December 2019

An ingrown toenail is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs as a result of the outer edge of the nail growing into the skin, and can become a serious ailment if it becomes infected. It typically affects the big toe, and it may be difficult to wear the shoes that are normally worn. There are a variety of reasons why ingrown toenails may develop. These can consist of feet that sweat excessively, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and trimming toenails improperly. Patients may notice the side of the nail may look red, and can be tender and swollen. It can be beneficial to soak the affected toe in warm water. This process may make it easier to lift the nail away from the skin by inserting a small piece of cotton over the injured area. If your ingrown toenail becomes severe, it is suggested that you counsel with a podiatrist who can offer you prompt and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Common symptoms that are linked to poor circulation can include cold feet, tingling or burning sensations, and swollen feet. There are several reasons why this condition may develop. These can include plaque buildup in the arteries, diabetes, or if there is an existing blood clot. Additionally, patients who smoke, stand for extended periods of time throughout the day, or who are obese may be at risk of developing poor circulation. A diagnosis may consist of testing the blood for elevated glucose levels which may indicate diabetes, as well as performing an ultrasound that can examine your blood vessels. Patients may find moderate relief when compression stockings are worn, which may help to provide a comfortable level of support. If you are suffering from poor circulation, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment techniques.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Patients who have foot pain may experience difficulty in walking in addition to maintaining proper balance. This can be a common condition among older patients, and may lead to an increased risk of falling. Research has indicated that varying types of foot pain affects one in four elderly people. Chronic foot pain can make walking difficult, and may be managed by being under the care of a podiatrist. The benefits of identifying the cause of foot pain followed by correctly treating it can possibly help to reinstate independence to elderly patients. Additionally, it may help seniors to realize that their foot conditions may be a treatable medical condition, and may possibly have little to do with aging. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical term that is known as flat feet refers to feet that have an absent or low arch. The majority of babies are born without an arch, however it will generally develop as they enter their teenage years. This condition is noticeable when the foot lies completely on the floor. The foot will naturally turn inward in order to grip the floor, which may cause pain and discomfort. The Achilles tendon may become affected as a result of the position of the heel, and this may lead to difficulty with walking. Many patients have found relief when orthotics are worn, which may provide the support that is needed as daily tasks are completed. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly evaluate your condition, and recommend the best treatment option for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.