Parents who notice the skin surrounding their children's nails are red and tender may be aware that an ingrown toenail has developed. It is defined as a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin. It often happens as a result of toenails that are trimmed incorrectly, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, children who participate in soccer activities can develop ingrown toenails from frequently kicking the ball. There could be considerable pain with an ingrown toenail, in addition to possible blisters. Parents can help their child find mild relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, and the nail is gently pushed away from the skin. If an infection develops, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment options for your child.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Newborns' feet are mostly fatty tissue that progresses into bone as the aging process occurs. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during the school years. Research has shown it is beneficial for young children to walk barefoot, as this may help to strengthen the overall foot. Additionally, walking barefoot may help to toughen the soles of the feet. Studies have shown parents may have to guide their children to walk on different surfaces, including dirt, gravel, sand, and carpet. If you would like more information about why your child can benefit from walking barefoot, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Swelling in the feet and ankles (edema) is caused by fluid that builds up in these areas. It is often the result of standing or walking for too long, having too much salt in your diet, being overweight, or being pregnant. Several medications, such as steroids, blood pressure meds, contraceptives, and antidepressants, may also cause swelling in the extremities. Other causes include blood clots, kidney or liver problems, bee sting or insect bite, or infection.  Symptoms of edema are shiny, red, or stretched skin and puffy feet, ankles, and lower legs. Ways to reduce the swelling include keeping your foot elevated when sitting or lying down, doing simple exercises to encourage blood flow, and wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. If you have frequent bouts of edema, or if the swelling does not recede after a few days, it’s a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for an examination and recommended treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Heel pain—and pain at the back of the feet—in older adults can typically be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, or various types of bursitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and stiffness at the bottom of heel, when the plantar fascia tissue that attaches there becomes damaged/torn and inflamed. It can typically be treated by night splinting to keep the plantar fascia in a neutral position, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and more. Bursitis is an inflammation of one of the bursas in the feet. Bursas are sacs filled with fluid that provide cushioning between bones and tendons and help reduce friction between bones. Bursitis in the feet can occur either where the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, or in response to pressure from shoes at the back of the foot. These conditions can often be treated with footwear modifications, heel pads, gel wraps, orthotics and padding, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, night splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cold or warm compresses and more. If you have any type of pain in your heel, call a podiatrist. They are experts at diagnosing and treating all forms of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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