October 2022

Recognizing an ingrown toenail can be tricky. One symptom many people ignore is the redness surrounding the big toe, which is often the first indication that an ingrown toenail has developed. Severe pain often follows, and the ingrown toenail can become infected. At this point, a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition should be consulted. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It may result from improperly trimming the toenails, sustaining a toe injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. For mild cases, the foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This may temporarily provide relief, but it may become worse if medical attention is not sought. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. 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 Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is defined as the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. Some individuals are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis because of the nature of their employment. Bartenders fall into this category. Throughout their shifts, it is common for bartenders to be on their feet throughout the day and to move constantly between different points along the bar. All of this activity can cause micro tears in the arch of the foot, which can result in heel pain and calf pain. Bartenders have several potential solutions at their disposal to mitigate pain from plantar fasciitis. For example, bartenders might invest in a highly supportive pair of shoes. Some bartenders prefer shoes that have a good grip but are also supportive in the arch of the foot to prevent plantar fasciitis. Consult with a podiatrist today if you are a bartender.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Deborah Holte, DPM  from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Flat feet are common in babies and may extend through adulthood. In most cases, the arch fully develops during the teenage years and is visible while standing up. Adults who have flat feet may have inherited this condition or it may occur due to a foot injury. Flat feet may be uncomfortable for many patients and relief may be found when shoes that are worn have extra cushioning in the arch area. The arch provides support in addition to evenly distributing body weight to the legs and hips. There may be medical conditions that can contribute to getting flat feet. These include arthritis, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. Tendonitis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis may also develop from having flat feet and relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn. If you have flat feet, please consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment, which may include practicing specific foot-strengthening exercises.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Plantar fibromatosis is a foot condition that affects the arch in the foot. It is also known as Ledderhose disease, and is characterized by lumps that form on the soles of the feet. These are considered to be benign growths, despite the severe pain they can cause. The symptoms that people experience who have this condition include foot and ankle pain, and a tingling sensation that can be likened to a “pins and needles” feeling. Mild relief may be found when soft insoles are worn in the shoes, which may help to cushion the feet. Also, there are specific stretches that can help the foot feel better overall. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent removal if milder treatments prove to be ineffective. If you have any of these symptoms, it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you find relief.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.