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Uniontown 
Connellsville 
(724) 320-2447
pedal
 

May 2018

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 00:00

Ways to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

There are many different signs that you may have an ingrown toenail. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may notice pain when you apply pressure to the area. Other symptoms include skin inflammation, fluid build-up, bleeding, or pus in the affected area. Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent ingrown toenails from developing in the future. It is advised to keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water. In addition, you try changing your socks on a regular basis. Another tip is to cut your toenails straight across to stop them from digging into the skin that surrounds them. Lastly, you should try wearing shoes that fit properly. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to treat an ingrown toenail. These surgeries are known as partial nail avulsion and total nail avulsion. In partial nail avulsion, part of the toenail is removed; in total nail avulsion, the whole toenail is removed. If you have any questions, concerns, or are experiencing any symptoms regarding ingrown toenails, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised.

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 Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley 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 one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Monday, 21 May 2018 00:00

Can Cracked Heels be Treated?

Cracked heels is a common ailment many people endure. There are several causes for this unsightly and painful condition to manifest including diabetes, certain types of dermatitis, or possibly psoriasis. If standing or walking for extended periods of time is part of your daily routine, you may be susceptible to developing cracked heels. This may be due to the added pressure the heels must withstand, causing the fat pad under the heel to expand. Severe cases may produce deep cracks referred to as fissures, and may become infected if left untreated. Research has shown that diabetic patients must pay particular attention to avoiding infections as they may take longer to heal than for non-diabetic patients. The feet will feel better when soaked in warm water followed by utilizing a moisturizing cream on and around the affected areas. A consult with a podiatrist is suggested for information on how to treat and prevent cracked heels.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Monday, 14 May 2018 00:00

How to Treat A Broken Foot

broken foot is a painful and common foot condition to contend with. There are 26 bones in the foot, and the feet can generally withstand a considerable amount of pressure. A broken foot is typically the result of a fall, and you may notice immediate bruising and swelling. Symptoms from a severe break may include a portion of the bone extending through the skin or an open wound beginning to form that surrounds the affected area. If you are unable to walk on the foot or experience extreme tenderness, it’s advised that you seek immediate medical attention. Research has shown that it’s important to rest the foot by not walking on it, in addition to elevating the foot which may diminish the swelling. A diagnosis is determined, which often consists of having an X-ray performed and is typically the first step in the proper treatment of a broken foot. A cast is generally used to keep the foot stable while the healing process begins, and can last up to 6 weeks. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended for a complete evaluation of your broken foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Monday, 07 May 2018 00:00

How to Prevent Blisters on the Feet

It’s important to know and understand why blisters may develop on your feet. The choice of shoes that are worn may be a contributing factor in the formation of blisters. There may be ways to avoid this condition from developing. These include purchasing shoes that fit comfortably and wearing appropriate socks that will keep your feet dry. Additionally, using insoles may aid in eliminating the friction that specific shoes may cause. Research has shown how the use of a particular soap or powder may increase the possibility of having to contend with blisters, and it’s suggested to cease using products that irritate the skin. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on the prevention of blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
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