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Your feet may be trying to tell you something, so listen carefully. When your feet hurt, or develop problems, it is their way of sending us a message about our lifestyle choices. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), even though the majority of women stated that they suffered from some sort of foot ailment, only twenty-six percent actually visited their podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to pay close attention to your feet, as they bear the brunt of everything and are constantly working to give us clues about our health. Beware of the Bunion Bump Bunions present themselves as an abnormal bony prominence over the big toe joint. Caused by a misalignment of the big toe joint, the big toe generally bends toward the others, growing larger in size. These can become painful and stiff, prohibiting normal mobility and function. Bunions can form for various reasons, including abnormalities in foot function or arthritis, but are most commonly caused by wearing tight and constrictive footwear. Because of this, women are affected by bunions more than men due to the frequent wearing of pointy-toed, high-heeled shoes. Avoid pointy and narrow shoes, or shoes with stitching or seams that rub bony areas of the foot. If painful, bunions can be surgically removed by your podiatrist in Chicago. Ouch! An Ingrown Toenail Ingrown toenails are a painful condition in which the corners of the nail grow into the skin. Oftentimes this can result in a paronychia infection, which often begins as mild redness, or erythema, and progresses rapidly to pus. When wearing shoes your toenails may become very painful and irritated, potentially worsening your symptoms. If left untreated the infection from your ingrown toenail can quickly develop to the level of the bone causing an infection in the bone. Ingrown toenail edges develop for a variety of reasons. Some causes of ingrown toenails include: * Heredity
* Trauma
* Improper trimming
* Improperly sized footwear
* Nail conditions Rather than using nail polish to cover discoloration, visit your podiatrist in Chicago at the first sign of a problem to see what treatment may be necessary. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks, and inspect your nails daily. Be sure to trim your toenails straight across using a toenail clipper, making sure not to round the edges. Toenail Fungus - Oh No! Many people may not realize that they have a fungal nail problem, which prevents them from seeking proper treatment for their ailment. Fungal toenail infections are common foot health problems that can persist for years without ever causing any pain. Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are often characterized by a change in a toenail's color, which is often considered nothing more than a blemish. If left untreated, it can present serious problems with your feet. This condition is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and foul smelling. If ignored, the infection can potentially spread and possibly impair one's ability to work or even walk. This happens because the resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim and make walking painful when wearing shoes. Consult your Chicago podiatrist to prescribe the medication and treatment that will safely and effectively treat your toenail fungus problem. Foot pain is never normal, so visit your Chicago podiatrist if you notice unusual symptoms or discomfort. From heel pain and bunions to toenail fungus and ingrown toenails, podiatrists can determine the cause of your foot pain and work with you to determine the best treatment for your ailment.
Sean Hartmen writes for Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., podiatrists in Chicago. Offering an array of specialized treatments for foot and ankle conditions, such as Chicago nail fungus, Six Corners Medical Center is equipped to handle any podiatric need.
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