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 Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are one of the areas of the body that are often neglected. Painful foot conditions may develop as a result of this, and may easily be avoided when everyday foot care methods are implemented. These can begin with maintaining a healthy weight, which can protect the feet from enduring extra pressure. After the feet are washed and dried daily, it is beneficial to apply a good moisturizer, which can help to keep the skin looking and feeling smooth. An extremely important foot care tip consists of wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is noted to be one of the best preventive measures that can help with mobility, in addition to maintaining maximum comfort. The feet are the foundation of the body, and stretching the feet is a good way to keep them strong. If you would like more information about effective foot care techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

When runners go from 5K runs to longer distances, their feet often start to hurt more. This may be the result of wearing running shoes that are too small, do not fit properly, or don’t provide the proper cushioning or arch support. Here are a few tips from experts that can help to keep your feet healthier as your running goals change. It starts with the shoes. It may be wise to measure your feet again to get the correct shoe size before purchase. Your feet are likely to expand more during longer runs, so make sure to account for that. It is also important to pay attention to the insoles, which add arch support and help absorb shock with each step. If you have specific foot problems, custom orthotic insoles from a podiatrist may be needed. Increase the amount of exercises you do to strengthen the feet so they will be able to handle increased mileage. Finally, post-run foot care is essential. This may include icing the feet, keeping them elevated, and stretching them. For more information on how to keep your feet healthy while running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Many people associate the foot condition that is known as flat feet with difficulty in running. Conversely, there are numerous professional sprinters and athletes who are flat-footed, and  this may provide a special ability that can help to absorb shock. When flat feet are strengthened, it may help an individual to run faster, in addition to possibly having more control on the surface. Research has shown there is a difference between running shoes that are designed for flat feet and shoes that have a high arch. Shoes that are made with an extra cushioned midsole area may be more beneficial for flat-footed runners to wear. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the arch. If you have flat feet and are interested in running, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can teach you correct stretching techniques which may help you to improve your running practice.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.