Items filtered by date: June 2024

Ingrown toenails account for a significant portion of foot problems, accounting for approximately 20 percent of cases. This condition occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, and genetic predisposition. Relief techniques focus on reducing discomfort and preventing further issues. Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can soften the skin and nails, providing temporary relief. Wearing properly fitting shoes with ample toe room and trimming nails straight across, rather than in a curved shape, may help to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can successfully treat ingrown toenails, which may include minor surgery for removal.

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 Gregory, Gulso, DPM of Gulso Podiatry. 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 Bountiful, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pressure injuries and diabetic foot wounds are two distinct yet potentially serious conditions that affect the feet, often requiring specialized medical attention from a podiatrist. Pressure injuries, commonly known as bed sores or ulcers, develop due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, typically seen in individuals who are immobile or bedridden. They often occur on bony prominences, such as the heels, ankles, or toes, and lead to tissue damage and open wounds. Diabetic foot wounds are a consequence of diabetes-related complications, including peripheral neuropathy and impaired circulation. These wounds typically appear as ulcers, blisters, or cuts and are slow to heal due to poor blood flow and reduced sensation in the feet. Diagnosing these conditions involves careful examination, often including assessment of wound size, depth, and surrounding tissue condition. Prompt intervention is imperative to prevent complications like infection or tissue necrosis. If you have a foot wound or ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you seek immediate evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist to prevent further complications and promote healing.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Gregory, Gulso, DPM from Gulso Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Krabbe disease is a rare, inherited disorder that affects the nervous system, including the feet. It is caused by a deficiency of a specific enzyme that leads to the accumulation of harmful substances in the brain and other tissues. This disease often manifests in infancy but can also appear later in life. Symptoms affecting the feet include muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasticity, which can result in difficulty walking or maintaining balance. Sensory loss and neuropathy, characterized by numbness or tingling, may also occur. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Supportive care is important for maintaining mobility and comfort. Given the complexity and potential impact on foot health, if you have Krabbe disease, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory, Gulso, DPM of Gulso Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Golf, often perceived as a leisurely sport, can surprisingly pose risks of foot and ankle injuries, especially if proper precautions are neglected. One common cause of injuries is the repetitive motion of the golf swing, which can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and ankles. Additionally, uneven terrain or poorly maintained golf courses can increase the risk of slips, twists, and falls, leading to sprains or fractures. To prevent foot and ankle injuries in golf, it is essential to prioritize proper warm-up exercises before hitting the course. Dynamic stretches targeting the lower body muscles can enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of strain during the swing. Wearing supportive golf shoes with ample cushioning and traction can provide stability and protect against injuries. It is also helpful to maintain good posture and technique while swinging can help distribute forces evenly across the body, minimizing stress on the feet and ankles. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury playing golf, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you treatment methods and injury prevention tips.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Gregory, Gulso, DPM from Gulso Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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