An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often resulting in pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It may appear inflamed, feel tender to the touch, and may produce drainage, if infected. Contributing factors include improper nail trimming, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or trauma to the toe. Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails using various methods, including partial or full nail removal, topical or oral antibiotics, and, in some cases, a surgical procedure to permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic portion of the nail. Following surgical treatment, it is important to follow your podiatrist’s postoperative instructions carefully. This typically includes keeping the foot clean and dry and avoiding strenuous activity for up to two weeks, or as advised. Wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes helps to reduce pressure on the healing toe. Your podiatrist will provide guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence, such as trimming nails straight across and avoiding wearing overly tight footwear. It is suggested that you contact your podiatrist promptly if you experience increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or signs of fever post-surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor 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 office located in Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sinus-tarsi syndrome is a painful condition that involves the tunnel between the talus and calcaneus bones in the foot. This space, known as the sinus tarsi tunnel, contains ligaments and tissues that help control foot stability and movement. Injury from an ankle sprain or repeated strain may damage these ligaments, causing inflammation, instability, and buildup of scar tissue inside the sinus tarsi. People with flat or over-pronated feet may also develop this problem due to pressure that forces the talus and calcaneus closer together. Common signs include pain on the front outer side of the ankle and a sense of weakness or instability, especially while walking on uneven surfaces. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough foot and ankle exam, ordering imaging tests, and recommending treatment that may include surgery, if necessary. If you have symptoms of sinus-tarsi syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arch pain often results from injury or structural problems within the foot. The arch, made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons, plays an important role in absorbing shock, supporting body weight, and maintaining balance. A common cause of arch pain is overpronation, where the foot rolls inward during walking, straining the arch and nearby tissues. Cavus foot, a condition marked by a high arch, may increase pressure on certain areas of the foot, leading to pain and instability. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can weaken the tendon that helps hold up the arch, causing pain along the inside of the foot and ankle. Flat feet, nerve conditions, overuse, and physical strain are also known to contribute to arch discomfort. A podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment, which may include orthotics, bracing, or surgery. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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