Ingrown Toenails: What Runners Should Know!

Ingrown Toenails: What Runners Should Know!

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

Ingrown toenails are painful, and the throbbing and pressure they cause can make each step unbearable. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing information regarding ingrown toenails that all runners should be aware of.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Though they seem to appear out of nowhere, there are a few things that can trigger an ingrown toenail. One of the most common causes is shoes that are too tight on the toe, like high heels that force pressure on the front of your foot.

Running automatically elevates your risk. Any activity that puts repetitive pressure on the nail in the shoe, such as biking, running, or other sports, can put you at a higher risk for an ingrown nail.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

There are a few ways to try to relieve the symptoms at home. Soaking feet in warm water with Epsom salts and then gently massaging them may provide short-term relief from inflamed tissue.

You can also try repairing an ingrown toenail using a topical treatment. Over-the-counter, topical medications work to soften the nail or skin, and NSAIDs should provide pain relief.

A word of caution – don’t postpone getting your feet examined if your ingrown nail doesn’t appear to be improving after a few days of treating it on your own. If the issue is not improving, see your podiatrist for professional care. This is especially the case if there’s any drainage that looks like pus, if there’s redness to the toe, or if you experience fever, nausea, or chills.

Podiatrists agree that it’s not smart to play doctor and perform “surgery” on your ingrown toenail. Repetitive cutting and digging of the nail can worsen the ingrown toenail. If you have a chronic ingrown toenail, you may want to talk to your podiatrist about a procedure to permanently stop them from happening.

Preventing an Ingrown Toenail

The most important thing you can do to stop ingrown toenails from occurring is to wear shoes that fit properly with sufficient width in the toe box. Also, socks that don’t overly compress the toes can help.

Cutting your toenails correctly can also help reduce your risk of getting an ingrown nail. They are less likely to occur if your nails are cut straight across with no angles.

If you’re a runner, you know that proper foot health is key to your endurance. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of an ingrown toenail or any other condition that affects your feet – don’t hesitate – call the office of Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists today at (425) 455-0936 or schedule your appointment online.

 

10 Important Tips for Proper Senior Foot Care

10 Important Tips for Proper Senior Foot Care

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

Proper foot care is crucial for senior adults because it helps prevent falls, injuries, and complications from diseases like diabetes. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing his top 10 tips regarding how to properly care for senior feet so they can continue taking you wherever you want to go.

Tips to Properly Care for Senior Feet

  1. Show your soles some love. As you get older, the muscle tissue in your feet can thin out, which can lead to loss of feeling in your feet. Use a mirror with a long handle to view what you may not be able to feel. Inspect the soles of your feet and in between your toes each day to look for blisters, sores, or cuts. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.
  2. Sport the right footwear. Wearing proper footwear can help seniors maintain their balance, avoid falling and lessen the risk of blisters and other injuries. Be sure not to choose shoes that slide around or rub on your heel when you walk, as this is a common way to develop blisters. If you have neuropathy or diabetes, talk with your podiatrist about custom orthotics.
  3. Get a proper fit by following these recommendations:
  • Shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are inflamed;
  • Have your feet measured, as foot size can change;
  • It’s common for one foot to be larger than the other, so choose the size that fits the larger one;
  • Always try on shoes before you buy them to make sure they fit properly.
  1. Don’t go barefoot. When outdoors, always wear shoes to prevent scrapes, cuts, and falls. Also wear shoes as much as possible when indoors to protect your feet.
  2. Trim your toenails. Trimming toenails straight across and keeping them no shorter than the tip of your toe is key for averting ingrown toenails. If you can’t comfortably reach your feet, see a podiatrist for regular medical pedicures and trimming.
  3. Keep the blood flowing. As you get older, your blood circulation to your feet can be diminished. To encourage proper circulation:
  • When sitting, prop your feet up;
  • When sitting for long periods of time, wiggle your toes occasionally;
  • Do daily stretching;
  • Massage your feet regularly.
  1. Keep your feet dry as a bone. Make sure your feet aren’t moist before you put your shoes on and change your socks on a regular basis.
  1. Moisturizing is key. Seniors need to keep their feet moisturized to avoid itching, cracking, and calluses. Always use gentle soap and put on lotion after your bath or shower.
  2. Combat fungal infections. Seniors can avoid getting athlete’s foot by changing their socks or stockings daily, wearing shoes that fit properly and using foot powder each day.
  3. Get regular foot checkups from your podiatrist. Your podiatrist can identify problems like hammertoe, bunions, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, or wounds before they turn into more serious problems.

If you’re a senior and it’s time for a foot checkup or you’re experiencing any foot-related issues – don’t hesitate – call the office of Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists today at (425) 455-0936 or schedule your appointment online.

Diabetic Feet: The Risks and How to Avoid Them

Diabetic Feet: The Risks and How to Avoid Them

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

Statistics from the American Diabetes Association indicate that 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes. This disease is also the leading cause of amputations of feet, legs, and toes. Today, our podiatrist Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists outlines some of the risks associated with this disease and some tips for diabetic foot care.

Top 4 Risks for Patients With Diabetic Feet

As a person with diabetes, your feet face distinctive risks. Understanding them is the best way to avoid the common foot problems that come with this disease. Here are some of the most common foot health risks that people with diabetes have to cope with.

  1. Peripheral Arterial Disease: This disease reduces circulation and limits the amount of blood flow that reaches your feet, sometimes causing serious side effects.
  2. Infections: Blisters and abrasions are more dangerous for people with diabetes because blood flow to the feet is restricted so cuts cannot heal properly.
  3. Neuropathy: When your nerves do not function correctly, neuropathy occurs. This is particularly dangerous because if a patient cannot feel blisters or abrasions, they are at a higher risk of infection.
  4. Charcot Foot: This condition causes your foot to change its shape and is usually caused by fragile bones that break and collapse.

Daily Tips to Care For Your Diabetic Foot

With proper daily care, you can reduce the risk of having a foot ulcer or infection. Following are some tips to help maintain your healthy feet every day.

  • Make it a habit of inspecting your feet each day for cuts, sores or red spots.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry, paying particular attention to the area between your toes.
  • Wear socks around the house to keep your feet warm.
  • Exercise – it’s the best way to encourage blood flow to your feet.
  • Do not cut your toenails around the corners to avoid getting an ingrown toenail; instead, cut them straight across.
  • Improve blood circulation by quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods.

If you notice any changes in your feet, it’s essential to visit your podiatrist right away to reduce the chance for infection or a more serious foot problem. Call the office of Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists today at (425) 455-0936 or schedule an appointment online.