Items filtered by date: December 2018

Ingrown toenails can cause discomfort and severe pain if not treated promptly. The pain generally originates when the nail on the big toe grows into the skin surrounding it. Some of the more common reasons why this ailment may occur can include trimming the toenails improperly and wearing shoes that are too tight and does not have adequate room for the toes to move about in. General symptoms may include pain while walking or running, redness, swelling, or fluid oozing if the toenail should become infected. There are several ways to treat an ingrown toenail, and it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help to determine which one is best for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown blisters to be the most common medical condition among marathon runners. This may be a result of continued friction caused from the sock or shoe that is worn while running. As the skin becomes gradually damaged, the body creates a bubble containing fluid to act as a natural protectant. Research has shown similarities between people who commonly get blisters. These similarities may include performing vigorous activities that may consist of repetitive force, such as jumping and running; shoes that may fit incorrectly; or possibly from feet that have an unusual shape. There are measures that may be taken to possibly prevent blisters, including wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit properly, applying powder in shoes and socks, or taping the feet where a blister may occur. If you have a blister that is recurring and causes pain and discomfort, speak with a podiatrist who can offer proper prevention and treatment solutions.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

The medical condition that is referred to as flat feet is a result of the absence of the arch that feet generally have. This ailment is also known as fallen arches and is noticeable when the feet lie flat without a gap between the foot and the floor. Research has shown that genetics may play a significant role in the development of flat feet. Additionally, other causes may include arthritis or a ruptured tendon as a result of a possible injury. Patients who have this condition may observe pain or stiffness that may be present in the inner side of the ankle or where the arch would generally be. There may be effective treatment methods for this ailment, including wearing shoes that offer adequate support, in addition to possibly wearing orthotics. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort as a result of having flat feet, please speak to a podiatrist who can properly address any concerns you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

People who enjoy the sport of running or who participate in jumping activities may know the importance of preventing injuries that may occur to the foot and ankle. Research has shown when the muscles are properly stretched and warmed up prior to engaging in sporting activities, the possibility of incurring this type of injury may be diminished. It is generally beneficial to wear shoes that are designed for your foot structure, and this may aid in maintaining stability and comfort. When the heels of the shoes wear out from frequent running, replacement should occur as quickly as possible, and this may prevent unwanted injuries from occurring. If a minor injury should happen, resting the foot for the proper amount of time may aid in resuming your sport of choice. If you have endured an injury to the foot or ankle, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist, so proper treatment options can be discussed.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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