August 2020

Ingrown toenails can develop when an injury occurs, if toenails are not trimmed properly, or if ill-fitting footwear is frequently worn. If this condition develops, the affected toenail will grow into the surrounding skin, often causing a great deal of pain. Some methods that can be used to relieve this discomfort include soaking the affected toe, keeping it elevated, and maintaining proper foot hygiene. If left untreated, it’s possible that the ingrown toenail can become infected. If this occurs, you will most likely see pus drain from around the affected toenail. For more information on how to promptly treat an ingrown toenail, please speak with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur in the United States, and they are caused by a strain or tear in the ligaments that support the ankle. A common ankle sprain occurs to the ligaments that connect the end of the fibula to the talus bones on the outer side of the ankle. Symptoms include swelling, pain and a limited range of motion in the ankle. A high ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments above the ankle joint and between the tibia and fibula are damaged. Symptoms of a high ankle sprain usually involve a painful feeling coming from the ankle and going up the leg, but there is generally not a lot of swelling or bruising. If you believe that you are suffering from an ankle sprain, it is important to visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

A Tailor’s bunion is similar to a regular bunion. However, a Tailor’s bunion forms on the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint (or the “pinky toe”) as opposed to the big toe. A Tailor’s bunion can have a few different causes that include a biomechanical abnormality, heredity, or ill fitting shoes. A biomechanical abnormality can occur when there is too much motion in one part of the foot when stability is needed. Poor fitting shoes that have a limited and pointed toe box can cause a Tailor’s bunion to develop. Some common treatments include orthotics, padding over the painful area, and switching to shoes that are wider, but in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you think you might be experiencing a Tailor’s bunion, make sure to consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

The medical term for the Achilles tendon is the calcaneal tendon. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is considered to be one of the longest tendons in the body, and is used during walking and running activities. An injury to the Achilles tendon may occur as a result of not warming up adequately before beginning an exercise program. Achilles tendonitis or a rupture can cause severe pain and discomfort. Patients may be susceptible to experiencing this type of injury with existing flat feet or tight calf muscles. There are prevention techniques that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk of incurring an Achilles tendon injury. These can include stretching before any type of exercise is pursued, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. If you have pain in your heel or if your calf muscles are stiff, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated the best time to purchase running shoes is at the end of the day. The feet have a tendency to be larger at this time of the day, and this may be a result of the foot expanding as daily activities are pursued. It is beneficial to try running shoes on before they are purchased, and it is helpful to run on a treadmill, which may be available in specific stores. Shoes that fit properly will feel good at the time they are tried on, and may not have to be broken in. Shoes that are constructed with mesh materials typically have more room and flexibility than shoes that are made of hard plastic. If you would like additional information about buying running shoes, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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