Items filtered by date: May 2023

There is no mistaking the pain from an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, causing the surrounding skin to be red and tender. If prompt medical attention is not received, the ingrown toenail may bleed, become swollen, and infected. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, or if a heavy object should drop on the nail. Additionally, trimming the toenails incorrectly may be a reason an ingrown toenail can develop. Patients may temporarily find mild relief when they soak the affected foot in warm water. This can help the skin to become soft, making it easier to gently pull the nail away from the skin. People who are afflicted with an ingrown toenail may choose to wear larger shoes, which can help reduce any discomfort. If the ingrown toenail is severe, surgery may be necessary in providing permanent relief. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Various parts of the foot are affected when a broken ankle occurs. The ligaments, tendons, and nerves surrounding the ankle can become damaged, which can add to the pain and discomfort that is associated. A broken ankle may happen from a fall or a heavy object dropping on it. The average recovery time for a broken ankle is approximately six weeks, and it is beneficial to slowly resume activities that require walking or running. Patients who have diabetes may notice it can take longer to recover from a broken ankle, and it can help to closely monitor blood sugar levels. Consuming healthy foods and engaging in a gentle upper-body exercise routine may lead to a faster recovery. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

People with a big toe joint problem often assume it is from a bunion. However, other things can look like a bunion but are entirely different. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the sides of big toes. They result from a misalignment of the big toe joint and are not bone growths. Arthritis affecting the big toe joint can look like a bunion because a bone spur can develop on the joint. The skin on the bone spur can be inflamed and red, resembling a bunion. These bone spurs often occur on the top of the big toe joint rather than on the side of the joint. A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled sac that can occur on the big toe joint and be mistaken for a bunion, but is softer to the touch. Gout is yet another affliction that can affect the big toe joint and cause symptoms of redness and swelling, looking like a bunion. If you notice something different about your big toe joint and wonder if it is a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The job of a podiatrist is to treat foot conditions. These can include bunions, hammertoes, or a multitude of ailments that affect the lower extremities. A benefit of choosing podiatry as a career can be a desirable work-life balance. This may be a result of having limited emergencies and a predictable work schedule. The education requirements to become a podiatrist begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in an accredited podiatry school. This will earn the potential doctor a degree that is called Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM. This will take four years to complete, and courses such as biology, anatomy, and pathology will be taught. After this is completed, a residency program begins for three years, giving the candidate an opportunity to interact with patients. People who are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry are urged to speak with this type of doctor, who can help them determine if this is a right choice for them.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

It is important to note that foot pain is nothing to take lightly. Since humans use their feet every day for a wide range of activities, maintaining proper foot health and addressing any potential foot pain is critical. Occasionally, foot pain may result from wearing the wrong type of shoe for the specific activity that is being pursued. For example, many individuals who spend a lot of time walking are not wearing shoes that are well suited for this. When an individual engages in walking, it is beneficial the shoes have a significant amount of arch support. This means shoes such as flip flops or flats generally are not well suited to this activity. High heels also are ill-fitted to the activity of walking because this kind of shoe forces the weight of the body to the balls of the feet. Therefore, a patient can try to remember to choose shoes that match the activity they are engaging in. If you are someone struggling with foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment and advice. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.