An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, happens when the side of a toenail burrows into the skin along the nail bed. This most commonly affects the big toe and can be painful, red, and swollen when it happens. Ingrown toenails often occur from cutting toenails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, having a fungal infection, or having abnormally shaped toenails. If this is left untreated, discharge or pus can drain from the site and a bacterial infection may develop and lead to serious complications. Wearing properly fitted shoes, with enough room in the toe box so the toes do not rub against them, is recommended for healing, comfort, and preventing this problem.  If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, you can soak your foot in warm water, which might soften the nail so that it can be lifted from the skin. However, it is suggested that you seek help from a chiropodist who can make sure the ingrown nail is handled properly and you are treated with any medication warranted.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner 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 Scarborough, ON . 

Oh, my aching feet! If that’s a common refrain around your house, here are some ways to soothe your soles (note that if you are experiencing severe foot pain, be sure to see a chiropodist as soon as possible). Most aching feet are the result of standing, walking or running for too long. If your foot seems warm to the touch, it may be inflamed or swollen. Try icing it, because adding heat will open the capillaries further, increasing blood flow and adding to the inflammation. Remember to place a towel or cloth over your skin before applying an ice pack to it, and limit the time to about 15 minutes. Conversely, if your feet are tired and aching, but cool to the touch, a warm foot bath could be just the thing to gain some relief. After drying your feet thoroughly, you may wish to apply soothing lotion while also giving your feet a little massage. This will improve circulation and stimulate your foot muscles. Avoid massages if your feet are swollen or injured. If you believe you may have a serious foot injury, be sure to consult a chiropodist as soon as possible for a complete examination and diagnosis.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have foot pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures
• Sinus tarsi syndrome
• Extensor tendonitis
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis
• Gout
• Athlete’s foot
• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot cramps
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fibromatosis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain
• Cuboid syndrome
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Corns or calluses
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Heel fractures
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Turf toe
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters
• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON . 

There are several bones in the ankles, and if one of them breaks, it is considered to be an ankle fracture. A simple fracture may be uncomfortable, but many patients are able to walk on the affected foot. If the ankle is fractured in multiple spots, it is most likely that the patient is unable to walk, and the ankle may appear deformed. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a broken ankle can include severe pain, swelling, and a change in the shape of the ankle. Many people find the swelling may diminish when the foot is elevated. This can help to stabilize the ankle and reduce some of the pain. A walking boot or cast may be necessary to further stabilize the ankle, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Many broken ankles heal in approximately six weeks and may take longer if the fracture is severe. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, please consult with a chiropodist who can help you with proper treatment methods.

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