return to your sport.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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